President General Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday that the "smooth transfer of power" augured well for democracy and expressed the hope that the country would have excellent governance.
"I see this change auguring well and my expectations are that we will now have excellent governance in Pakistan," he told newsmen after administering oath of office to the new Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President expressed the hope that a new political culture would be introduced in the country. "The political culture is gradually maturing in Pakistan," he said.
The smooth transfer of power, he said, reflects Pakistan Muslim League's maturity. "It reflects maturity of the PML that the transfer of power has been smooth. I am pleased at this."
In response to a question regarding dialogue process with India, he said: "In my view it is moving forward." He said that we would be in a better position to comment on it after the talks between foreign ministers of two countries next month.
In his brief remarks, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said his government will attach highest priority to good governance, further improvement of the national economy and overall better performance.
"This change shows that democracy has been strengthened in the country," Shaukat said.
Analysts say Musharraf, who wields ultimate power, would continue to lead the fight against Islamic militancy and direct foreign policy while Shaukat Aziz's focus would remain on the economy.