The motion of no confidence against embattled Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was tabled in the Pakistan National Assembly for debate before the House adjourned for the day today. The National Assembly met today after a two-day recess when the motion was formally tabled amid a volatile political situation in the country.

Introducing the no-trust motion in the Pakistan parliament, the Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif said: “I am presenting a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister.”

161 members of the Assembly voted in favour of the motion against PM Khan.

The next session will be held on March 31 from 4-30pm (India time), the local media in Pakistan reported.

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Uncertainty gripped Pakistan on March 8 after the Opposition submitted the motion to the National Assembly, with a request to the Speaker to summon a session within 14 days.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid had said during a media interaction that the no-confidence resolution would be decided by March 31, adding that Prime Minister Khan was not going anywhere, reported news agency PTI.

“People must shun the idea that Imran Khan’s politics is teetering on the brink, especially after his ‘great’ rally in Islamabad a day ago,” Rashid said, terming the motion against Khan “a conspiracy to weaken Pakistan”.

The Opposition is confident that 172 members, the majority mark in the 342-member parliament, will rally behind the motion and overthrow the government.

Imran Khan came to power in 2018 with the promise of a “Naya Pakistan” but failed miserably as prices of essential commodities skyrocketed in the country, allowing the opposition to wage a war on his government.

69-year-old Imran Khan is heading a coalition government and could be removed if any of the partners decide to switch sides.

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, with 155 members, needs at least 172 lawmakers on its side to remain in power.

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