A First for Pakistan

For the first time since its founding in 1947, Pakistan has seen a civilian government complete a full term in office.

Since Pakistan was founded in 1947, government were often overthrown in coups, toppled by political infighting or end in assassinations or murders.

But overhanging the democratic transition is the continuing militancy and growing sectarian unrest.

"There is a long history of tussle between the democratic and undemocratic forces in Pakistan, but the democratic forces have finally achieved a victory," [outgoing Prime Minister Raja Pervez] Ashraf said in a televised address to the nation.  

Mr Ashraf also promised that the forthcoming elections would be free and fair, and said he hoped the parties would reach consensus "amicably" on which of the rival candidates should head the caretaker cabinet.