Sworn in: Third time’s the charm

Nawaz’s oath-taking marks a special distinction, not just for him, but for President Zardari as well.

ISLAMABAD:

While much has been said about Nawaz Sharif’s election as prime minister for a record third time, the newly elected premier’s oath-taking ceremony marked a special distinction for President Asif Ali Zardari as well.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief is the third prime minister who Zardari has administered the oath to during his presidential tenure.

Attired in a navy blue sherwani and a crisp white shalwar, Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as 27th prime minister of Pakistan by his on-and-off political rival President Zardari at a glowing ceremony at the Presidency on Wednesday.

Nawaz read the text of the oath under Article 91(5) of the Constitution, pledging to perform his duties honestly in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of Pakistan. The newly-elected premier vowed he would not allow his personal interest to influence his official conduct or decisions.

Later, President Zardari congratulated the newly-elected prime minister and hoped he would go a long way to strengthen democracy.

Leaders from all political parties attended the oath-taking ceremony. The guests present included Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other services chiefs, former premiers Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Yousaf Raza Gilani, former National Assembly speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza and former president Justice (retd) Rafiq Tarar. Foreign dignitaries, especially from the Arab states, also made a prominent presence on the occasion.

Nawaz’s family members, including his wife Kulsoom Nawaz, daughter Maryam and son Hussain, were also present at the ceremony alongside President Zardari’s daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2013.