Asif Zardari sworn in as Pakistan President, promises to promote national reconciliation

Islamabad, Sept 9 PPI: Ruling PPP Co-Chairperson and widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari who was on Tuesday sworn in as new President of Pakistan promised to promote national reconciliation.



Asif Zardari won a landslide election in Presidential election on Saturday last. He
was sworn in at ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) here.



It completes Zardari's rise to power, which was considered unthinkable before his
wife's murder in a bomb and gun attack in December last year.



Zardari's three children Bilawal, Ms Bakhtawar and Ms Asifa and visiting Afghan
President Hamid Karzai were among those who attended ceremony along with Prime
Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, members of his Cabinet, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff
Committte, Services Chiefs, Provincial Governors, Chief Ministers, ambassadors.



Supreme Court of Pakistan Chief Justice Mr Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar administered
the oath.



"I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan," Asif Zardari said, reciting
oath of office in a ceremony broadcast live to the nation. As he took his seat, loud
cheers of "Long live Bhutto" and "Bhutto is alive" could be heard.



Zardari succeeds Pervez Musharraf, who resigned on August 18 under threat of
impeachment. He became first civilian president of the country after nine years.