Politics in Islamabad is never quiet. If you’ve been following the news lately, you know that the question of president pakistan isn't just about a name on a letterhead; it is about the ultimate survivor of the country’s power games. As of right now, in early 2026, Asif Ali Zardari occupies the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
He isn't new to this.
Honestly, Zardari is the only person in Pakistan's history to be elected to the presidency for a second, non-consecutive term. He first held the office from 2008 to 2013, and now, after the massive political upheaval of 2024, he is back. He took the oath on March 10, 2024, following a coalition deal that felt like a high-stakes chess match.
But why does it matter? In a country where the Prime Minister usually grabs the headlines, the President is often seen as a figurehead. That’s a mistake.
President Pakistan: The Role That Most People Get Wrong
Most people think the President of Pakistan is just a ceremonial role, sort of like the British monarch. While it’s true that the 18th Amendment stripped away the "dictatorial" powers of the office—powers Zardari himself gave up during his first term—the position remains the glue of the federation.
The President represents the unity of the Republic.
He is the one who signs off on every piece of legislation. Without that signature, a bill is just a piece of paper. He also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. When the government is in a deadlock, the President is the one who has to play the mediator.
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How the Election Actually Works
Unlike the Prime Minister, who is elected by the National Assembly, the President is chosen by an Electoral College. This includes:
- The Senate
- The National Assembly
- All four Provincial Assemblies (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan)
In the 2024 vote, Zardari (representing the PPP) went up against Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who had the backing of the PTI-aligned Sunni Ittehad Council. It wasn't even close. Zardari secured 411 electoral votes compared to Achakzai’s 181.
The math of Pakistani politics is brutal. You need the provinces on your side, and Zardari is a master of provincial networking.
The Surprising Power of the "Ceremonial" Head
You might hear pundits say the President has no real teeth. That's kinda true, but also very misleading. Under Article 48 of the Constitution, the President must act on the advice of the Prime Minister. However, he can send advice back for reconsideration.
He can stall.
He can use the "bully pulpit" of the presidency to influence public opinion. Right now, Zardari’s role is crucial because he acts as a bridge between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
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Without his steady hand at the top, the current coalition government would likely crumble under its own weight. He is the "Artful Dodger" of Pakistani politics, a man who spent years in prison only to end up back in the most prestigious house in the country.
Recent Activity: 2026 and Beyond
Just this week, in mid-January 2026, President Zardari has been on an official visit to Bahrain. He’s been meeting with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, talking about everything from trade to—interestingly enough—equine heritage and Arabian horses.
This is the "soft power" of the presidency.
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif handles the grueling day-to-day economic crises and IMF negotiations, Zardari handles the high-level diplomacy and the internal political balancing.
The Controversies Nobody Talks About
We can't talk about the president pakistan without acknowledging the baggage. Zardari has always been a polarizing figure. Critics point to his past legal battles and the "Mr. 10%" label that has followed him for decades. Supporters, however, see him as a visionary who saved democracy after the assassination of his wife, Benazir Bhutto.
There is a nuance here that AI-generated summaries often miss.
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Zardari’s second presidency isn't about personal glory; it's about survival for the PPP. By holding the presidency, the PPP keeps a foot in the door of the federal government without having to take the direct blame for the country’s current inflation and economic woes. It’s a brilliant, if cynical, political move.
What Happens If the President Leaves?
If Zardari were to step down or become unable to serve, the Chairman of the Senate acts as the President. This ensures there is never a "power vacuum" in the federation.
Actionable Insights for Following Pakistani Politics
If you want to keep track of what’s actually happening in the corridors of power, don't just look at the PM's office.
- Watch the President's Assent: If a bill is sitting on the President's desk for a long time, it’s a sign of a rift in the coalition.
- Follow the Appointments: The President appoints the Governors of the provinces on the PM’s advice. These appointments often reveal the true nature of political deals.
- Check the Foreign Visits: When the President travels, it's usually for long-term strategic relationships, whereas PM visits are often about immediate financial aid.
The current president pakistan is a man who knows how to wait. He waited eleven years between his terms. He knows that in Islamabad, the wind changes direction every few months, but the person who holds the presidency is the one who decides which way the sails are set.
Keep an eye on the official gazette for any new ordinances. In the current 2026 climate, the President’s power to issue ordinances when Parliament isn't in session is a tool that might be used more often than people expect.
Stay informed by checking the official website of the President of Pakistan (president.gov.pk) for the latest orders and summaries. This is the only way to cut through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle.