SSridhar wrote: I don't know how much to believe this report. But, if true, then Zardari decided to return only after the call from Kayani. And, the call certainly did not promise him 'protection' which in any case Kayani is not in a position to promise 100%.
SS Sir,
The report is believable. By all Pakistan accounts, it was a chance call when Mr President called Mr PM when El General was having meeting with the PM. The topic as believable rumor has it was revolving around Article 47. Which stipulates that a president may be removed on health / mental grounds, when he ability to function is incapacitated.
The whole plan to send Zardari to UAE was hatched when Zardari's advisers couldn't come up with a statement / stand that he should take in front of parliament about the memogate. It was a trap and Zardari didn't want to say anything till he had a clear understanding on what Army's stand is going to be. Hence the drama. Now that army submitted it's version to SC and didn't name Zardari, he felt a little more confident.
But then almost immediately their were rumors doing rounds about Article 47. It is for this reason, many believe The General went to see the PM. The meeting was 3 hours long with 2 consultation breaks. It is again rumored that Kiyani told the PM that if he failed to apply Article 47 then an application could be filed by PML N or Imran's party in SC.
Miraculously while the meeting was just going to finish President called Gilani when he was still with the General, and happy news of President's return to Pakistan to conveyed. Wazeer e aazam then told Sadar that this is indeed a good news and that Army Chief is with him and why doesn't he give this news personally to him. Hence a 1 minute long talk between the 2 men. Sadar did say 'Hifazat se?' to which general said 'Jee sab hfazat se hai' which the PPP spin masters understood as a security guarantee.
Of course ISPR later put the record straight.