ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif took the oath to officially become prime minister for a second time, nearly four weeks after an uncertain national election caused delays in the formation of a coalition government.
Sharif, 72, officially took up office at a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential office in the nation's capital, Islamabad, a day after parliament elected him prime minister despite protests from lawmakers aligned with jailed former premier Imran Khan.
His first meeting after the ceremony was with his finance team, a statement from the prime minister's office said, adding that he directed them to begin talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on an extended funding facility. The current agreement expires in April.
"We got a mandate to improve country's economy and that's our government's top priority," the statement said.
The Feb 8 election was marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests and violence in its build-up and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.
Candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) agreed to form a coalition government. The PML-N is spearheaded by Shehbaz Sharif's elder brother, three time premier Nawaz Sharif, but he decided not to take the prime minister's post.
Economists, investors and foreign capitals would now be watching closely for an announcement by Sharif on the cabinet, especially the important finance portfolio. The next finance minister will have to lead tough talks with the IMF to get a new multi-billion dollar funding agreement.
Former four-time finance minister Ishaq Dar remains the top contender though several other candidates were being seriously considered.