Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was sworn in as president today, in what allies and investors hoped was a step toward stability after months of uncertainty.
Zardari swept an election on Saturday when members of the two-chamber parliament and four provincial assemblies voted on a replacement for former army chief Pervez Musharraf, who resigned last month nine years after taking power in a coup.
A spokeswoman for Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said the new president would strengthen democracy and help the poor.
"Asif Ali Zardari is a shield, protection to strengthen democracy and provide relief to the masses," the spokeswoman, Farzana Raja, told state television shortly before the swearing-in ceremony.
"Democracy will work and this government will complete its five years and you'll see after five years, Pakistan will appear on the world map as new country with new hope," she said.
Investors and Pakistan's allies, led by the United States, hope the election will bring some stability after months of political turmoil and rising militant violence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments