Islamabad: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan has been announced in Islamabad ahead of a vote today. Islamabad District Magistrate has issued an order banning all kinds of gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations of five or more people. Security has been beefed up outside the National Assembly in Islamabad amid tensions.
Imran had earlier called on the people to take to the streets. He accused foreign powers of plotting to overthrow him. He called on the people to take to the streets to protest for the sake of the country and the future. Imran had said that he had three options before him: resignation, defeat the no-confidence motion and elections.
Opposition parties have stated they will not run in the by-elections on March 8, citing corruption, financial mismanagement and irresponsible foreign policy. In the 342 – member National Assembly, Imran needs 172 votes to defeat the resolution. The Imran-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) -led coalition currently has the support of only 165 members. The opposition has 177 votes. Within the 155-member PTI, there are opponents of Imran. The rumor is strong that some of them will deviate.
The seven-member Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MOQM-P), the four-member Balochistan Awami Party and the four-member PML-Q. Imran lost his majority after the Jamuri Vatan Party withdrew its support. If Imran succeeds in gaining the support of the PML-Q, the Balochistan Awami Party and the MQMP-P, he will have the support of 12 members. With the support of 177 people, the no-confidence motion can be overcome. However, these parties have not yet clarified what their position will be in the polls.