Benazir Bhutto’s widower sworn in as president

THE widower of assassinated former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto took office as the country’s new president yesterday, facing immediate pressure to crack down on Islamic militants and address daunting economic problems.

Pakistan’s top judge swore in Asif Ali Zardari at a brief ceremony in the presidential palace recently vacated by Pervez Musharraf, who resigned under pressure last month.

With his three children among the well-wishers and dignitaries packing a cavernous hall, Zardari, wearing a pinstriped business suit, beamed as the ceremony ended and shouts of “Bhutto is alive!” rang out.