ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has decided not to take salary from the government, citing the economic challenges facing the nation.
The President’s Secretariat Press Wing issued a statement on Tuesday said that President Asif Ali Zardari has chosen to forego his salary to promote responsible financial management in the country, considering it vital not to burden the national treasury.
A post from the President of Pakistan account on X (formerly Twitter) elaborated on his motives for this action. “President Asif Zardari’s decision aims to foster prudent financial management,” the post stated, emphasizing his desire not to add to the financial strain on the country by declining a salary.
Zardari, elected as the 14th president of Pakistan with a significant majority on March 9, was sworn in as head of state the following day. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath of office at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
This marks Zardari’s second term as president, having previously served from 2008 to 2013. He is a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since August 2018.
Born in 1955, Zardari was raised and educated in Karachi. He is the widower of Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan who was assassinated in December 2007.
Zardari succeeds Dr. Arif Alvi, who continued in office for five additional months beyond his five-year term, which concluded in September 2023.
