ISLAMABAD – Ayaz Sadiq takes charge as Pakistan’s president, taking charge as Acting President and assuming the country’s top constitutional responsibilities.
A temporary shift has taken place at highest constitutional office as National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has assumed charge as Acting President of Pakistan.
The development comes as President Asif Ali Zardari is currently in Austria on an official visit from August 27 to 31, 2026, while Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani is also abroad on an official assignment.
With both constitutional office-holders outside Pakistan, Ayaz Sadiq has stepped in to perform the President’s functions under the constitutional provisions governing presidential absence.
The National Assembly Speaker will continue to discharge the responsibilities of Acting President until the President or Senate Chairman returns to Pakistan.
During his tenure as Acting President, Sadiq will perform the functions attached to the office in accordance with the relevant constitutional provisions, marking a notable but temporary change in the country’s constitutional setup.
The arrangement is expected to remain in place during President Zardari’s Austria visit, scheduled to continue until August 31.
