Pak PM’s son takes charge of Punjab

The son of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took charge of Punjab province yesterday, the country's most politically important region, further bolstering the dynasty's grip on power. Nepotism and cronyism are deeply entrenched in the Muslim-majority nation of more than 220 million people, with power mostly shared between two families -- the Sharifs and the Bhuttos -- for much of Pakistan's history. It comes weeks after cricket superstar turned politician Imran Khan was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote when the usually feuding families formed an opposition coalition. Hamza Shehbaz,47, Sharif took over as chief minister of Punjab -- the country's richest, most populous and politically influential province -- after weeks of deadlock. The region's governor and a Khan loyalist refused to swear in the new chief, elected by the provincial assembly, forcing Lahore High Court to step in.