Fall of Imran Khan govt is imminent as his key ally withdraw support
With this development, it's evident that the Imran Khan government has lost its majority in the lower house of Pakistan's Parliament following the late-night development days ahead of the no-confidence motion or no-trust vote against Imran Khan.
Islamabad: Beleaguered leader Imran Khan who is facing a no-confidence vote by the combined opposition has received a major blow as his key alliance and partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) withdraw its support for Imran Khan's government and joined hands with Opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
"The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan," tweeted PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
With this development, it's evident that the Imran Khan government has lost its majority in the lower house of Pakistan's Parliament following the late-night development days ahead of the no-confidence motion or no-trust vote against Imran Khan.
Pakistan Parliament will take up no-confidence vote for discussion on March 31 and the vote will take place on April 3.
Pakistan's joint opposition has now 177 members of the national assembly after the ruling coalition partner MQM-P decided to cut its ties with the Imran Khan-led government that is left with 164 MNAs (Members of National Assembly).
The combined opposition has confidence that the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister will be successful, Pakistan's joint opposition requires the support of 172 MNAs.
The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI-led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, but now, after MQM-P left the party, PTI strength has been reduced to 164 members, however on the other hand the Opposition has now 177 members of supporters in the national assembly and they don't need the support of disgruntled PTI MNAs.
The MQM-P's decision to support the Opposition came after both sides signed a draft prepared by Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab. The signatories also include the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Pakistan People's Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, says Geo TV sources.
Meanwhile, after Imran Khan alleged that some people are trying to topple his government with the help of foreign funds, federal minister Asad Umar claimed that the PM is ready to show a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to back his claims.
Imran Khan had said during his rally, "Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest."