Pakistan PM Imran Khan to stay for now as no-confidence motion declared ‘unconstitutional’

Islamabad: The Deputy Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri on Sunday dismissed the no-trust move against Prime Minister Imran Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution, Dawn reported.

Suri chaired Sunday's session after opposition parties, in a surprise move, filed a no-confidence motion against Speaker Asad Qaiser earlier in the day.

Taking the floor shortly after the session began, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that loyalty to the state was the basic duty of every citizen under Article 5.

He reiterated the Prime Minister Imran Khan's earlier claims that a foreign conspiracy was behind the move to oust his government. "On March 7, our official ambassador was invited to a meeting attended by the representatives of other countries. The meeting was informed that a motion against PM Imran was being presented."

Opposition lawmakers earlier exuded confidence of the success of the no-trust move as they made their way to Parliament House.

Needing the support of at least 172 lawmakers from a total of 342 to oust the premier through the no-trust move the opposition parties have managed to garner the support of 174 members in the NA.

The number however, does not include over a dozen dissidents of the ruling PTI, who have publicly declared the withdrawal of their support to the prime minister. (UNI)