Pakistan has had fourteen presidencies since becoming a republic in 1956 — generals, politicians and one two-time civilian. This is the complete, verified list with terms and the story behind each tenure.
Quick answer: Pakistan has had 14 presidents (13 individuals): from Iskander Mirza (1956–58) through military rulers Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf, to the current Asif Ali Zardari (2024–present) — the only civilian elected twice.
In this guide
The Complete List
| No. | President | Term | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iskander Mirza | 23 Mar 1956 – 27 Oct 1958 | First president; declared martial law in Oct 1958 |
| 2 | Ayub Khan | 27 Oct 1958 – 25 Mar 1969 | Took power as chief martial law administrator |
| 3 | Yahya Khan | 25 Mar 1969 – 20 Dec 1971 | Oversaw the 1971 war and separation of Bangladesh |
| 4 | Zulfikar Ali Bhutto | 20 Dec 1971 – 14 Aug 1973 | Civilian president, then became prime minister |
| 5 | Fazal Elahi Chaudhry | 14 Aug 1973 – 16 Sep 1978 | First president under the 1973 Constitution |
| 6 | Zia-ul-Haq | 16 Sep 1978 – 17 Aug 1988 | Died in a plane crash near Bahawalpur |
| 7 | Ghulam Ishaq Khan | 17 Aug 1988 – 18 Jul 1993 | Dismissed two elected governments |
| 8 | Farooq Leghari | 14 Nov 1993 – 2 Dec 1997 | Resigned after clash with Nawaz Sharif |
| 9 | Rafiq Tarar | 1 Jan 1998 – 20 Jun 2001 | Stepped aside for Musharraf |
| 10 | Pervez Musharraf | 20 Jun 2001 – 18 Aug 2008 | Resigned ahead of impeachment |
| 11 | Asif Ali Zardari | 9 Sep 2008 – 8 Sep 2013 | First elected president to complete a full term |
| 12 | Mamnoon Hussain | 9 Sep 2013 – 8 Sep 2018 | PML-N nominee; largely ceremonial tenure |
| 13 | Arif Alvi | 9 Sep 2018 – 9 Mar 2024 | PTI nominee; stayed on after term ended |
| 14 | Asif Ali Zardari | 10 Mar 2024 – present | Only civilian elected president twice |
Presidents by Era
The early republic (1956–1971): Iskander Mirza, Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan — two of the three took power through the military. The Bhutto years (1971–1977): Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s civilian presidency gave way to the 1973 Constitution and Fazal Elahi Chaudhry. Zia and the 1990s (1978–1999): Zia-ul-Haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Farooq Leghari and Rafiq Tarar — an era when presidents dismissed prime ministers at will. The Musharraf decade (2001–2008): Pervez Musharraf’s uniformed presidency. The democratic era (2008–present): Zardari, Mamnoon Hussain, Arif Alvi and Zardari again — every one completing or serving a constitutional term. More on the office in our 1st president of Pakistan guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the longest-serving president of Pakistan?
Ayub Khan, at over 10 years (27 October 1958 – 25 March 1969). Among civilians, Pervez Musharraf served just over 7 years, and Asif Ali Zardari’s two terms total more than 7 years and counting.
How many presidents has Pakistan had?
Fourteen presidencies held by thirteen individuals. Asif Ali Zardari is counted twice (11th and 14th president) as the only person elected to two non-consecutive terms.
 to Asif Ali Zardari (2024) — terms, parties and key events.){kind=link}