PM Khan orders party MNAs to abstain from voting on no-trust move

Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directions to members of National Assembly of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to either abstain from voting or not attend the session of the lower house in which the no-confidence motion against him was on the agenda.

In a letter, the PTI chairperson directed members of the party to “abstain from voting/not attend the meeting of the National Assembly on the date when the said resolution is setout on the agenda”.

It added that no member of the PTI would make themselves available at the time and date of voting on the resolution.

It further said that duly designated parliamentary members would speak on behalf of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf during the debate on the motion.

The letter further stated that members were required to adhere to these directions in true letter and spirit and keep in mind the intent behind the provision of Article 63-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.

The PTI chairman further intimated party members that no member should violate any instruction and every, or any, violation shall be deemed defection as per Article 63-A of the constitution.

The no-confidence motion was tabled by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Monday.

Prior to the tabling of the no-confidence, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri requested those parliamentarians in favour of the no-confidence to stand up.

Suri had already met with and informed opposition members before the session began that the session would be adjourned after the no-confidence was tabled.

Leaders of the opposition agreed that a debate would be held when the session resumed.

The resolution stated that the house was of the view that Prime Minister Imran Khan had lost the confidence of the majority members of the legislature and should cease holding office.

According to Rule 37(5) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, the speaker should allow one or two days for deliberation on the motion.

According to Article 95 of the constitution, a no-confidence motion is supposed to be voted upon in three to seven days after it was moved.

The order of the day also includes discussion on the constitutional amendment bill for the creation of South Punjab province which was put forth by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The session for the tabling of the no-confidence motion was requisitioned on March 8 by the joint opposition.

Earlier, the 41st session of the National Assembly [2018] was adjourned following the offering of prayers for deceased member of National Assembly, Khayal Zaman.