Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday assumed the charge as acting president after President Asif Ali Zardrai left the country for the United Arab Emirates on two day private visit.

According to details, the Cabinet Division had issued a notification in line with the appointment of Gilani as the deputy president.

Gilani will take up the responsibility as the acting president in accordance with Article 49 (2) of the constitution.

Few days back, PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir held a significant meeting with President Zardari at the President’s House on the occasion of newly-appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi’s swearing-in ceremony.

Sources divulged the high-level discussion focused on the country’s overall situation, including economic and law-and-order issues.

During the meeting, the leaders reviewed the country’s current challenges and renewed their commitment to accelerate development efforts.

The meeting also extended support for Pakistan’s hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for their service and sacrifices in maintaining stability across the country.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi met with President Zardari. The president and PM congratulated Justice Afridi. They also expressed good wishes for him and discussed issues of mutual interest.

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