Meeting with Governor Sarah Palin

While in US, Mr. Asif Zardari met Governor Sarah Palin, the U.S. Republican Party's Vice Presidential candidate. He told her that she is "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you." When the photographers asked the two to keep shaking hands, he replied: "If he insists, I might hug you." These remarks sparked controversy in Pakistan, where members of the public accused the president of flirting with Governor Palin when Pakistan is passing through difficult times.

2008 Interview with Wall Street Journal
In an interview published on October 4, 2008 in The Wall Street Journal Zardari referred to Kashmir Militants as "terrorists" while asking for $ 100 billion in aid for his country. This statement was widely criticised in Pakistan.