Pakistan's Ashraf government makes history

BBC News, 16 March 2013

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PM Raja Pervez Ashraf is facing
corruption allegations

Pakistan's government has become the first elected administration in the country's history to complete a five-year term of office.

An interim government will be installed until the next election, which is expected to be held in May.

Governments are often overthrown in coups, toppled by political infighting, or end in assassinations or murders.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf hailed it as a victory for democracy and promised a fair election.

"There is a long history of tussle between the democratic and undemocratic forces in Pakistan, but the democratic forces have finally achieved a victory," he said in a televised statement.

However, Mr Ashraf is facing a corruption investigation over allegations that he took bribes while he was a minister.

Mr Ashraf, who became prime minister after his successor was forced out amid a dispute with the judiciary, has been in the job for less than a year.

He is expected to remain as a caretaker until a new interim administration is installed, probably in the next few days.

Pakistan continues to be racked by Taliban insurgency, separatist rebellions, sectarian conflicts and a shattered economy.