Thirteen individuals have held Pakistan’s presidency; twelve are former presidents today. Some died in office, some were exiled, one was hanged after leaving it — and one came back. This guide traces what happened to each after Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Quick answer: Pakistan has 12 former presidents (13 individuals have held the office; Zardari is the incumbent). Of the former presidents, most have died; the most recent former president is Dr Arif Alvi (2018–2024), now in PTI opposition politics.
In this guide
The Twelve Former Presidents
- Iskander Mirza (1956–58) — exiled to London after the 1958 coup; died there in 1969.
- Ayub Khan (1958–69) — retired to Haripur after resigning; died 1974.
- Yahya Khan (1969–71) — placed under house arrest after the 1971 defeat; died 1980.
- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1971–73) — became prime minister, overthrown 1977, executed 4 April 1979.
- Fazal Elahi Chaudhry (1973–78) — resigned when Zia took over; died 1982.
- Zia-ul-Haq (1978–88) — died in the Bahawalpur plane crash, 17 August 1988.
- Ghulam Ishaq Khan (1988–93) — retired after resigning; died 2006.
- Farooq Leghari (1993–97) — resigned; later formed the Millat Party; died 2010.
- Rafiq Tarar (1998–2001) — retired to Lahore; died 2022.
- Pervez Musharraf (2001–08) — resigned, later exiled; died in Dubai, 5 February 2023.
- Mamnoon Hussain (2013–18) — retired from public life; died 14 July 2021.
- Arif Alvi (2018–24) — the most recent former president; remains active in PTI.
The full terms are in the president of Pakistan list.
Who Is Still Living
As of October 2026, the living former president is Dr Arif Alvi — plus, of course, the incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, who is himself a former president (2008–2013) returned to office. Alvi, a dentist turned PTI politician, has remained politically active since leaving Aiwan-e-Sadr in March 2024.
How the Office Changed
The presidency these twelve men held was not the same office throughout. Under the 1962 Constitution it was all-powerful; under the 1973 Constitution (before Zia’s amendments) it was ceremonial; Zia’s Eighth Amendment made it a sword over prime ministers; and the 18th Amendment returned it to ceremony. When comparing former presidents, the era matters as much as the man — Ayub Khan and Asif Ali Zardari held offices with almost nothing in common but the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most recent former president of Pakistan?
Dr Arif Alvi, who served from 9 September 2018 to 9 March 2024 and handed over to Asif Ali Zardari. He remains associated with the PTI.
Which presidents of Pakistan died in office?
Zia-ul-Haq, killed in a plane crash on 17 August 1988 while serving as president. (Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed in 1979, but after leaving the presidency for the prime ministership.)
