Head of State – Pakistan | Presidents, PM, Governor Generals

The leaders of the Muslim League declined Lord Mountbatten, the last British viceroy of India, as Pakistan’s inaugural governor-general or head of state in August 1947. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah took oath as the first Governer General of Pakistan on 15 August 1947. After Jinnah, the nation witnessed several prominent personalities taking on this role, each leaving their mark on the nation’s journey. They navigated the nation through its initial challenges, working to consolidate the newly formed state and establish its identity. Iskander Mirza, a prominent diplomat, became the last Governor-General and the first President of Pakistan in 1956. His term marked the transition from the Governor-General’s position to a republic.

List of Governor Generals of Pakistan and their tenure

Heads of State

The president of Pakistan is the head of state, nominal head of executive head and supreme commander of the Pakistan Armed Forces. The President ensures that the country’s constitution is supported and followed as well as ensure that laws and government actions are in line with the Constitution. The President serves as a symbol of unity and sovereignty representing the whole nation. The office of President was introduced on 23 March 1956 and Iskander Mirza assumed as the first President (not elected) of Pakistan.

List of Presidents of Pakistan from 1956 to 2023

Prime Ministers of Pakistan

Liaquat Ali Khan was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan took oath on 15 August 1947. He was the 5th choice of Quaid-e-Azam as P.M. He served as the finance minister in the interim government of United India. Total of 23 Prime Ministers served Pakistan from 1947 to 2023. 23rd was Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

List of PM of Pakistan from 1947 to 2023

Caretaker Government in Pakistan

The caretaker government in Pakistan plays a crucial role in protecting the democratic principles of fairness, transparency, and equality. The purpose of this government is to ensure a smooth transition of power when the term of an elected government terminates. It assists as an interim executive with limited powers and responsibilities whose primarily focus is to supervise the election process, maintaining law and order and insure a level playing field for all political parties contesting in the upcoming election. So far, Pakistan experienced 8 caretaker Prime Ministers among which Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jatoi was the first to take charge and Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is the current and 8th caretaker PM of Pakistan.

List of Caretaker PM of Pakistan till 2023