April 3, 2022
3 mins read

D-day for Imran

The Opposition claims that they have 199 members so far and there is no reason to believe they can’t muster a bigger number on Sunday, reports Mrityunjoy Kumar Jha

Finally, Pakistan’s “loser” Prime Minister, Imran Khan, admitted that he lost to the united opposition, but would not concede defeat.

“I cannot even think about resigning and as far as the no-confidence vote is concerned, I believe in fighting till the end,” beleaguered PM Imran Khan told ARY News of Pakistan, signalling that he would only go down kicking-and-screaming.

Khan “confirmed” the reports that he was in touch with the top leadership of the military establishment headed by Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the establishment had suggested three options.

“They had given three options – resignation, no-confidence (vote) or early elections. I told him (Bajwa) that I am ready for early elections but I cannot even think about resigning and as far as the no-confidence vote is concerned,” Khan told the channel.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (Image: Twitter@ShkhRasheed)

When he was asked if it was he who had approached the establishment for “face saving exit”, Khan said ruefully: “As long as ‘establishment’ continues to settle matters, then who is the Prime Minister, what difference does it make.”

Khan’s interview was like his address to the nation on March 31, full of rhetoric, and little substance. After blaming an international conspiracy to oust him, Khan himself has doubled down with public statements that he fears an attempt on his life.

“Wrong things are being spread against my family. My wife’s character is being assassinated and my life is also in danger,” said Khan.

Desperate times call for desperate moves. Knowing that he is to go down on Sunday, the egoistic Khan has been making a futile bid to remain in power.

According to insiders, Imran Khan is considering resigning along with all his members from the Pakistani National Assembly on Sunday after losing the no-confidence vote.

If Khan’s 155 ruling party members resign from the National Assembly, the new government will be in “jeopardy”. It will be difficult to hold such a large number of by-elections. The same exercise will be conducted simultaneously in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces where Khan’s party is in power. The new government will have no other choice other than immediate elections and Khan thinks that going to the polls immediately will benefit him.

Khan has already prohibited his members from participating in the no-confidence vote.

But the question is, will his party members agree to his plan, for a mass revolt against a sinking Khan is not inconceivable? With the momentum building against Khan, most in his party may not be inclined to go to early polls. Many “disgruntled” members are apparently in touch with the opposition and may decide to rebel against Imran Khan.

The Opposition claims that they have 199 members so far and there is no reason to believe they can’t muster a bigger number on Sunday.

The opposition leaders have also approached the various security agencies including the army to ensure the security of every parliamentarian irrespective of party affiliation when they go to the Assembly on Sunday. Referring to Khan’s calls to gather 100,000 supporters outside the Assembly on Sunday when voting will be held on the no-confidence move, the opposition leader and the prime ministerial candidate Shehbaz Sharif, in his letter to chiefs of security agencies, said that any such gathering would be in blatant violation of order dated March 18 that prohibits gathering of five or more persons inside the Red Zone under Section 144 of the CrPC. He warned that any such gathering would inevitably provoke other parties to bring their own supporters for self-protection, which might lead to bloodshed and chaos in the capital.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Endgame for Imran Khan

Previous Story

Modi has a piece of advice for bureaucrats

Next Story

‘Unconstitutional’: Deputy Speaker rejects no-trust move against Imran

Latest from Asia News

India Snubs China’s BRI Again

India has refused to support China’s BRI during the previous SCO Summits as well….reports Asian Lite News On Monday, India once again withheld its support for China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative

Xi Woos Arab World

For Egypt, the summit carries special significance. Egypt’s accession as an SCO dialogue partner marks a strategic step toward forging more balanced, diversified international partnerships, particularly with emerging countries such as China,

Modi Visit Boosts Sino-Indian Ties

Observers noted that Modi’s visit is being closely watched, particularly in the context of India-China relations, which have faced strain since the border clashes of 2020….reports Asian Lite News Chinese Ambassador to

Afghans Back Girls’ Education

The survey, based on responses from 2,000 people across Afghanistan, reflects a strong national consensus in favour of girls’ education despite official restrictions…reports Asian Lite News A new United Nations survey has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan: New Gwadar Airport Set to Start Ops

The airport, a donation by China, is a 4F-grade state-of-the-art

Special flight from Bishkek brings 180 Pak students to Lahore

Foreign students living in the Kyrgyz capital, including those from