Islamabad: Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as Pakistan's new President in a ceremony held at the presidential palace in the federal capital attended by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other dignitaries.

Zardari, 53,was administered the oath of office by Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar shortly after 1.30 pm.

The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by federal ministers, the three services chiefs, diplomats and his three children - Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bakhtawar and Asifa who sat in the front row of the audience in the central hall of the Aiwan-e-Sadr or presidency.

At several times during the ceremony, large numbers of PPP workers present in the hall shouted slogans like "Jeay Bhutto" (Long live Bhutto) and "Zinda hai BB, zinda hai" (Benazir is alive).

The PPP workers began shouting slogans when 19-year-old Bilawal, clad in a black sherwani, Bakhtawar and Asifa entered the hall with their aunt Sanam Bhutto. Bilawal was mobbed by party workers and leaders, who shook his hand and hugged him.

Sanam Bhutto broke down and was seen weeping throughout the ceremony. Bilawal looked sombre but broke into a smile as his father was administered the oath.

Zardari, wearing a dark suit, entered the hall flanked by Prime Minister Gilani and acting President Mohammedmian Soomroo. The PPP workers continued shouting slogans even as a military band performed the national anthem.
Source : PTI