Kochi: In a major relief to 69-year-old Imran Khan, the No-confidence motion was dismissed by the deputy speaker of the National Assembly today, media reports said.
The motion was dismissed on the grounds that it was unconstitutional.
The Opposition front has announced a sit-in at the national assembly till the no-trust vote is held, Pakistan Peoples’ Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said today, the reports said.
With over one year left for Imran to complete his term, the Opposition had decided to bring the motion with the support of some of the parties supporting Imran’s government.
In an address to the nation, Imran had said that he was willing to recommend dissolution of the Parliament to hold fresh polls.
Addressing the nation, the cricketer turned politician said “the people should decide what they want, not foreigners. Buying people through money has resulted in this. Put that money in something better. I implore the nation to prepare for elections. You will decide the future of this nation, not the corrupt or the foreigners.”
No Pakistan Prime Minister has ever completed a full term since its formation.
The no-trust motion was tabled by the Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-N on March 8.
Imran’s PTI has 155 members in 342 member house and he needs 172 votes to continue in power. The opposition claimed to have the support of 175 lawmakers.
The seven member Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Balochistan Awami Party with five members had withdrawn support to Imran the other day.
Security has been beefed up in Islamabad to fight any possible violence and the administration has imposed Section 144. Pillion riding in the capital has been banned.
Shahbaz Sharif was tipped to replace Imran.
Brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz has been Chief Minister of Punjab three times.
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