Islamabad, August 27, 2026: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday assumed the office of Acting President of Pakistan in the absence of both President Asif Ali Zardari and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani.
According to the National Assembly Secretariat, President Zardari is currently on an official visit to the Republic of Austria from August 27 to 31, while the Senate chairman has also proceeded abroad on an official visit.
In view of the absence of both constitutional office-holders, Sadiq will perform the functions of the president until either the president or the Senate chairman returns to Pakistan.
The National Assembly speaker will continue to discharge the responsibilities of Acting President in accordance with the constitutional provisions governing the performance of presidential functions during the president’s absence.
The arrangement ensures the continuity of constitutional and executive functions during the temporary absence of the president and Senate chairman.
