The Azerbaijan State News Agency

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Pakistan's new prime minister elected

23.06.2012 [12:22]
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Baku, June 23 (AZERTAC). Pakistan People's party coalition limps on with National Assembly backing for politician in fraud investigation.

A politician who is under investigation for fraud and presided over the collapse of Pakistan's electricity supplies was elected the country's prime minister on Friday.

Capping a week of political chaos, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf won enough votes in Pakistan's National Assembly to lead the government as it attempts to limp to the end of its term in office.

After the vote rose petals were thrown over Ashraf as he walked triumphantly into the chamber, greeting supporters and making his way to the seat reserved for the prime minister.

Ashraf may also face legal challenges from a national anti-corruption body over his alleged involvement in a scandal involving kickbacks from "rental power plants" - private electricity companies supplying the Pakistani grid.