A cabinet member of Imran Khan’s government resigned hours after a no-confidence motion was introduced in the Pakistan National Assembly. Federal Housing Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema is a member of PML-Q from Bahawalpur. Cheema has decided to vote in support of the opposition’s no-confidence motion.
Earlier in the day, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had announced PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Elahi as the chief ministerial candidate of Punjab. Imran Khan’s party had accepted the resignation of its current CM Usman Buzdar. Buzdar had to face the same no-confidence motion like Imran Khan.
According to Pakistan media reports, Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs claimed that the PML-Q had assured support to the government.
The Imran government would need 172 votes in the 342-member National Assembly to thwart the proposal. However, 23 members of Khan’s coalition have so far not pledged to support him and nearly two dozen members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have revolted. In such a situation, it is still a difficult situation for them.
Balochistan Awami Party spoiled Imran’s game
After one member went into opposition, the PML-Q now has four members who will support the government, according to PTI. In the 342-member Pakistan National Assembly, opposition parties including the PML-N, Pakistan People’s Party have the support of 163 members.
Apart from this, Balochistan Awami Party has announced its support to the opposition, giving a blow to Imran Khan. This brings the opposition’s strength to 168, just four votes short of the number needed to oust the Imran Khan government.
All eyes on Muttahida Qaumi Movement
Now, all eyes are on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which has seven members in its assembly. If it votes for the opposition, then Imran Khan’s government will fall. Let us tell you that a no-confidence motion has already been presented against the Imran Khan government of Pakistan. Now the voting is to be held after the third day and before the seventh day. According to the Constitution of Pakistan, the Prime Minister cannot dissolve the House and order fresh elections.
Imran Khan has reiterated many times that he will not resign and will fight till the last ball. During a rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground on Sunday, the 69-year-old politician alleged a foreign conspiracy was behind attempts to topple his government.