Dawn reports that Pakistan Peoples Party workers bearing flags and portraits of Yousaf Raza Gilani and Benazir Bhutto began celebrating his selection as prime minister even before the official announcement of the result.

Jubilant supporters across the city distributed sweets, set off fireworks displays and performed traditional dances such jhoomar and luddi. Celebrations continued well into the night and a large number of people gathered at Gilani`s residence, despite the fact that he was in Karachi attending his son`s wedding, according to the APP.

Meanwhile, Seraiki forums such as wasaib hailed the selection of the first Seraiki-speaking prime minister of Pakistan. The Seraiki belt is located in southern Punjab, a traditional stronghold of the PPP