Asif Ali Zardari Elected Pakistan’s 14th President

Asif Ali Zardari, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, has once again ascended to the highest office in the land. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, he was elected as the 14th President of Pakistan, marking his second term in this prestigious role

The Election Process

Zardari, the co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), secured a decisive victory by receiving 255 votes in the National Assembly and the Senate. His opponent, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, garnered 119 votes¹. The electoral college, comprising newly elected members of the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies, played a crucial role in this democratic process.

A Brief Profile of Asif Ali Zardari

Businessman Turned Politician: Zardari’s journey into politics began after a successful business career. He transitioned from the corporate world to the tumultuous arena of Pakistani politics.
Husband of Benazir Bhutto: Zardari is perhaps best known as the husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister. Their marriage was a union of political dynasties, and Zardari continued to play a significant role even after Bhutto’s tragic assassination.
First Civilian to Be Elected Twice: Zardari’s re-election as President makes him the first civilian to hold this office for a second term. His previous tenure as President spanned from 2008 to 2013.
Coalition Building: During his recent campaign, Zardari formed a national government in collaboration with Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML). This alliance contributed to his victory in the presidential race.

Achakzai and the Sunni Ittehad Council

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Zardari’s opponent, represented the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). The SIC gained prominence when independent candidates backed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) joined its ranks. Achakzai, the head of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), put up a spirited fight but fell short in the electoral contest¹.

Swearing-In and the Road Ahead

Asif Ali Zardari is expected to be sworn in as President on Sunday, officially commencing his second term. His leadership will be closely watched as Pakistan navigates its complex political landscape. With a legacy intertwined with both triumphs and challenges, Zardari steps into the presidency once more, ready to shape the nation’s destiny.

Stay tuned for further developments as President Zardari takes the helm, steering Pakistan toward its future.

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions about Asif Ali Zardari’s recent election as Pakistan’s 14th President:

Who is Asif Ali Zardari? Asif Ali Zardari is a prominent Pakistani politician who has held various significant positions in the country. He is the co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and has previously served as the President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.
How was Zardari elected as the 14th President? Zardari secured a decisive victory by receiving 255 votes in the National Assembly and the Senate. The electoral college, comprising newly elected members of the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies, played a crucial role in this democratic process.
What is Zardari’s political background? Zardari’s journey into politics began after a successful business career. He is perhaps best known as the husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister. Their marriage was a union of political dynasties, and Zardari continued to play a significant role even after Bhutto’s tragic assassination.
Why is this re-election significant? Zardari’s re-election as President makes him the first civilian to hold this office for a second term. His recent campaign involved forming a national government in collaboration with Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML).
Who was his opponent in the election? Mahmood Khan Achakzai, representing the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), contested against Zardari. Achakzai is the head of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP).
When will Zardari be sworn in as President? Asif Ali Zardari is expected to be sworn in as President on Sunday, officially commencing his second term. His leadership will be closely watched as Pakistan navigates its complex political landscape.

Stay tuned for further developments as President Zardari takes the helm, steering Pakistan toward its future.