President Zardari personally paid for foreign trip, says spokesperson

A political debate has emerged over the cost of foreign travel by senior Pakistani leaders. In response, the President's House issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that President Asif Ali Zardari's recent trip abroad was private. A spokesperson confirmed that the president personally paid for all associated costs, including a chartered aircraft. The controversy also extends to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's London visit, with the provincial information minister stating the CM will cover her own expenses and explaining that official payment procedures are not instantaneous.