Pakistan elects new President, Asif Ali Zardari becomes Pak's 14th President | World News | WION

Summary

Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, has been elected as Pakistan's 14th president with a decisive majority. Zardari, who secured 411 votes, replaces Dr. ARF Ali. His election follows a seat-sharing agreement between the PPP and PML-N. Zardari, a former president, has overcome past legal challenges, including corruption charges, and is known for his diplomatic skills. His presidency is marked by efforts to decentralize power and foster political reconciliation, positioning him to navigate Pakistan's economic challenges ahead, including potential IMF negotiations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asif Ali Zardari has been elected as Pakistan's 14th president with overwhelming support.
• 😀 Zardari received 411 votes, defeating PTI-backed contestant Mmud Khan Achakzai, who secured 181 votes.
• 😀 Zardari's election was supported by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and other regional assemblies.
• 😀 Zardari replaces Dr. Arif Ali, whose five-year presidential term ended last year.
• 😀 Under a seat-sharing agreement, the prime ministerial post went to Shabaz Sharif, while the presidential position went to Zardari.
• 😀 Zardari will now serve as the supreme commander of Pakistan's Armed Forces, a crucial political role.
• 😀 He becomes the first civilian to be elected president for a second time in Pakistan's history.
• 😀 Zardari's political journey began after the assassination of his wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, in 2007.
• 😀 Zardari previously served as president from 2008 to 2013, during which he worked on decentralizing power and limiting presidential authority.
• 😀 Despite facing corruption and money laundering charges between 1990 and 2004, Zardari was never convicted, with the PPP claiming political victimization.
• 😀 Zardari is known as a master of reconciliation and is expected to help form consensus on an economic roadmap, including securing another IMF bailout.

Q & A

Who has been elected as the 14th president of Pakistan?

Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of Pakistan People's Party, has been elected as Pakistan's 14th president.

What was the margin by which Asif Ali Zardari won the presidential election?

Zardari secured 411 votes, significantly surpassing his opponent, Mmud Khan Achak Zai, who received 181 votes.

Which political coalition backed Asif Ali Zardari in the election?

Asif Ali Zardari was supported by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and other coalition partners in Parliament and regional assemblies.

What political positions were distributed between the coalition partners after the election?

Following the election, the Prime Minister's position was given to Shehbaz Sharif of PMLN, while the presidential position was assigned to Asif Ali Zardari of PPP.

Who does Asif Ali Zardari replace as president of Pakistan?

Zardari replaces Dr. Arif Ali, whose term as president ended last year.

What significant role will Asif Ali Zardari now hold in Pakistan's government?

As president, Zardari will become the supreme commander of Pakistan's Armed Forces, which play a crucial role in the country's government.

What is one of the notable achievements of Zardari's previous presidency?

One of Zardari's notable achievements during his previous presidency was building a consensus on a framework to decentralize power and reduce the president's powers.

What challenges did Asif Ali Zardari face during his political journey?

Zardari faced challenges, including spending 11 years in jail between 1990 and 2004 on charges of corruption and money laundering, although these charges were never proven.

How does PPP view Zardari's imprisonment between 1990 and 2004?

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) describes Zardari's imprisonment as politically motivated, claiming it was backed by the military.

What could be Zardari's role in the country's economic future?

Zardari, known for his reconciliation skills, could help build consensus among coalition members on an economic roadmap, especially in relation to securing another International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.