Gilani sworn in as Pakistan's 23rd Prime Minister

Islamabad, Mar.25 : Makhdoom Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was on Tuesday sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Gilani, was sworn in by President Pervez Musharraf at a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the presidential palace, in the presence of his family, party colleagues, senior civil administration and military officials.

Sources told The News that President Pervez Musharraf would hold a formal discussion with Gilani in the presidency after the oath taking ceremony.

Gilani would go to the Prime Minister House at 1:00 p.m. today, where he would receive guard of honour from the contingents of armed forces.

More than 500 important political and other personalities, including PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, President Shahbaz Sharif and Co-chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari were invited for the oath taking ceremony.

However, the ruling alliance announced that it would not to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher would also meet with Prime Minister Gilani.

The National Assembly elected Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday with thumping majority as the new prime minister of Pakistan.

Gilani secured a record 264 out of 309 votes whereas his opponent Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi of the PML-Q and its allies secured 42 votes. The election was held by division of the House.

In his speech after being elected as prime minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani ordered the administration to immediately release all detained judges who were put under house arrest on November 3, 2007 following imposition of emergency in the country.

He said the first 100 days agenda of his government would be announced after his securing the vote of confidence. He said the agenda would address issues like price hike, load shedding, poverty, unemployment, etc.

ANI