Zardari Steps Down As Pakistan President

Islamabad, Sept 9, IRNA – Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari stepped down Sunday on completion of his five-year constitutional term. Zardari, who was elected in 2008, became the country’s first elected President to complete his tenure. Zardari was presented guard of honor by a contingent of Pakistani forces at the Presidency after national anthem was played. He then left the Presidency for the eastern city of Lahore where he will speak at his first political gathering of Pakistan Peoples Party, his spokesman, Senator Farhatullah Babar said. “I am glad to leave my office with dignity and honor on completion of my five-year term,” Asif Ali Zardari told staff of the Presidency at a dinner late Saturday. He said he always took decisions in the interests of the country and that he devolved powers to the Parliament voluntarily. Zardari told Geo television in his interview as the President that he will not seek to become the prime minister and will instead focus on running his party. President Zardari is also the co-chairman of the PPP but had been barred by the courts from political activities unless he had been at the Presidency. President-elect Mamnoon Hussain is scheduled to take oath as Pakistan’s 12th President on Monday./end