By 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.