US congratulates Zardari on presidential win

WASHINGTON: The United States on Saturday congratulated Asif Ali Zardari on his win in Pakistan's presidential vote, the White House said in a statement.

"President (George W) Bush looks forward to working with him, Prime Minister Gillani, and the government of Pakistan on issues important to both countries, including counter-terrorism and making sure Pakistan has a stable and secure economy," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

The controversial front-runner swept a poll among lawmakers to become the 14th president in Pakistan's short but turbulent history, taking power in the world's only nuclear-armed Islamic state and frontline "war on terror" ally.

Zardari secured 281 out of 426 parliamentary votes and won a thumping majority in three of the four provincial assemblies forming the presidential electoral college, officials said.