President Zardari leaves for 7-day private visit to Austria

Islamabad – President Asif Ali Zardari has left for Austria on a seven-day private visit with official sources confirming his departure.

According to sources, the President’s private security team had already arrived in Austria to make arrangements for his visit. Arrangements for the President’s accommodation, stay and other necessary requirements had been completed.

Criticism over timing of visit on social media

The President’s departure for Austria has drawn strong criticism from various quarters on social media. Critics have questioned the timing of the visit saying that the President travelled abroad at a time when the country is mourning the recent tragic incident at PIMS Hospital.

It may be recalled that an atmosphere of grief and sorrow prevails across the country following a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad in which 14 children lost their lives.

Social media users have also questioned why the President did not visit PIMS before departing abroad to express solidarity with the affected children and their families.

PIMS tragedy and public reaction

Following the fire at PIMS, questions have also been raised over safety arrangements at hospitals and the systems in place for dealing with emergency situations.

The President’s House has so far not issued any official explanation regarding the purpose of the private visit to Austria or the criticism being expressed on social media.

The debate continues on social media following the President’s departure with questions being raised over the timing of the private visit on one hand while calls are also being made for sympathy and support for the victims of the PIMS tragedy and for those responsible to be identified.