ISLAMABAD: Prime minister-elect Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday took oath as the eighteenth prime minister of the country at the President House Islamabad.

President Mamnoon Hussain administered oath to Abbasi, after he swept the election with a majority vote. He secured 221 of 339 votes.

Abbasi took oath of his office at a solemn ceremony, which had armed forces chiefs, governors, members of the parliament, and prominent political and social figures in presence.

He was elected as the new prime minister following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court last week.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi elected 18th prime minister of Pakistan

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi secured 221 votes

"I want to thank the supporters and our partners in the coalition who voted for us," said Abbasi, after having been elected as prime minister. "I am also grateful to the opposition and Imran Khan, for remembering us in their daily slandering."

?Four days ago, the Supreme Court verdict was completely embraced by us but not the public. The prime minister left the PM House after the verdict. There were no rifts in the party following the verdict,? he said, adding that democracy was not derailed and was now "back on track".

Abbasi praised the leadership and principles of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and criticised the opposition for accusing him of corruption. "Nawaz is guilty because he made this country an atomic power and strengthened the economy."

"Whether I am in power for 45 days or 45 hours, I will work as the prime minister of the country and will not mere hold the post," added the eighteenth prime minister.