During the 1990s, when Benazir Bhutto served two terms as prime minister, Asif Zardari became widely known by the moniker “Mr. Ten Percent.” The label stemmed from allegations that he demanded commissions on government contracts and deals.

A 1999 court ruling found both Bhutto and Zardari guilty in a Swiss company kickback scandal involving SGS and Cotecna. They were fined $8.6 million and sentenced to five years in prison by the Lahore High Court. Although the case was later overturned, the accusation left a lasting stain on Zardari’s public image.