Washington DC
Asif Ali Zardari, serving as the 14th President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, took office on March 10, 2024. His presidency marks his second term, following his initial term from 2008 to 2013, making him the 11th President of Pakistan.
Born into a Baloch family in Sindh province on July 26, 1955, Asif Ali Zardari has deep roots in the nation's political landscape. His political journey, extending over 25 years, has seen him at the forefront of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians as its President, and he holds a co-chairperson position in the Pakistan People’s Party. His political roles have included serving as a Member of the National Assembly between 1990-1993 and again from 1993-1996, undertaking the responsibilities of Federal Minister for Environment from 1993 to 1996, and Federal Minister for Investment in 1995-1996. Furthermore, he was a Senator from 1997 until 1999.
His first term as president was distinguished by his commitment to reinforcing parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, chiefly through the enactment of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. This significant amendment bolstered the powers of the Parliament, enhanced provincial autonomy, and improved the appointment process for the superior judiciary.
Following the amendment, the role of the President transitioned to a primarily ceremonial one, with Mr. Zardari notably ceding significant presidential powers to the parliament in a move to empower democratic governance.
Zardari's personal life is intertwined with Pakistan's political history; he was married to Benazir Bhutto in 1987. Bhutto broke new ground as the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim World in 1988 and held the position for two terms, from 1988 to 1990 and then from 1993 to 1996. Her life was tragically cut short by an assassination in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.
Together, they have three children: Bilawal, Bakhtawar, and Aseefa.
