ISLAMABAD: The Permanent Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, framed by the National Assembly, came into force at midnight last night. Chaudhri Fazal Elahi was sworn in as President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under the new Constitution, and Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister. The oath of office was administered to the President by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court … Hamoodur Rahman, the President in turn administered the oath of office to Mr Bhutto.
The proceedings began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. After the oath-taking, Maulana Kausar Niazi, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Auqaf and Haj, presented a copy of the Holy Quran to the new President and new Prime Minister. As Maulana Kausar Niazi presented the copy to Mr Bhutto, he kissed it and touched his eyes with it as a mark of respect and dedication to the Holy Book. … The ceremony ended at 23 minutes past midnight and was attended by the Vice-President, Mr Nurul Amin, Provincial Governors, high ranking civil and military officials, members of the National Assembly, members of the Diplomatic Corps, educationists, intellectuals and student and peasant leaders. — News agencies
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023
