Islamabad: A close ally of President Pervez Musharraf and technocrat-turned-politician Shaukat Aziz was today (Aug 28, 2004) sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister, a day after he was elected to the post by the National Assembly amidst Opposition boycott.

Former Finance Minister Aziz, 55, was administered the oath of office by Musharraf at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad at a simple ceremony attended by top Government and military officials and lawmakers of the ruling alliance.

Aziz, who worked for 30 years as Citi Bank executive before becoming Finance Minister when Musharraf took over power in a bloodless coup in 1999 is the country's 23rd Prime Minister.

Credited for reforming the country's economy that was crippled by economic sanctions imposed after Pakistan carried out nuclear explosions in 1998, Aziz is slated to obtain a vote of confidence in the National Assembly later in the day.

Officials said Aziz's cabinet, which is still under finalisation, would be sworn in on Sept 1.

Anticipating the delay in the formation of the cabinet, Musharraf has already nominated Foreign Minister Kurshid M Kasuri as Ambassador-at-large with Cabinet Minister rank to continue with his duties.