Mr Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain took the oath of office as prime minister today as part of a power transition in the government that the opposition has decried as an affront to democracy.
Mr Hussain was sworn in by President General Pervez Musharraf at a ceremony at the presidential palace in Islamabad, one day after MPs endorsed his appointment in a rubber-stamp vote.
He is expected to stay as premier only for a matter of weeks. Ruling party officials say Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz is to assume the prime minister's spot once expected political manoeuvring is completed.
General Musharraf also swore in a 27-member Cabinet today. State-run radio reported two new ministers had taken office, but didn't mention their portfolios. The key ministerial positions including foreign affairs, defence, interior and information were unchanged. Mr Aziz was sworn in again as finance minister.
Opposition lawmakers complain that the process is being manipulated behind the scenes by Mr Musharraf.
Mr Hussain replaces Mr Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who had served for 19 months but had reportedly fallen out with Mr Musharraf. He tendered his resignation on Saturday, without giving a reason.
"I will continue the policies of President Musharraf," Mr Hussain said after he was elected. He said that his priorities would be to "fight terrorism, improve law and order and eliminate poverty and illiteracy."
AP