Zardari under attack over Britain trip to launch son's political career

London, Aug.3 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is under attack for continuing with his plan to visit Britain at a time when the country is struggling to cope with what is being described as its worst floods in 80 years that have killed over 1300 people and left millions homeless.

Opposition leaders, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, have demanded that Zardari cancel his six-day British trip, which many consider is primarily aimed at launching his son, Bilawal's, political career.

After holding talks with Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday (August 6), Zardari would be addressing some 3,000 members of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) from behind a bulletproof screen at the Birmingham International Convention Centre on Saturday to launch Bilawal's active political career.

The said rally is being organised at an estimated cost of 60,000 pounds, and the money will be paid out of Pakistani state funds, which has given the opposition leaders another tool to take a swipe at Zardari.

Khalid Mahmood, the Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Bar, criticised Zardari for continuing with his plan to visit London, and said that it shows his disregard for the country.

"When there are literally thousands of people dying and a huge amount of disease it is inappropriate for him to be staying in Britain in five-star hotels," The Telegraph quoted Mahmood, as saying.

"His disregard for what the people of his own nation are going through is clear as he swans around Paris and the UK," he added.

Mahmood and a Labour peer, Lord Ahmed, have also turned down an invitation to meet Zardari during his trip. (ANI)