ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has taken over as the acting president of Pakistan in the absence of both the president and the Senate chairman, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
The notification stated that under Article 49(2) of the Constitution, Mr Sadiq will perform the duties of the acting president until both top officeholders return to the country.
After assuming charge, the acting president welcomed the successful negotiations between the government’s negotiation committee and the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
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Calling the agreement a “positive and constructive development”, Mr Sadiq said that the restoration of peace and normalcy in the region was a source of great satisfaction.
He emphasised that with the successful conclusion of talks, “all baseless rumours and conspiracies against Pakistan have been laid to rest.”
Mr Sadiq praised both the government’s negotiation team and the JAAC representatives for their “responsible and result-oriented approach”, highlighting that dialogue and cooperation are key to resolving sensitive national issues.
The acting president reaffirmed that public welfare and peace remain the government’s top priority, urging all stakeholders to prioritise unity and national progress over “unfounded rumours and divisive narratives.” “Pakistan and Kashmir are inseparable. The protection of the rights of the Kashmiri people will always remain our foremost priority,” he added.