Ex-president Zardari likely to return to Pakistan before Dec. 27

Pakistan's former president and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is likely to arrive in the country before December 27 to attend the ninth death anniversary of his wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Sindh.

However, according to the Dawn, his arrival is being linked to the superannuation of General Raheel Sharif by some in political circles.

It is being said that with General Sharif's exit from office, the environment is being considered conducive for Zardari to return.

The former president had left for Dubai in mid-2015 soon after accusing the military establishment of overstepping its domain.

"Army chiefs come and go every three years but the political leadership is here to stay. We know the country better and we know how to run its affairs. If you do not stop, I will come out with a list of accused generals since Pakistan's creation," he had said then.

The PPP does not agree with this,, terming it "mere propaganda" by Zardari's opponents.

The PPP plans to give their leader a warm welcome on his return.