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President Zardari steps down as term ends

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IANS Islamabad

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari stepped down Sunday on completion of his five-year term.

Elected in 2008 on support of his Pakistan Peoples Party, he became the country's first elected president to complete his tenure, reported Xinhua.

Zardari was presented a guard of honour by the armed forces at the President's House here before he left for Lahore.

In the Punjab province capital, he was due to address a gathering of his Pakistan Peoples Party, a spokesperson said.

"I am glad to leave my office with dignity and honour on completion of my five-year term," Zardari told staff of the Presidency at a dinner late Saturday.

 

He said he took decisions in the interests of the country and voluntarily devolved powers to parliament.

President-elect Mamnoon Hussain is scheduled to take oath Monday.

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First Published: Sep 08 2013 | 5:58 PM IST

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