The responsibilities of leading the nation at a most critical juncture in its history fell on Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan’s shoulders in the aftermath of President General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq’s death in an air crash on 17 August, 1988. As the then Chairman of the Senate, he assumed the office of Acting President in accordance with the Constitution and declared forthwith that general elections would be held in the country on the already announced schedule, namely, 16 November, 1988 for the National Assembly and 19 November, 1988 for the Provincial Assemblies. He was elected as President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on 12 December, 1988, brought to this august office vast and varied experience of public service, spread over nearly half a century, tested wisdom, and proven commitment to constitutionalism and rule of law. He was born on 20 January, 1915 at Ismail Khel, Bannu in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).