National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has taken over as Acting President of Pakistan as both President Asif Ali Zardari and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani are currently abroad.

President Zardari is visiting Austria from August 27 to 31, while the Senate Chairman is also outside Pakistan on an official visit.

With both officials absent, Ayaz Sadiq will perform the President’s functions under the constitutional provisions governing the office during such a situation.

He will continue serving as Acting President until either the President or the Senate Chairman returns to Pakistan.

Sadiq will also continue performing his duties as National Assembly Speaker alongside his responsibilities as Acting President.