Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani assumed the role of acting president on Wednesday, following President Asif Ali Zardari’s departure to the United Arab Emirates for a two-day private visit. The Cabinet Division issued a notification formally appointing Gilani as deputy president, enabling him to fulfill the responsibilities of acting president under Article 49 (2) of the Constitution.
Days earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir held a significant meeting with President Zardari at the President’s House, coinciding with the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi.
Sources reported that the high-level discussion addressed key national issues, including economic conditions and law and order, with leaders reviewing challenges facing the country and affirming their dedication to advancing development efforts.
The meeting also voiced support for Pakistan’s upcoming hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference, and President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif commended the nation’s security forces for their role in maintaining stability.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice Yahya Afridi met with President Zardari, extending congratulations to Justice Afridi and exchanging good wishes while discussing topics of shared interest.
