Fifteen individuals have served as head of state of Pakistan, from the foundation of Pakistan in 1947 to the present day. The current head of state of Pakistan is Asif Ali Zardari, elected in 2024 after being nominated by the Pakistan People's Party.
From 1947 to 1956 the head of state was the Pakistani monarch, who was the same person as the monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. The Monarch was represented in Pakistan by the Governor-General. Pakistan became a republic under the Constitution of 1956 and the Monarch and Governor-General were replaced by a ceremonial President.
Monarchy (1947–1956)
The succession to the throne of Pakistan was the same as the succession to the British throne. Portrait Monarch Reign Prime ministers Start End Total1George VI 19476 February 1952 KhanNazimuddin2Elizabeth II6 February 1952 1956 Bogra Ali
Governors-General
The Governor-General was the representative of the monarch in Pakistan and exercised most of the powers of the monarch. The Governor-General was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the Governor-General was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Pakistan without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy the Chief Justice served as Officer Administering the Government.
Portrait Name Term of office Monarch Took office Left office Time in office 1 Muhammad Ali Jinnah 14 August 1947 11 September 1948 George VI Office vacant ( – ) 2 Sir Khawaja Nazimuddin 14 September 1948 17 October 1951 3Sir Ghulam Muhammad 17 October 1951 7 August 1955Elizabeth II 4 Iskander Mirza 7 August 1955 23 March 1956
Republic (1956–present) Under the 1956 Constitution, the first constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President replaced the monarch as ceremonial head of state. The President was elected by the Electoral College for a five-year term. In the event of a vacancy the Chairman of the Senate served as Acting President.
Presidents
Timeline
See also Governor-General of Pakistan President of Pakistan List of international trips made by presidents of Pakistan Vice President of Pakistan Prime Minister of Pakistan List of prime ministers of Pakistan
Notes
References
External links World Statesmen – Pakistan Rulers.org – Pakistan