President Dr. Arif Alvi’s official five-year term is set to conclude today,although the accomplished dentist-turned-politician is expected to remainin office even after the expiration of his constitutionally mandatedtenure.
President Alvi is poised to become the fourth head of state to complete afull five-year term. His predecessors who served their complete termsinclude the fifth president, Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry (1973 to 1978), the 11thpresident, Asif Ali Zardari (2008 to 2013), and the 12th president, MamnoonHussain (2013 to 2018).
During consultative meetings held last week, President Alvi expressed hiswillingness to continue performing his duties until the appointment of hissuccessor.
Article 44 of the Constitution explicitly states that in the absence ofthe National and provincial assemblies, the president cannot be removedfrom office upon the completion of his term unless he voluntarily choosesto leave the esteemed position or departs of his own accord.
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As the clock ticks down on President Alvi’s presidency, speculationsabound, reflecting Pakistan’s historical complexity in bidding farewell toits heads of state, including influential army generals.
