No-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan tabled in NA

ISLAMABAD: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif Monday tabled the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan — making him the third premier in Pakistan's history to face the move.

"This house is of the view that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan, has lost the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, therefore, he should cease to hold office," the resolution presented by the Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif stated.

The National Assembly session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, which saw 161 members of the lower house support the tabling of the no-confidence motion against the premier.

The Opposition required 20% of members of the house — 68 — to support the resolution. After its acceptance, the deputy speaker adjourned the session till March 31, 4pm.

160 lawmakers of the Opposition, including Jamhoori Watan Party leader Shahzain Bugti, were present in today’s session. However, the joint Opposition’s strength in the House is 163.

MNA Ali Wazir, PPP’s Jam Abdul Karim and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Akbar Chitrali were absent from today’s session. It is pertinent to mention here that MNA Ali Wazir is currently in jail and Jam Abdul Karim is out of the country.

What are the rules?

Rule 37(5) of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly says that the speaker may, after considering the state of business, shall allow a day or two for discussion on the motion. 

As per Article 95 of the Constitution and Assembly’s rules, a resolution of no-confidence against the Prime Minister shall not be voted before the expiry of three days and not later than seven days from the day, it was moved.

Will Rana Sanaullah be the next interior minister?

Ahead of the crucial National Assembly session for voting on the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the joint Opposition held a meeting to discuss their strategy to topple the PTI-led government.

Sources privy to the matter said that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, during the meeting, had been referring to PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif as “Mr Prime Minister” and Rana Sanaullah as “Mr Interior Minister”.

Meanwhile, Shahzain Bugti joined the Opposition meeting where he received a warm welcome.