ISLAMABAD(National Times)- The Presidency has clarified that President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent overseas trip was entirely private and that all expenses were paid personally by the president.

The clarification was issued in response to media reports concerning the president’s foreign visit, during which he travelled to Austria and later to London.

According to the Presidency spokesperson, President Zardari personally chartered the aircraft used for the trip. The president also paid for the aircraft charter as well as other associated expenses.

The spokesperson said the costs of the aircraft crew, parking, accommodation and other related arrangements would also be borne personally by the president.

The Presidency further stressed that no expenditure was incurred from the national exchequer for the private overseas visit.

President Zardari had travelled to Austria before proceeding to London, the capital of the United Kingdom. He returned to Pakistan on Friday following the private trip.

The Presidency’s clarification comes amid media reports and discussion over the expenses associated with the president’s overseas visit. Officials maintained that the trip was private and that its financial burden was not placed on the government.