Pakistan swears in parliament amid chaos

Newly elected lawmakers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party protest holding posters of Imran Khan. Pic/AP

Pakistan's National Assembly swore in newly elected members on Thursday in a chaotic scene, as allies of jailed former Premier Imran Khan protested what they claim was a rigged election. Lawmakers from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party repeatedly chanted "Vote-thief!" as Shehbaz Sharif, who's expected to form the government, entered the lower house of parliament with his brother Nawaz Sharif. Both men are former premiers.

Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf administered the oath to incoming legislators at noon. The house echoed with chants of "Long Live Sharif!" when the brothers signed the register after taking their oaths of office. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the young chairman of the Pakistan People's Party and a key Sharif ally, was met with similar chants. The new government will face challenges including a surge in militant attacks and shortages of energy.

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