Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has assumed the responsibilities of Acting President of Pakistan as President Asif Ali Zardari and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani are currently outside the country on official visits.

President Zardari is visiting Austria from August 27 to August 31, 2026, while Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani is also abroad.

Ayaz Sadiq to Perform Presidential Duties

In accordance with Pakistan’s constitutional framework, the National Assembly Speaker performs the functions of the President when the President is unavailable and the Senate Chairman is also unable to assume the role.

As a result, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will temporarily carry out the duties associated with the office of the President until either President Zardari or Senate Chairman Gilani returns to Pakistan.

Continuity of Constitutional Functions

The temporary arrangement is intended to ensure that the constitutional functioning of the state continues without interruption during the absence of the President and Senate Chairman.

The Acting President performs the constitutional responsibilities assigned to the office for the duration of the temporary arrangement, ensuring continuity in the country’s state affairs.

Why Is the Arrangement Necessary?

Pakistan’s constitutional system provides a mechanism for maintaining the functioning of the presidency when the President is unavailable.

With President Asif Ali Zardari currently abroad and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also outside Pakistan, the National Assembly Speaker has assumed the temporary responsibility.

The arrangement is therefore a constitutional mechanism designed to prevent a gap in the performance of presidential functions.

Who Is Sardar Ayaz Sadiq?

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is the Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly and presides over proceedings of the lower house of Parliament.

By assuming the role of Acting President, he temporarily takes on the constitutional responsibilities associated with the presidency while the relevant senior officeholders are abroad.

What Happens Next?

The temporary arrangement is expected to continue until either President Asif Ali Zardari or Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani returns to Pakistan.

Once the constitutional conditions requiring the temporary arrangement end, presidential responsibilities will return to the appropriate constitutional officeholder.

Key Points

• Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has assumed the role of Acting President.
• President Asif Ali Zardari is currently visiting Austria.
• President Zardari's Austria visit is scheduled for August 27–31, 2026.
• Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani is also abroad.
• The arrangement is based on Pakistan's constitutional framework.
• The purpose is to ensure continuity of constitutional functions.

Disclaimer: This article is shared for informational and journalistic purposes only. Follow Pakistan does not intend to make any political endorsement through this report.