Supposedly, had Zardari been convicted in a murder case he would have completed his life term. However, he is still languishing in a jail as an under-trial prisoner. In most of criminal and corruption cases, the competent courts have granted him bail, whereas, in some cases, he has been acquitted of the charges.

The only hurdle in his release is the BMW car reference, which was prepared and filed by the present regime with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when he was almost released on bail. The former Nawaz government and the present military-backed Jamali government have not been able to prove him 'guilty' in any criminal case.

Once PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain openly declared that the drug case registered against Zardari was a false and baseless case which was lodged with the Ehtesab Bureau when Saifur Rehman was its chairman in the Nawaz regime.

Zardari's patience in the prison has impressed many hardliners and they are described him as an 'Iron man' of the country. Reportedly, Zardari has refused his release under any kind of deal including the promise by Benazir Bhutto to quit politics.

According to political pundits, Mr Zardari is a 'power broker' and he is waiting for the right time to strike a gainful deal with the military establishment.