Pakistani lawmakers elect ousted PM Nawaz Sharif's ally as replacement

Pakistan's former Petroleum Minister and Prime Minister designate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrives to attend the National Assembly session in Islamabad, Pakistan August 1, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani lawmakers on Tuesday elected former petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, an ally of ousted leader Nawaz Sharif, to replace him and the new premier immediately sought to project an image of stability.

Lawmakers of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party banged on benches and chanted "Lion, lion Nawaz Sharif" after the vote, standing defiant in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to cut short his third stint in power.