In a historic move, Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari is set to announce the formal recognition of his daughter, Asifa Bhutto, as the First Lady of the country, according to sources. This unprecedented decision breaks from tradition, where the title of First Lady is typically held by the President’s wife. Asifa Bhutto’s elevation to this prestigious position marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history, as she becomes the first daughter of a president to assume the role of First Lady.
Following the official declaration, Asifa Bhutto Zardari will be granted the protocol and privileges associated with the position of First Lady, as reported. This decision underscores President Zardari’s confidence in his daughter’s capability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the role.
President Zardari’s Second Term and Swearing-in Ceremony
Asif Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was sworn in as the 14th President of Pakistan for a historic second time on Sunday, as per Dawn. His re-election to the presidency makes him the only civilian candidate to have been elected as head of state for a second term, excluding military heads. Zardari previously served as Pakistan’s President from 2008 to 2013.
Zardari secured 411 electoral votes to defeat his opponent, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), who garnered only 181 votes, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the President’s House in Islamabad, where Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath.
Prominent Figures Attend Swearing-in Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing President Arif Alvi. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and PPP Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present at the event.
Zardari’s Completion of Constitutional Term
President Zardari’s second term also marks him as one of the four democratically elected presidents to have completed their five-year constitutional term, as reported. His leadership and political trajectory continue to shape Pakistan’s contemporary political landscape.
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