Correct Answer:
A. Sikandar Mirza
The question asks to identify the FIRST President of Pakistan. Pakistan transitioned from a dominion to a republic with the promulgation of its first constitution in 1956. At this point, the office of Governor-General was abolished and replaced by the President.
- Sikandar Mirza was the last Governor-General of Pakistan and subsequently became the first President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March 23, 1956, serving until October 1958. This makes option A correct.
- Ayub Khan became the second President of Pakistan after imposing martial law in 1958, overthrowing Sikandar Mirza.
- Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto served as President much later, from 1971 to 1973, before becoming Prime Minister.
- Yahya Khan was President from 1969 to 1971.
Therefore, Sikandar Mirza holds the distinction of being Pakistan's inaugural President.