Introduction of Asif Ali Zardari
Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of Pakistan’s slain first female premier Benazir Bhutto, is set to take the oath of office as Pakistan’s 14th President today. This marks his second term in the largely ceremonial role.
Election and Oath
Zardari was elected as the country’s president for the second time on Saturday. He secured 411 votes from national and provincial lawmakers. His opponent, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who is backed by the party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, received 181 votes.
The oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa at 4pm today (Sunday) at the President House.
Background and Controversies of Asif Ali Zardari
Zardari, often referred to as the ‘Artful Dodger’, has had a life storied equally by tragedy and farce. Initially a background character as Bhutto’s consort, Zardari was stained by a bevy of corruption and other allegations, including absurd kidnapping plots and taking kickbacks lavished on hoards of jewellery.
Despite a reputation as “Mr. Ten Percent” — the alleged cut he took for rubber-stamping contracts — a sympathy vote propelled him to office when his wife was assassinated in a 2007 bomb and gun attack.
Previous Term and Expectations
Between 2008 and 2013, he ushered in constitutional reforms rolling back presidential powers. The 68-year-old’s second term will see him steer a largely ceremonial office. He has spent more than 11 years in jail, a long time even by the standards of Pakistani politicians, with a wheeler-dealer’s talent for bouncing back after scandals.
Conclusion
As Zardari takes the oath of office today, the nation watches with bated breath. His second term as President comes with high expectations and challenges. It remains to be seen how Zardari will navigate his second term and what it will mean for the future of Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Asif Ali Zardari?
- Asif Ali Zardari is a Pakistani politician and the widower of Pakistan’s first female premier, Benazir Bhutto. He has served as the President of Pakistan in the past and is set to begin his second term.
- When is Asif Ali Zardari taking the oath for his second term as President?
- Asif Ali Zardari is set to take the oath for his second term as President of Pakistan today.
- Who will administer the oath to Asif Ali Zardari?
- The oath of office will be administered by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa.
- What controversies are associated with Asif Ali Zardari?
- Zardari has been associated with several controversies, including allegations of corruption and kidnapping plots. He has also been nicknamed “Mr. Ten Percent” due to allegations of taking a 10% cut for approving contracts.
- What were the achievements of Asif Ali Zardari’s previous term as President?
- During his previous term as President (2008-2013), Zardari ushered in constitutional reforms that rolled back presidential powers.
- What are the expectations from Asif Ali Zardari’s second term as President?
- As Zardari begins his second term as President, there are high expectations and challenges. It remains to be seen how he will navigate his second term and what it will mean for the future of Pakistan.
