ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s former President Asif Ali Zardari won a second term today, supported by the ruling coalition in a vote by Parliament and regional assemblies.
The role of president is largely ceremonial in Pakistan but he is known as a master of reconciliation and could help the governing coalition partners reach a consensus to steer the broken economy on a stabilisation path ahead of seeking a new IMF bailout.
As president, Zardari will also be the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces, which play an oversized role in making or breaking governments.
Presiding officer Justice Amir Farooq announced the winner in a live TV broadcast.
— Reuters
