President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to confer the title of first lady upon his daughter, Aseefa Bhutto, Express News reported.
Traditionally, the role of 'first lady' has been reserved for the wives of presidents or prime ministers, prompting questions about the legitimacy of appointing a daughter to the position.
Express News' investigation into the matter has revealed that the president holds the authority to confer the title upon any female member of his family. Legal experts consulted by the news outlet confirmed that there are no legal barriers preventing such an appointment.
First lady with the President@AAliZardari @AseefaBZ pic.twitter.com/YgcoLaRdSH
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) March 10, 2024
Under constitutional provisions and existing laws, all privileges and benefits enjoyed by the president extend to their immediate family members, encompassing children, spouses, and other relatives. This includes access to official residences and the use of official aircraft, with perks and privileges afforded to the president similarly extending to their family.
Read more: President Asif Zardari presented guard of honour
Earlier in the day, President Zardari was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan armed forces at the President's House.
Making history as the first Pakistani elected as Pakistan’s President for the second time.
President Asif Ali Zardari 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/ZWRIp658eg
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) March 10, 2024
During the ceremony, the national anthem was played with the newly-elected president arriving in the traditional presidential carriage.
The event was attended by the president's family, including former foreign minister Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari.
On Sunday, Zardari, the coalition government's candidate for head of state took oath as the 14th President of Pakistan after securing 411 votes against his PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s 181 votes.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath at a ceremony at the Presidency.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
