The move was a “giant leap” forward that empowered the PM and parliament, Mr Zardari’s spokesman said.
But analysts said it was an attempt to placate political and military critics, as an amnesty protecting Mr Zardari from possible prosecution expired.
The amnesty gave him and several others immunity from corruption charges.
The presidency announced that control of the National Command Authority, responsible for nuclear weapons, had shifted to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
“The president has handed over his power regarding the national command and control authority to me and has issued an ordinance,” Mr Gilani was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.
