Ill Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari 'suffered mini-stroke'

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari suffered a 'mini-stroke' when he was taken ill recently, one of his aides has said.

The aide, who did not want to be identified, said the diagnosis had been made by the president's two physicians.

A "mini-stroke" is medically known as a transient ischemic attack. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted, causing symptoms similar to a stroke but not as long-lasting.

Mr Zardari's trip to Dubai last week has led to speculation - denied by the government - that he is losing his grip on power.

The aide said Mr Zardari will stay under observation in Dubai for around two weeks before returning home.

AP