Pakistan witnessed the latest presidential election on Saturday, and the ruling coalition’s candidate Asif Ali Zardari won the top seat against his opponent Mehmood Khan Achakzai, backed by PTI/SIC alliance.
As Pakistani lawmakers elect the country’s 14th President, here is a brief look at all Presidents in the history of Pakistan.
Iskander Mirza (1956-1958)
Pakistan’s fourth governor general and first president Iskander Mirza served Pakistan from 1956 to 1958. He took office after the first constitution. His tenure was marked by political instability, including disputes with then Prime Minister, which eventually led to the imposition of martial law in 1958.
The martial law paved the way for General Ayub Khan to take control of the government in a coup, ending Mirza’s presidency and ushering in a new era of military rule in the country.
Ayub Khan (1958-1969)
Ayub Khan is remembered as a Pakistani military officer and politician known for his can-do leadership style. Despite his efforts to modernize the country, his regime lacked political legitimacy, which hindered the success of his modernization efforts.
Khan served as the second President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969. He came to power through a coup in 1958, overthrowing Iskander Mirza. His presidency was marked by significant economic growth, known as the “Decade of Development,” during which South Asian nation experienced high rates of industrialization and modernization.
The regime of former field marshal was also criticized for its authoritarianism and suppression of political opposition. Khan’s rule ended in 1969 following widespread protests and discontent, leading to his resignation and the transfer of power to General Yahya Khan.
Yahya Khan (1969-1971)
Yahya Khan served as the third President of Pakistan from 1969 to 1971. He assumed power after the resignation of Ayub Khan in the face of widespread protests.
His presidency saw political turmoil, including the conflict leading to the independence of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) in 1971. His tenure ended in December 1971 with the secession of East Pakistan and the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent country.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1971-1973)
One of the populist leader of Pakistan includes Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who served as the President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto assumed office after the resignation of Yahya Khan and Bangladesh separation.
His presidency witnessed reconstruction and reorganization of Pakistan after the loss of East Pakistan which became Bangladesh. Bhutto introduced several reforms, including the adoption of a new constitution in 1973 that established Pakistan as a parliamentary democracy. Bhutto’s presidency came to an end in 1973 when he voluntarily relinquished the presidency in favor of becoming the Prime Minister under the new constitution.
After prolonged time of litigation and appeals for clemency, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged on April 4, 1979.
Fazal Chaudhry (1973-1978)
Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry served as the fifth President of Pakistan from 1973 to 1978. He was elected as the country’s first President under the 1973 Constitution, which established Pakistan as a parliamentary democracy.
His tenure was largely ceremonial, as the real power rested with the Prime Minister and the Parliament.
He played a role in upholding the constitution and ensuring the smooth functioning of the democratic process during his presidency. Chaudhry’s presidency ended in 1978 when he resigned from office.
Zia-ul-Haq (1978-1988)
Former military officer Zia ul Haq served as the sixth president of Pakistan from 1978 until his tragic demise.
Haq came to power through another coup, overthrowing Bhutto. His presidency was characterized by his Islamization policies, which aimed to bring Pakistan closer to an Islamic state.
He also implemented conservative economic and social policies during his tenure. His presidency ended tragically in August 1988 when he was killed in a plane crash.
Ghulam Ishaq Khan (1988-1993)
Ghulam Ishaq Khan served as the President of Pakistan from 1988 to 1993. He was elected as the country’s president after the death of President Zia-ul-Haq in a plane crash.
Khan’s regime was marked by political turmoil, including conflicts with the elected government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He used his powers to dismiss Bhutto’s government, leading to new elections. Khan’s tenure ended in 1993 when he resigned from office amid political and economic challenges facing the country.
Farooq Leghari (1993-1997)
Farooq Leghari served as the President of Pakistan from 1993 to 1997. He was elected as the country’s eighth president following the resignation of Ghulam Ishaq Khan. Leghari’s presidency was marked by his efforts to strengthen democracy and promote good governance in Pakistan.
However, his tenure was also marred by political instability, including conflicts with the government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Leghari’s presidency ended in 1997 when he resigned from office, citing differences with the government and concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
Muhammad Rafiq Tarar (1997-2001)
Rafiq Tarar served as Pakistan premier from 1997 to 2001. He was elected as the ninth President of Pakistan after the resignation of Farooq Leghari.
He was known for his efforts to promote democracy, strengthen institutions, and improve governance in Pakistan. However, his tenure was also marked by political turmoil, including conflicts with the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Tarar’s presidency ended in 2001 when he resigned from office.
Pervez Musharraf (2001-2008)
Pakistan’s most recent military ruler Pervez Musharraf served as President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. His tenure was marked by several controversies, including his rise to power through a military coup in 1999, his role in the US-led war on terror following the September 11 attacks, and the imposition of emergency rule in 2007.
His move to support the US-led war on terror and his alliance with the United States drew criticism from many Pakistanis, leading to increased domestic opposition. His imposition of emergency rule in 2007, which was seen as an attempt to cling to power, further eroded his popularity and legitimacy.
Musharraf also faced ire for his his governance style, human rights abuses, and economic policies. His attempts to consolidate power and weaken political opposition were met with resistance, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
He faced with mounting pressure, and stepped down from office and went into self-imposed exile. He has since faced legal challenges and accusations of misconduct during his presidency, including charges related to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Asif Ali Zardari (2008-2013)
Asif Ali Zardari served as the President from 2008 to 2013. He first became President after the resignation of former military ruler Musharraf.
Zardari’s tenure was marked by controversies and challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and security threats. He completed his five-year term as President in 2013 and transferred power to Mamnoon Hussain.
Mamnoon Hussain (2013-2018)
A lesser known personality Mamnoon Hussain served as the President of Pakistan from 2013 to 2018. He was elected as the country’s 12th President by the electoral college. His presidency was ceremonial, as the real power in Pakistan resides with the PM and the Parliament.
He completed his five-year term as President in 2018 and transferred power to Arif Alvi. Mamnoon Hussain died in mid 2021.
Arif Alvi (2018-2024)
The outgoing president Arif Alvi served as the President of Pakistan from September 9, 2018-March 2024. He was elected as the country’s 13th President and his presidency has been marked by his efforts to promote education, healthcare, and technology in Pakistan.
Alvi, a close aide of Imran Khan, has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving governance and tackling corruption.
