The President of Pakistan (Urdu: صدر مملکت پاکستان — Ṣadr-e Mumlikat-e Pākistān, Urdu pronunciation: [ˌsəd̪ˈr-eː ˈmʊm.lɪˌkət̪-e pɑː.kɪs.t̪ɑːn]), the ceremonial head of state of Pakistan and a figurehead who represents the "unity of the Republic."[2] The President holds the legal title de jure and is a civilian commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces as per the constitution of Pakistan.[3]
This position places its holder in leadership of the nation, and is kept informed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan on all matters of internal and foreign policy, as well as on all legislative proposals.[4] The Constitution of Pakistan vests the President the powers of granting pardons, reprieves, and the control of the military; however, all appointments at higher commands of the military must be made by the President on a "required and necessary" basis, upon consultation and approval from the Prime Minister.[5] In addition, the constitution prohibits the President from exercising the authority of running the government.[6]
The president is indirectly elected by the Parliament through the Electoral College for a five-year term. The Constitution requires the President to be a "Muslim of not less than forty-five years of age". The President resides in an estate in Islamabad known as Aiwan-e-Sadaṝ (lit. Presidency). The current President is Mamnoon Hussain, who was elected on 9 September 2013.
