Pakistani PM vows supremacy of parliament

Islamabad, June 23 (IANS) Pakistan's new Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has vowed to ensure supremacy of parliament, strengthen democracy and hold free and fair elections.

"Powers to all institutions flow from the parliament," he said during his address to the nation Friday night after being elected as the country's 25th prime minister.

"The parliament manifests aspirations of the people and we shall ensure that nobody exercises this right of the parliament and the people," Geo TV quoted him as saying.

"Some undemocratic minds try to belittle democracy and the people of Pakistan," he said adding "This is an irresponsible thinking that the country can be run against the aspirations of the people."

Recounting the sacrifices of his leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, former Pakistani prime ministers, Ashraf also pledged to follow their path and make every effort to strengthen democratic institutions and respect the will of people.

"We are at a critical juncture of history that entrusts on political forces to manifest sagacity, unity and collaboration to take forward the democratic process and ensure free, fair and transparent elections for the continuity of democracy," Pervez said.