Opposition likely to table no-trust motion against PM Imran Khan in NA session today

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s session is about to start where the Opposition is likely to table the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan after a two-day break since the session was adjourned on Friday.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif is likely to table the no-confidence motion against the premier.

The last NA session was wrapped up almost immediately after it started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, who was in the chair, instead of deliberation on the no-confidence motion against the premier, had called the session off.

In today’s session, the no-confidence resolution is the next item on the agenda after the question hour in 27-point order of the day, released by the NA Secretariat.

“This House is of the view that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan, has lost the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, therefore, he should cease to hold office,” the resolution bearing signatures of 152 opposition members said.

Rule 37(4) of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly says the leave to move the resolution shall be asked for after Question-Hour, if any, and before any other business entered in the order of the day.

Rule 37(5) says that the Speaker may after considering the state of business shall allow a day or two for discussion on the motion. As per Article 95 of the Constitution and Assembly’s rules, a resolution of no-confidence against the Prime Minister shall not be voted before the expiry of three days and not later than seven days from the day, it was moved.

Sources said that Qaiser is expected to allow voting on the resolution on April 4 after the resolution is moved.

Moreover, the order of the day for today also includes the introduction of a bill for a separate South Punjab province.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will introduce further to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan [The Constitution (26th Amendment) Bill, 2022] in this regard.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan will introduce a Bill further to amend the Elections Act, 2017 [The Elections (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022].

The combined Opposition had requisitioned the National Assembly along with a notice of no-confidence resolution submitted in the National Assembly Secretariat on March 08.

The proceedings on the first day on Friday (March 25) were adjourned after Fateha for PTI’s deceased MNA Khayal Zaman.

Read more: Receiving threats, but we will not compromise on national interest: PM Imran Khan