ISLAMABAD – The chairman of Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani took over as actingpresident of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as the incumbent MamnoonHussain departed for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Mamnoon Hussain is set to remain in the Kingdom for 10 days, till May 24; anotification for Sanjarani’s appointment as acting President has beenissued.

Sanjrani’s appointment as the acting president came in line with theConstitution of Pakistan, as the chairman of Senate, acts as President inabsence of the Incumbent head of the state.

This is the first time for Sanjrani to assume charge as acting president,after being elected chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament, in March.

He is the first-ever Senate chairman from Balochistan and his electionstirred controversy in power corridors as well.

His election was decried by Premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as well, who urgedthe members of the opposition to jointly nominate a new Senate chairman.