Pakistan's outgoing president vows support to gov't

Pakistan's outgoing president, Asif Ali Zardari, vowed Sunday that his opposition Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to support the governmet of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to fight terrorism.

Zardari spoke to his political supporters in the eastern city of Lahore just a few hours after he left presidency on completion of his five-year constitutional term.

"I will stand by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to defeat those forces that wanted to weaken the country," Zardari told several thousand supporters.

Zardari becomes the first president in the country's history to complete his term and to transfer power to an elected successor.

"I have set a history by ensuring smooth transition of power from one democratic government to another," the outgoing president said.

He said he will fully participate in the politics of the country and will remain in contact with the public.

Zardari, who was elected in 2008, said earlier he will not seek the office of the prime minister and will prefer to focus on strengthening his party.

"I am glad to leave my office with dignity and honor on completion of my five-year term," Zardari told staff of the presidency at a dinner late Saturday.