Asif Ali Zardari is sworn in as the 14th President of Pakistan

On Sunday, Asif Ali Zardari assumed the role of Pakistan's 14th President in a formal ceremony at Islamabad's Aiwan-e-Sadr. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa officiated the oath-taking for the 68-year-old politician, who enjoyed a remarkable political comeback. Zardari's victory marked his second term, succeeding Dr. Arif Alvi, who extended his presidency by five months after completing the five-year term in September 2023.

The event drew dignitaries, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, along with military and civilian officials, diplomats, and outgoing President Alvi. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, daughters Aseefa and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, and other family members were also present.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Zardari, emphasizing the confidence expressed by the Senate, National Assembly, and elected members from the provinces. Zardari's presidency, a second-time achievement, makes him one of the four democratically elected presidents completing their constitutional five-year terms. He previously served as the 11th president from 2008 to 2013 and has been a member of the National Assembly since August 2018.

As the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Zardari secured victory in Saturday's election, defeating Mahmood Khan Achakzai with strong support from the ruling alliance, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). The presidency, though largely ceremonial, positions Zardari to play a significant role due to PPP's coalition status. The editorial reflections note Zardari's political savvy and a new phase of stability anticipated under his leadership alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.