The no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan has been tabled in the National Assembly, after a two day delay in parliament and weeks of political turmoil across the country.
Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif presented the no-confidence motion against the prime minister at Monday’s session, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker of the NA Qasim Suri. There was vociferous debate from both sides of the aisle. The session was adjourned for arguments till Thursday, March 31.
As per parliamentary rules, once a resolution is moved, the motion “shall not be voted upon before the expiry of three days, or later than seven days”. Although initially on Friday’s parliamentary agenda, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser had adjourned the session to Monday to offer fateha to a deceased Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said earlier the the vote will likely be held on April 3rd or 4th, suggesting that the ruling PTI government may attempt to delay the motion further till the last possible day.
Also on Monday’s agenda was the creation of south Punjab as its own province, a proposal which was submitted on behalf of the government by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. There were 26 items on Monday’s agenda.
Outside, workers from both the PTI and opposition parties have assembled in Islamabad, staging twin rallies in the federal capital.
