President Zardari tests positive for COVID-19, says Dr Asim Hussain

• All meetings with Zardari prohibited due to COVID-19.
• Multiple tests conducted to assess president's health.
• PM, NA speaker inquire after Zardari's health over phone.

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed in isolation, his physician Dr Asim Hussain confirmed on Wednesday.

Speaking to Geo News, Dr Hussain said that the president was receiving medical care from infectious disease specialists at a private hospital.

"Due to his condition, all meetings with the president have been strictly prohibited," he added.

He further said that President Zardari was being closely monitored, and multiple tests have been conducted to assess his health status. "The medical team is ensuring round-the-clock observation to manage his condition effectively," he added.

President Zardari was shifted to a private hospital in Karachi from Nawabshah — after experiencing health issues.

Separately, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon refuted the reports relating to Zardari's health and said that his health was improving.

In a statement, Memon said that reports suggesting that President Zardari was being shifted to Dubai for medical treatment were not true and that the latter would soon recover completely.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had enquired about the health of President Zardari via a telephone call.

The premier prayed for the early recovery of the president, adding that prayers of the entire nation were with the president.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq held a telephonic conversation with President Zardari to inquire about his well-being.

The NA speaker expressed his best wishes for the president’s health and prayed for his swift recovery. During the conversation, Sadiq conveyed his hopes for Zardari’s full recovery.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori had also contacted President Zardari's physician Dr Asim Hussain to inquire about the head of state's health and wish him well.