Zardari discharged from Dubai hospital

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was on Wednesday discharged from a Dubai hospital where he was being treated for a heart condition and sent home to recuperate, a top official of his party has said.

"Following latest round of checkups, all of whom turned out to be normal, doctors agreed to discharge him on Thursday. However, it was later decided that he can be discharged this (Wednesday) evening," the PPP leader said on condition of anonymity.

"President Zardari will rest in Dubai for some more time and continue the heart medication," he added.

Zardari was discharged from the American Hospital, where he was admitted on December 6, and was expected to recuperate at his private villa in Dubai, Geo News channel reported.

A sizeable number of PPP workers and a large police contingent were present at the hotel.

There was no official word on Zardari's discharge or when he was expected to return to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said President Asif Ali Zardari was forced to go to Dubai for medical treatment last week because of threats to his life.

The government and the President's family convinced Zardari to go to Dubai for treatment because there was a risk he would be attacked if he was admitted to a Pakistani hospital, Gilani said while speaking in the Senate or upper house of parliament.

"He was ill, he feared life threats in Pakistani hospitals -- that was the reason he did not want to go to any hospital of Pakistan," Gilani said.

"We persuaded him, we convinced him, his family convinced him to go to Dubai," he said.

Zardari's abrupt departure for Dubai on December 6 to seek treatment for what officials said was a previously diagnosed cardiovascular condition sparked speculation that he could be on the verge of resigning due to growing pressure on him from the powerful military.

PPP leaders have denied reports that Zardari had suffered a stroke and that he would step down.

A close presidential aide told PTI today that the President will need several weeks to be fit and resume his duties. The aide acknowledged that "immense pressure" on the President could be the reason for his condition.