President Pervez Musharraf has sworn in a loyalist of slain ex-leader Benazir Bhutto as Pakistan’s new prime minister.
Yousaf Raza Gilani took the oath from Mr Musharraf today during a formal ceremony at the presidential palace in Islamabad.
Members of Mr Gilani’s party chanted “Long Live Bhutto” after he was sworn in.
The ceremony took place as two senior US envoys arrived in Pakistan for talks.
Mr Gilani will front a new government that has vowed to cut back the US-backed president’s powers.
Seated side-by-side on a raised dais and flanked by two honour guards with white and gold-braided uniform, Mr Gilani followed the former army strongman’s lead in reading the oath of office.
Mr Musharraf betrayed no emotion during the ceremony, but gave Mr Gilani a firm handshake and chatted amiably with him as they headed for refreshments in the presidential palace.
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