There have always been fewer positive and more negative news stories about the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. President Zardari’s reaction to news against him is very different and rather unusual compared to other politicians. Generally, whenever any negative news, propaganda, or scandal is published against a politician, they do not sit quietly until they issue a clarification. But Asif Zardari says that false news, propaganda, and negative talk are in fact “slander,” and according to him, false आरोप wash away his sins. Many debates have tried to convince him that if negative news is not clarified, it sticks permanently to one’s personality as a proven allegation and continues to raise questions about credibility. However, it seems Zardari is made of a different mold; such discussions have no effect on him.

In recent days, he has faced rumors about being removed from the presidency, being unable to work due to illness, and various conspiracies. To the extent that even names for a new president have been suggested. Yet, the Presidency has not reacted at all.

Practically speaking, President Zardari is “out” today because he has gone on a five-day visit to China. However, the rumors are not about his foreign visit but about his political role—whether he is in, out, or being sidelined. But nothing in his routine suggests this. Just yesterday, he attended a friend’s daughter’s wedding in Lahore, spent the night at Bilawal House in Bahria Town, and then left for China in the afternoon. There was no political activity, nor any reported meeting to save his presidency. He came as usual and left as usual. If there had been any extraordinary situation like removal or sidelining, his activities would also have been extraordinary.

A video of him boarding the plane has gone viral, in which he climbs the stairs of the Air Force aircraft without support. This shows that reports about his ill health are exaggerated. He may be unwell, but not to the extent of being bedridden. He swims and exercises daily, remains under constant medical supervision, and is living a fairly active life—eating, drinking, smiling, and continuing with politics and business.

Regarding the US-Iran negotiations, it is said that neither President Zardari nor Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were visible. In reality, Pakistan was merely a mediator. The American and Iranian delegations that came were only there to resolve tensions. These were not state visits, nor were meetings with state officials scheduled. Everything happened in an emergency-like situation. Therefore, it was not appropriate for the President, holding the highest constitutional office, to have a role in this. PPP circles say that detailed consultations on this matter had already taken place last month in a major meeting chaired by the President, and the Prime Minister continues to keep him informed of developments.

In my opinion, President Zardari remaining in office is more beneficial for the current hybrid system than his removal. Therefore, logically, the rumors being spread hold no truth. The day a rift emerges between the PPP and the system, instead of taking away a ceremonial and powerless position like the presidency, efforts would be made to reclaim a powerful and effective government in Sindh. As long as the Sindh government remains strong, Zardari’s presidency faces no threat.

The propaganda campaign against him includes allegations without evidence—that he has created a parallel system in Sindh beyond the government, referred to as “the system,” and that the United States is unhappy with him due to his tilt toward China. It is also claimed that he is closer to the UAE and not as close to Saudi Arabia, and that the UAE’s demand for loan repayment is a blow to his diplomacy. Further allegations include his opposition to new canals in the Indus River, the creation of a new province in Sindh, and amendments to the NFC.

Most of these are mere allegations. The “system” story is old and was investigated during the tenures of General Bajwa and General Raheel Sharif. His views on China are clear, but he also believes in maintaining respectful relations with the United States. Even if American diplomats do not meet him, he does not take offense. He does have ties with the UAE and owns a residence there, but his loyalty remains solely with Pakistan. Regarding a new province in Sindh or canal projects, his stance is that such actions would create a rift between Sindh and the federation and strengthen anti-Pakistan elements. On the NFC issue, Bilawal Bhutto has already stated that provinces are willing to share the federation’s financial burden. Apart from the division of Sindh, there is no issue that could lead to a breakdown between Zardari and the power centers.

Zardari will remain President because the success of the current hybrid system lies in learning from history. Every previous hybrid or political system weakened or collapsed because small disagreements were allowed to escalate into major conflicts. The establishment has learned from these mistakes and, despite reservations, is not encouraging any attempt to dismantle the current fragile political system. In fact, any such attempt is discouraged. Practically, the establishment has repeatedly assured both the Prime Minister and the President of its continued support for the system.

On the other hand, the PML-N also understands that the day its alliance with the PPP breaks, its decline will begin. Therefore, Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Rana Sanaullah clearly want to maintain cooperation with both the establishment and the PPP at all costs. The PPP had several complaints against the ruling PML-N in Punjab, but in recent months, these have eased due to positive cooperation from the Chief Secretary and Maryam Aurangzeb. Both parties now realize the importance of long-term cooperation, as without it, they cannot effectively counter PTI.

President Zardari has now left for China. During his previous presidency, he visited several Chinese provinces and closely observed their development. Since then, he has firmly believed that Pakistan’s future is tied not to the West but to China. Even on this visit, instead of enjoying official protocol in Beijing, he is touring provincial centers and industrial and commercial areas.

Rest assured, after this China visit, Zardari will remain President of Pakistan. Removing him would cause more harm than benefit, whereas his continuation brings only advantages.