After Opposition parties in Pakistan submitted a no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan, he calls for fresh elections in 90 days.
After a month when opposition parties in Pakistan submitted a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly, the crucial vote was to take place today. However, the Deputy Speaker suspended the session and rejected the no-confidence motion on grounds of it being part of a ‘foreign conspiracy.
Soon after this, Imran Khan addressed the nation and said he has advised the President of Pakistan to dissolve the Assembly. He asked his nation to prepare for elections. The Opposition is to challenge Imran Khan’s move at Supreme Court terming it violating the Constitution and also “treason.” a move that they said was illegal.
“The public decides who they want in power,” Khan in a televised speech. “I want to tell the public to get ready for elections.”
Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, a member of Khan’s ruling party, earlier blamed “foreign interference” in canceling a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition, which said it had the numbers to oust him and take power. The prime minister had alleged evidence of an “international conspiracy” to unseat him led by the U.S., which has denied the allegations.
Pakistan’s opposition parties said the cancellation of the no-confidence vote was illegal and accused Khan of throwing the country into a constitutional crisis. The opposition intends to challenge the parliament ruling in court.
Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif told reporters the deputy speaker and Khan would be charged with treason for violating the constitution.
“We aren’t leaving the parliament,” said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a former prime minister and lawmaker of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party. “This is now a test of the Supreme Court to protect the constitution and the country.”