Pakistan's newly elected PM, cabinet take oath

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashrarf took oath of his office in Islamabad Friday night.

Pakistan's Prime Minister-elect Raja Pervez Ashraf waves to media after a meeting with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain (not in picture) head of coalition party Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) in Islamabad June 22, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath-taking ceremony which was attended by former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, chairman of the Senate, speaker of the National Assembly, senior political leaders, military and civilian officials, members of the parliament, dignitaries and journalists.

Ashraf replaced Yusuf Raza Gilani who was disqualified by the Supreme Court on Tuesday over contempt of court to become the 25th prime minister of the country.

The president also administered the oath to federal ministers and ministers, who had been members of Gilani cabinet.

President Zardari congratulated the newly elected prime minister over his election and said his election reflects continuation of democratic process in the country. He also praised speaker of the National Assembly for smoothly running the house during the election process.

He hoped that the new prime minister would focus on solution to the energy crisis in the country.