Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was on Saturday sworn in as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan in a simple ceremony hosted at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 9:30am, started a little after 10am.
The ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.
High-profile guests, including caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan and Navy Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, were present at the ceremony.
Other notable guests included senior PTI leaders, cricketer-turned-commentator Rameez Raja, newly elected Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, singers Salman Ahmed and Abrarul Haq, actor Javaid Sheikh and former National Assembly speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza.
A visibly overwhelmed Khan, clad in a traditional sherwani, smiled sheepishly as he had some difficulty with following the oath in Urdu. It was administered to him by President Mamnoon Hussain and televised live by state broadcaster PTV.
PM Khan swore to “bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan”, and to “discharge my duties and perform my functions honestly, to the best of my ability... and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of Pakistan.”
The ceremony marked an end to decades of rotating leadership between the ousted PML-N and the PPP, punctuated by periods of military rule.
After taking oath as premier, Khan and First Lady Bushra Imran greeted various guests and accepted felicitations from them.
This was Bushra's first public appearance since their wedding earlier this year.
As the swearing-in ceremony concluded, Khan was ushered to Prime Minister House, where he was presented a guard of honour by contingents from Pakistan's three armed forces.
Khan had invited the rest of the 1992 team to the ceremony, and fast bowler Wasim Akram was pictured smiling among the crowd.
Another cricketer-turned-politician, India's Navjot Singh Sidhu, was seated in the front row and was earlier warmly embraced by Gen Bajwa after an animated conversation between the two.
The guests had been asked to carry their NIC or accreditation cards but not to bring with them any handbags, purses, mobiles phones or any other electronic gadgetry.
According to a tweet by PTI's official Twitter account, the ceremony's menu of nine dishes was reduced to refreshments only on Khan's request as part of his "austerity drive".
A notification issued by the Cabinet Division after the ceremony said Khan has entered the office of the prime minister after taking the oath.
UN chief extends felicitations
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated Khan on assuming the office of prime minister of Pakistan.
The message came hours after Khan’s oath-taking ceremony took place in Islamabad.
The Government of Pakistan Twitter account shared felicitations from the UN chief.
“The UN chief hopes for deepening of UN-Pak cooperation in various fields including the world body’s flagship peacekeeping operations around the globe,” the tweet read.
The UN chief had also congratulated the people of Pakistan upon the conclusion of elections and said that he “looks forward to the formation of a new government” after the July 25 general elections.
The University of Bradford also congratulated Khan, who is a former chancellor, commending his "incredible journey" from a cricket hero to premiership.
The work begins
After the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the biggest parliamentary party in the wake of the July 25 polls, all 120 of the party's parliamentary committee members had rubber-stamped Khan's candidacy for the post of the prime minister.
The party formed enough alliances and recruited enough independents to gain the numbers required to get Khan elected as the PM in Friday's parliamentary vote.
Khan and his party campaigned on promises to end widespread graft while building an “Islamic welfare state”.
“First of all, we will start strict accountability. I promise to my God that everyone who looted this country will be made accountable,” he said in his speech as PM-elect on Friday.
PTI candidates were also voted speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly this week, putting Khan in a strong position to carry forward his legislative agenda.
He will face myriad challenges, including militant extremism, water shortages, and a booming population negating growth in the country, among others.
Most pressing is a looming economic crisis, with speculation that Pakistan will have to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Khan will also have to contend with the same issue as many predecessors: how to maintain a power balance in civil-military relations.
Comments (128) Closed
CONGRATS to Pakistanis everywhere.
PML-N is just as shameless as opposition, as it is in government.
Congrats & good luck. Time starts for fulfilling Sky-rocketed promises you made with the Pakistanis.
He deserves becoming prime minister. No one deserves it more.
Let's hope for the best for IK.
InshaAllah the new era will be free of corruption and bring prosperity to the country. Pay attention to Education, health, security etc of the country.
Congratulations Imran Khan. Lot of hopes from you. Please remember accountability across the board. Spare no individual or institution. Prayers and best wishes. Long Live Pakistan.
Good luck Prime Minister Khan!
What was just a slogan not long ago is a reality now. Wazeer- e - Aazam Pakistan, Imran Khan !!!
Congratulations PM IK. Congratulations Pakistan. The climb is going to be steep due to the problems created by Zardari, Nawaz Sharif.
Now I can say to non Pakiatani that our PM is not corrupt.
Any invitations issued to N league should be canceled. They embarrassed the country due to their behavior in the NA yesterday. They cannot accept the reality that the people have thrown them out of power because of their incompetence and corruption
@Javed thank you, congrats to you as well.
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Well said.
All the best Pakistanis. Hope Imran will help make a better Pakistan. Wishes from India
Hope IK won't be AK of Delhi..Best wishes from India.
Pakistan finally has a government of the people, by the people, FOR the people.
Imran Khan, the heart beat of the young generation : CONGRATULATIONS. You have successfully dislodged the evil forces but they are not dead yet. You saw them in the NA yesterday harassing you. They will fight tooth and nail for their survival which they are doing. Worry not and stay the noble path because they are nothing more than sand dunes
Congrats Mr PM Khan. We pray for your sucess.
Bring back looted money ASAP and spend on poor
' The armed forces will follow a leader they respect, who is not a crook, looter or a sell out to foreign powers agenda.
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN.
HEART CONGRATULATIONS AND VERY BEST WISHES TO BE THE 22 nd PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN. MAY ALMIGHTY'S BLESSINGS BE ALWAYS THERE UPON HIM.
Congratulations Mr. Imran Khan. All the best.
I’m ashamed to read some of the comments by fellow Pakistanis reminding the newly sworn PM of his promises made. First things first, he will have to clean up the mess left behind from PML-N and PPP, which is finances of the country, then he can start working on his promises. Unless of course you want him to start creating jobs with Rs 1.1 Trillion in debt. Be reasonable.
Heartfelt congratulations to my bros and sisters ! .................A global Indian who has several Pakistani friends !
Finally, a sincere person, has been elected for the key leadership role, who can work towards changing the state and status of ordinary Pakistanis!
Good Luck Imran Khan!
This is a new era for Pakistan, lots of hopes, dreams and prayers are riding on this new government, let us all pray for success and prosperity for our well deserved Pakistan. Ameen. It’s a tough road ahead, it didn’t become this bad over night, it’s going to take a lot of work, don’t expect everything back in it’s pkace overnight.
Mubarak to Pakistan hope and pray the ray turns into a full fledged moon lite Ameen
Why can't he stand still while taking the oath? His body language suggests that he looks restless and wants to get it over with as soon as possible. Very unprofessional attitude.
Good wishes to him for his new inning as political captain & will not fumble ( like during oath taking ) in handling critical situation of Pakistan. At the moment watching the gaurd oh honor . Appears he is feeling uneasy with the pomp attached to such protocols.
It was wonderful to see Sidhu and army cheif having smiles and talk.
CONGRATS TO ALL MY PAKISTANI BROTHERS AND SISTERS. FROM CANADA
Shirwanii
Congratulations to new PM.
Right people including bureaucrats at right places would play a crucial role in implementing govt policies.
A dark and gloomy day for those who believe in an honest democracy, free and fair election. An elected prime minister works hard to make people happy because he is elected by the people. A selected prime minister works hard to make THEM happy because he is selected by THEM.
Did former Prime ministers including Nawaz Sharif took such lengthy oath? If they did, then Nawaz Sharif violated and broke the oath on so many counts. This should be checked and if he did break, he should be brought under the same offence General (Retd.) Parvez Musharraf is facing.https://www.dawn.com/news/1427560/prime-minister-imran-khan-pti-chairman-sworn-in-as-22nd-premier-of-pakistan
Pakistanis had enough of this Bhutto and sharifs. IK would be the first pm to complete 5 years.
Victory with lots of responsibilities. Hearty Congratulations.
Big day for Pakistan. Special thanks to N.S. Sidhi for spreading love between the two nations.... Salute from 125 Million people to you Sir!
Many congratulations and good luck, well deserved PM Imran Khan, you fought hard against corrupt mafia, highlighted common people's issues like: lack of education, health care, injustice, shortage of clean water and job opportunities. Nation is proud of leaders like you, and will support you - just don't worry about incompetent opposition or APC, focus on your mission and prove your critics wrong through delivering results!
Congratz IK. A new dawn begins in Pakistan
Congratulations to PM Imran Khan.
Congratulations IK & PTI You have a very difficult road ahead but the nation is looking up to you to dig us out of this hole and put the country on right path.
@Peter Don't agree that his body language reflected unprofessional attitude. It just reflected his simplicity, dislike of pomp and you can say lack of experience at such occasions.
Imran Khan should have practised the oath before taking it in front of public. His smile and restless movement were uncalled for. Anyway, all the best Imran Khan on a new innings.
Congrats to Pakistan.
Best leader of the century MashAllah.
Hope IK will deliver on India-Pak peace.
Congrats to all Pakistanis. We are blessed and fortunate to have IK as our PM. A person with honor, dignity, honesty, commitment, resilience, vision and so on.. It is indeed very hard to find a person of his stature in a country like ours. Congrats and best wishes.
Now Shariffs should close their shops. They should return the looted treasure of the country immediately or be ready to for Adiala jail.,
@RUMI - as usual, you are always negative, pessimistic and spread useless speculations. I say to you and your associates: grow up, accept ground realities and stop supporting losers who looted tax payers money. PMLN's narrative is clearly rejected by public and voted for honest, dedicated team and new vision that is eager to work hard for ordinary people. Stop mourning and come out of your cookoo land!
Most pressing is a looming economic crisis and a booming population negating growth in the country, among others, aptly said by the writer. Wish that the new Govt. will definitely be successful to solve all issues one by one. Congrats and Best Wishes for the new PM, People of Pakistan from the well-wisher from across the border..
Congratulate
Leadership and good governance starts at the top. Imran Khan has the qualities of a great PM. Finally Pakistan has a future to look forward to. Congratulations IK.
The Hero of Pakistan and the tallented PM of Pakistan. Well done. Inshallah TABDEELI ZAROOR AEGI
@Peter "His body language suggests that he looks restless and wants to get it over with as soon as possible. Very unprofessional attitude."
If he can rid my country of corruption I couldn't care less what his body language is like. Do you have anything else against him ?
@RUMI " An elected prime minister works hard to make people happy because he is elected by the people"
That means Pakistan has never had a true democratically elected government. We have hit rock bottom after so many years of Sharifs and Zardaris.
Hearty Congratulations! PM Khan and all Pakistani brothers . Wishing a new era of friendship between two separated brothers. .Resolve K issue with mutual understanding as reached earlier( Agra summit). Start full trade between both the countries. Make the movement of people( except militants) smoother. With this genuine approach of friendship our defence budget will come down and the same will go for the development of country.Our 99% problem will get resolved. STOP FIGHTING START PROSPERING
@Peter: Have you ever seen him in action as a fast bowler?
Congrats Imran, Take Pakistan to great heights in Political economical, public welfare a as you once you did in Cricket World Cup
In 2013 Nawaz Sharif took oath in the English language . Imran Khan should be appreciated that he took oath of the PM in Urdu indicating Nationalistic approach. The translator however could have used easier to pronounce Urdu terminology of the English text given in the Constitution.
Welcome! selected PM of Pakistan.
One of the best moments so far in the history of Pakistan, apart from the Azadi.
I hope Sidhu remains safe back in India,
IK & Qadri relations gives me chills. It seems to me that imperialist scenario was not successful in Turkiye but it seems it is successful in PK
It is good that he took the oath in Urdu but the wording is too difficult and extreme. It should be made simple. This is not supposed to be an MA or PhD exam or class in Urdu lughat. Perhap IK should have gotten a copy and rehearsed beforehand
Congratulations Pakistan. One of my dreams to see Imran Khan as Pakistan's premier got fulfilled.
The other taking words were so tough, probably IK also didn't understand. He fumbled many times.
Well done. Hold those who have been robbing us accountable.
Congratulations from India. Hope he performs again to win the hearts in both the countries and able to stop the blood flow.
All the Best. Wishing a peaceful, prosperous, growing Pakistan ahead with efficient, honest and Good governance of imran Khan. Good luck
Heartfelt Felicitations to PM Imran khan who will now bring fresh air to Pakistan opening a new chapter in the political history of the country. He will carry with him the national resolve and support needed to push forward his realistic agenda of reforms. Fixing the economy and restoring the national confidence and the belief that Pakistan "can do it" should now be the priority. To avoid going to the IMF, all Pakistanis should donate their one day salary or income to the PM fund beside the measures the new govt might take to utilize other domestic channels including the austerity measures. No doubt, Pakistan has turned around the corner.
@Peter "His body language suggests that he looks restless and wants to get it over with as soon as possible." He clearly lacks training in formal talk and gesture. That is not a bad thing, if his sincerity (not arrogance) surpasses his mannerism.
Congratulations to the nation, to Imran Khan and PTI. But can our politicians make a start with good time keeping.
Mubarak to all my brothers and sisters of Pakistan in bringing about this 'milestone' of a change in Pakistani politics. There is much hope banked on IK and his PTI party to steer our beloved country Pakistan to an eventually 'prosperity', but no doubt there are many mountains to climb for the journey ahead and any journey must start with the first step, Inshallah.
A turning point in Pakistan's history.
The reality starts now, the trick is to pick good competent people who will disagree with you and will tell you on your face, that you are wrong.
@LAHORI KID excuses begin
Many Many congratulations for naya Pakistan's Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan, hope he will try to keep better relation with this sub continent and this greatest all rounder 'BAT' will be more faster then others.
CONGRATS Imran Khan for being the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan.
I genuinely felt the patriotism for the first time seeing a PM given the honor. Hope the nation prosper and our PM succeeds in doing so
Without the support of the establishment IK would not have won more 10 seats in Punjab. Pakistan is an unfortunate country where expenses are incurred on elections but the real purpose of the election is defeated by those at the helm of affairs. And this guy spent 5 years just staging dharnas and would not let elected government of PML-N to perform. IK is thus responsible for the economic crisis Pakistan is going through.
@Peter Because he is a normal human being like us and not a robot without mind and heart like his predecessors!
Many many Congratulations to everyone .. good days are ahead InshaAllah
When will he start working for junobi Punjab sooba.
Selected Prime Minister.
IK struggles for 22 years to get here. He should have a few minutes out of his busy schedule to rehearse the Oath. The entire ceremony needed to be well choreographed. A lot of unnecessary movements during the anthem.
Congratulations to PM Imran Khan and best wishes to him.
All the best to you Imran Khan Sahib.
May your leadership bring economic growth to all in Pakistan and I pray that you lead the subcontinent towards amity and peace.
You were one of the cricketing stalwarts and an example for a ton of others, I saw you from the other side of the fence but you did leave a lasting impression with your skill both with bat and ball and above all your leadership skills in getting the best out of your team.
Regards
This is a breath of fresh air in the politics of Pakistan Long Live Pakistan.
Mabrook once again. The long, uphill, tiring and challenging journey of "change" has just begun. However, as the famous adage goes, "where there is a will, there is definitely a way." Let's wait and see what happens next? Pakistan, Zindabaad, fertile land and patriotic people of Pakistan, Paeendabaad.
He stumbled many times during oath taking , hope he does not stumble in governance. Or is this the trailer of his governance credentials.
Congratulations and good luck in the next five years. A lot of hard work ahead.
Wishing all the best to newly elected PM of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan. Hope under the leadership of Khan peace will prevail in the region. And all disputes between India and Pakistan will be resolved amicably.
Tubdili ah chukki,,,Congrats.
People will like Hotshot new PM of Pakistan.
Congrats Pakistanis. I hope PM Imran is able to usher in a new era that'll meet all your aspirations
What an amazing day! Our prayers are with you and whenever you call on us we will be there!
@Peter I don't agree with your comment at all.Imran Khan looks overwhelmed by all this official formality and appears a little conscious in the video because it is the first time he has become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. His experience with official formalities will grow and you will find him a different person.Congratulations Imran Khan.
Congratulations Pakistan. I hope citizens will have more patience with him for a longer term and not do the same as Musharraf an Ayub Khan. What he promised is a minimum 10 years project.
@Wellwisher or jealousy in your case
Pakistan needs a leader of action, not graduate orators from David Arcement's school of eloquence. Congratulations, to you, Imran. May Lord bless you and protect you, always..
@Peter Forget about non-verbals...
Time has to unite as Pakistanis. No more divisions of any sort. We can't afford to be divided based on color, creed, ethnicity, language, status or political parties. Now the elections are over. There is only one party that matters "PAKISTANIS".
Congrats to us all, we have successively transitioned into 3rd democratic government.
Pakistan Zindabad.
@Zulfi "This is not supposed to be an MA or PhD exam or class in Urdu lughat. " It is the highest post of the country that has Urdu as national language. A metric student is capable to recite and understand it. But the stress of the event can hit anyone.
At last , the decadence in the name of democracy has come to an end .
I hope he will halve corruption in 90 days.
Imran Khan invited his cricketer friends, singers and actors. What about his own near family members including being single brother of three sisters.
None of the sisters attended such an important ceremony. A big question mark on Imran Khan 's human relationship ?
Wish him the best, inning has just stated with the other side (debt) having scored US 12 billion dollars.
@Indian we will gladly take Sidhu, he would be a great addition but please in return can you guys take Amir Liaquat hussain . Thanks in advance
@Alba its too early to say who deserves what. only time will tell.
@Khan Let's just hold our praises for now. He has yet to prove himself.
Great day for Pakistan. The break of rotating Government is first step to curtail corruption and help the masses.
Imran GO and WIN again
@Khan It is too early to say so.
@Syed Ahmed, Canada What has that got to do with governance of a government?
@JA-Australia : Really. Elections did not say so.
They will not let him complete his term. Nawaz will.
Congratulations to Pakistan!
On a side note, Imran needs to find an experienced chief of staff who could guide him on official matters and mannerism. For example, his oath taking should have been rehearsed, also guard of honor should also be rehearsed, he looked little confused. He was having difficulty pronouncing difficult wordings of oath which you don't use in daily life. These are not big issues but one must need to be careful not to misstep on critical matters. There is not harm getting coached on these matters.
I am do proud!
I have never seen such a 14th of August celebration as I did this week. A leader which inspire the people!
Imran khan’ Sons didn’t attend his oath taking ceremony on Saturday. Wonder why?
Impressed with Sidhu. He is a well-spoken man.
Congratulations to Imran and to Pakistan!! Now Pkaistan has two game changers. One CPEC and Two IK. I am sure now within his 5 year term Pakistan would finally be the richest and the most powerful country on Earth.
Congratulations PM Imran Khan. I saw you in Madras during the test match between India and Pakistan in 1980?. It is going t be difficult but you can do it. Have the courage and will. It is the economy, education for all particularly the women and health care for all. If any one can do, it is you. Good luck.
nice
@Khan Yes. At least for now
Hope he will break the Jinx and complete full term of five years as a Prime Minister.
PM Imran Khan has a a tough task to perform. He represents the younger genertion of his countrrry and is essentially a modernist. We wish he could really make New Pakistan that he wants--a Pakistan economically strong, ideologically tolelrant and practically pragmatic and not given to deniability.We wishhim success.
What are forces personal doing there?
BEST THING COULD EVER HAPPEN TO PAK