Ahead of Imran Khan trust vote, Pak sees rapid political developments: 10 points | World News

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is set to face his biggest political challenge as the National Assembly prepares to take up a no-trust motion against the 69-year-old cricketer-turned politician. Khan has been insisting that the United States, which has been known to be a Pak ally, wants his government to fall. The Pak PM, however, has been stressing that he “will play till the last ball”. No Pakistan PM has been known to complete a full term in office.  Some reports have quoted a minister as saying that he may face arrest if he loses vote. The state of Punjab saw the removal of governor on Sunday morning in one of the many hectic developments that the country saw. Omar Sarfraz Cheema replaced Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar in the role amid speculation that differences had emerged between the ruling government and Sarwar.  

Here are top updates as Pakistan readies to take up no-confidence motion against Imran Khan:

1. The Pakistan’s National Assembly is expected to take the no-confidence motion shortly against Imran Khan. Nearly 100 opposition leaders have moved a no-confidence resolution against speaker Asad Qaiser, reports said.  Qaiser, according to analysts, can turn the tense situation in Pak PM’s favour by either allowing some members to not vote or delaying the trust vote, which has been done before. 

2.  “The move to oust me is (a) blatant interference in domestic politics by the United States,” Khan said in his latest attempts to gather support on Saturday.  Imran Khan’s attempts to move the country’s top court amid objections over voting of some members did not reap results.

3. As Khan made comments against Washington, Pakistan army chief General Qamar Bajwa on Saturday was quoted as saying by local media that Islamabad has enjoyed a close relationship with the United States – contrary to what the Pak PM has been claiming. 

4. Thousands of security personnel have been deployed in the capital city of Islamabad amid fears of clashes and protests, local reports said. Visuals captured the deployment of security personnel at the National Assembly also. 

5. To win the no-confidence vote, Imran Khan needs over 172 votes in the 342-member assembly. Opposition parties say they already have support of over 170 members.  

6.  On Saturday, ex Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, called for Imran Khan’s arrest after an alleged attack on him in London by a worker of the ruling PTI. “Those of PTI who resort to violence or create a law and order situation should be arrested and thrown behind bars, IK (Imran Khan) included. IK should be booked for provocation, incitement and sedition. Will be Insha’Allah. None of them should be spared,” she tweeted.

7. The no-confidence motion was tabled on March 8 by the opposition parties. Since then, Imran Khan has been trying to gather support, alleging a plot against him.

8. The opposition blames him for the worsening economic crisis.

9. Last week, Khan held a ‘Jalsa’ rally in Islamabad – a power show in Islamabad amid mounting criticism. 

10. The ruling PTI has also alleged attempts to steal legislators amid a reported infighting in the party.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)