ISLAMABAD: In response to reports appearing in a section of the media regarding the President’s recent private visit abroad, the Spokesperson to the President has clarified that the visit was entirely private and all expenses related to it were borne personally by President Asif Ali Zardari.
“The aircraft for the visit was privately chartered by the President. All expenses relating to the aircraft, including the crew, parking and stay, as well as other associated expenses, were paid by the President himself,” the spokesperson clarified.
CLARIFICATION
President’s Private Visit Abroad Was Entirely Self-Financed: Spokesperson
Islamabad: 12 September 2026 — Apropos reports appearing in a section of the media regarding the President’s recent private visit abroad, the Spokesperson to the President has clarified…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 12, 2026
President Zardari left Pakistan on August 27 for a private foreign visit and returned on September 10 after spending more than a week abroad. The Presidency had described the trip as private at the time of his departure and again confirmed its private nature after his return.
Earlier, some media reports questioned who would bear the cost of the aircraft used by the president. The reports claimed that the aircraft’s parking charges amounted to around Rs5.4 million and questioned whether taxpayers were paying for the private trip.
However, the President’s spokesperson has now clarified that the visit was entirely private and that President Zardari personally bore all expenses.
According to the clarification, the aircraft was privately chartered by the president, while expenses including the aircraft, crew, parking, accommodation and other associated costs were paid personally.
Furthermore, President Zardari did not undertake official political engagements during his stay abroad. He reportedly underwent medical examinations and met family members while in the foreign country.
