The Memogate Scandal: A Closer Look at Asif Ali Zardari’s Turbulent Time
Background of the Memogate Scandal
In October 2011, Pakistan found itself engulfed in political turmoil as the Memogate scandal erupted. This controversy revolved around a memo allegedly written by then-ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, seeking American intervention to prevent a possible military coup against President Asif Ali Zardari’s government. The tensions between civilian leadership in Islamabad and military authority in Rawalpindi intensified, setting the stage for a crisis that would deeply affect Zardari’s presidency.
Zardari’s Health Crisis
Amidst this political upheaval, Zardari faced a personal crisis of a different kind: deteriorating health. His mental and physical well-being had rapidly declined, prompting him to consider traveling to Dubai for medical treatment. Armed with a loaded gun, a reflection of his anxiety and distress, Zardari made arrangements for this critical journey. However, as documented by his close associate Farhatullah Babar in his book, The Zardari Presidency (2008–13), this endeavor was fraught with complications.
The Medical Dilemma
Zardari’s health was of such concern that his personal physician, Dr. Asim Hussain, was urgently summoned from Azerbaijan to provide essential care, including a brain MRI. Yet, Zardari refused to undergo medical examinations at a military hospital, leaving two alternatives: returning to Karachi or flying to Dubai. The decision ultimately fell on his son, Bilawal Zardari, who favored the trip to Dubai, though doctors vehemently opposed air travel due to Zardari’s condition. Dr. Asim insisted on immediate admission to his private hospital in Karachi, complicating the president’s predicament even further.
Loyalty and Fear of Abandonment
As plans for the Dubai trip progressed, Zardari’s protectiveness over his ambassador, Haqqani, became evident. He was apprehensive about leaving Haqqani behind, fearing that the ambassador could become a target for military action or turn against him in the looming crisis. Zardari believed he was the intended target in the scandal and that Haqqani’s security was paramount.
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani warned Zardari that leaving without Haqqani would attract media scrutiny, potentially portraying them as fugitives fleeing the country. He predicted dire consequences if Haqqani departed, asserting, “The government would not survive for a day.” Gilani opposed any medical tests in Pakistan, fearing that adverse results could be weaponized against Zardari to challenge his presidency.
Tensions Heighten During Departure
As preparations stalled, Zardari adamantly insisted on Haqqani’s presence during the flight. Hours stretched into a long wait as Zardari refused to leave the helipad. Even assured of Haqqani’s safety at the Prime Minister’s House, Zardari remained immovable. When they finally boarded the helicopter, a technical delay in securing landing permission from Dubai fed Zardari’s frustrations. He staunchly stated, “I will wait for 30 hours for the permission, but I’m not going to Karachi.”
Intelligence Concerns and Aftermath
However, the real obstacle was not the landing permission but rather an intelligence directive forbidding any aircraft carrying Haqqani from leaving Pakistani airspace. Rehman Malik, then an interior minister, acted to prevent Zardari’s flight from being intercepted—a critical safety measure for all passengers on board.
Additionally, Dr. Asim, alarmed by Zardari’s unstable state, refused to board the helicopter, fearing the potential fallout of an agitated president on the move. His concern was not unwarranted; Zardari’s unpredictable reactions left many on edge as they grappled with the possible outcomes of the situation.
The Power of Persuasion
At the helipad, Prime Minister Gilani, accompanied by Bilawal, sought to dissuade Zardari from making what appeared to be a perilous journey. While the exact conversation remains undisclosed, Gilani managed to convince Zardari to return to the Presidency, stressing that without Dubai’s permission, there was no alternative. His assertion that “Haqqani will go with you wherever you go, but now you’re not going anywhere” marked the turning point of the standoff.
The Memogate scandal, combined with Zardari’s personal health crisis, reflects a moment in Pakistan’s political history that showcased the frailties of leadership and the immense pressures faced by those in power. The ensuing decisions shaped not just individual fates but also the course of political dynamics within the nation.
