Bilawal stands in defence of 'beleaguered' father

London, Aug.8 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who has been under attack for taking a foreign trip while his country struggles to cope with devastating floods, found some support from son-Bilawal, who defended his father's tour, saying he was doing his best to help his troubled countrymen.

Speaking after opening a donation point at the Pakistani High Commission in London, Bilawal said Zardari was helping in raising funds for the flood victims.

"He's (Zardari) doing the best he can and what he thinks is best to help the people of Pakistan. His personal presence in Pakistan would not be able to raise this much money," he Daily Times quoted Bilawal, as saying.

He said that it was due to his father's efforts that countries like France and Britain and Abu Dhabi have made multi-million dollar donations to help Pakistan in this hour of need.

"The Gulf Emirate has also promised to come and help the rehabilitation after the floods have gone, after the media have gone, and after people are not paying attention. If he (Zardari) thought he could be more useful in Pakistan, I'm sure he would be there," Bilawal added.

Zardari has received tremendous flak for going ahead with his plans of visiting London while millions of people back home were struggling to cope with one of the worst floods in human memory, but the President said he is being kept up to date with the situation, and added that it was the responsibility of the Prime Minister, who was the country's "chief executive" to look after relief and rescue work. (ANI)