Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP co-chairman, was elected as the 14th president of Pakistan, defeating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Zardari secured 411 votes while Achakzai managed only 181, as reported by Geo News.
The 68-year-old Zardari, husband of the late Benazir Bhutto and father of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, previously served as President from 2008 to 2013. He was supported by the coalition government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The new president will replace Arif Alvi, whose term ended last year. Alvi continued temporarily as the new electoral college was not yet formed. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed confidence that Zardari would once again become president, stating, “Sardar bana that Zardari, phir sadar banega Zardari. Dam mast Qalandar Zardari.”
The election of Asif Ali Zardari as the president of Pakistan marks a significant political development in the country. Zardari’s victory over Mahmood Khan Achakzai demonstrates the continued influence of the PPP in Pakistani politics, with strong support from the PML-N coalition.
