[Zafina]

Islamabad, Jan 27 (IANS) A black goat is slaughtered almost every day by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to ward off the “evil eye” and protect him from the curse of “black magic”.

“It has been an old practice of Mr. Zardari to offer ‘Sadqa’ (animal sacrifice). He has been doing this for a long time,” President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

Hundreds of black goats have been sacrificed since Zardari moved into the President’s House in September 2008. His trusted servant Bai Khan buys goats from Saidpur village and the animal is touched by Zardari before it is sent to his private house to be sacrificed, the Dawn reported Wednesday.

Insiders say that when Zardari moved into the President’s House, a flock of black partridges were introduced there for their supposedly magical effects. Unfortunately, all the birds were electrocuted when a live electric wire fell on their cage.

The President’s House also has pets such as a camel, a cow and a few goats which provide milk to its residents.

A Neem tree has also been planted by President Zardari for its antiseptic qualities.

 

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