Gilani gets unanimous vote of confidence

Islamabad, Mar 29: Pakistan's National Assembly today unanimously reposed confidence in newly elected Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

This was for the first time in Pakistan's history that even the opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) voted in favour of the resolution seeking confidence in Gilani. The opposition's vote in Gilani's favour came after the Latter made a formal request in the name of country's ''solidarity and integrity''. ''We will never forget the friends, who extended support to us at a very difficult time.'' Resolution for the vote of confidence was moved by Syed Naveed Qamar, Ahsan Iqbal, Asfandyar Wali, Dr Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Munir Khan Orakzai, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo and Maulana Muhammad Qasim. It was moved under clause (3) of Article 91 of the Constitution.

Mr Gilani took oath as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tuesday, a week after the 13th National Assembly came into being following February 18 general elections.

He was elected leader of the house in the National Assembly after securing 264 votes.

UNI