By IINA
Islamabad : Yousaf Raza Gilani was today sworn in as Pakistan’s 25th Prime Minister. Clad in a black traditional sherwani, Gilani, the first premier from the Pakistan People’s Party who is not a member of the Bhutto family, was administered the oath by President Parvez Musharraf in the central hall of the Aiwan-e-Sadr (official residence of President). The ceremony began with the playing of Pakistan national anthem, followed by recitation of Quranic verses. PPP leaders shouted “Jiay Bhutto” (Long live Bhutto) as the oath was completed. The ceremony was delayed by almost an hour as Gilani had gone to Karachi yesterday to attend the wedding of his son and had to rush back to the federal capital this morning.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Gilani thanked the nation for its mandate and said it was reflective of the aspirations of the people as to what type of government they want. “We are grateful to the people of Pakistan and the nation and I am proud of my nation and we will live for Pakistan and die for Pakistan.” Gilani said he would announce the 100-day program at the floor of the house, soon after taking the vote of confidence.
Gilani, 55, was elected yesterday the Prime Minister by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly (lower house of parliament). PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, the two key leaders of the parties that have formed Pakistan’s new coalition government, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Zaradri’s teenaged son Bilawal, who was named PPP chairman after Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a pre-poll rally in December, too was conspicuous by his absence. Musharraf shook hands with Gilani and spoke to him briefly before joining the guests.
The event was attended by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, members of interim government, the governors and caretaker chief ministers of the four provinces, Speaker Fehmida Mirza, Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, Chiefs of three services, MQM leaders Farooq Sattar and Hyder Abbas Rizvi and PPP leaders Babar Awan, Jehangir Badar and Latif Khosa. Members of Gilani’s cabinet are likely to be inducted in phases as the PPP and its allies are still to finalize the division of ministers. The first batch of ministers is likely to be administered the oath by Musharraf later this week after Gilani obtains a vote of confidence from the National Assembly. Gillani’s first move yesterday was to order the release of judges detained after President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule in November.