Line of succession to the President of Pakistan

Pakistan

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Pakistan, by law, has a parliamentary democratic system of government that has been modified several times since its inception. The Prime minister of Pakistan is the Head of the government while the President of Pakistan, by law and by statute, is a constitutional figurehead.

The constitution does not allow a vice president, but the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan officiates in the absence of the President and takes over on the President's death or removal from office. If the Chairman of Senate is not available, the Speaker of National Assembly performs the duties of the President of Pakistan. The Electoral College of Pakistan is responsible for electing a new president. The Amendment XVIII, Article 49 of the Constitution of Pakistan covers this matter.

Article 49

Chairman or Speaker to act as, or perform functions of, President

If the office of President becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation or removal of the President the Chairman or, if he is unable to perform the functions of the office of President, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall act as President until a President is elected in accordance with clause (3) of Article 41.

When the President, by reason of absence from Pakistan or any other cause, is unable to perform his functions, the Chairman or, if he too is absent or unable to perform the functions of the office of President, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall perform the functions of President until the President returns to Pakistan or, as the case may be, resumes his functions.

In this article, the Chairman refers to the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan.