NANKANA SAHIB:
Last week, the opposition submitted a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly Secretariat. A total of 86 lawmakers from different opposition parties signed the motion. Now, it is incumbent upon the National Assembly to call a session as per Article 54 of the Constitution within 14 days. One cannot help wonder why the opposition is hell bent upon removing the prime minister especially when the next general election is to take place just next year. Although there are chances that the prime minister will survive the no-confidence motion, cracks within his party are indeed worrisome.
Currently, Pakistan is passing through difficult times, and cannot afford any more political instability. The country is experiencing pressure at the international front. Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration appears unhappy with the Government of Pakistan for its refusal to allow surveillance of Afghanistan. Besides, some 22 European envoys stationed in Pakistan have written a letter to Islamabad pressuring the government to denounce Russian actions in Ukraine.
Given that the public is also frustrated with the government’s performance because inflation has increased and unemployment is soaring, the government finds itself under mounting pressure. Even if the prime minister survives the no-confidence motion, he will struggle in the upcoming elections. Therefore, the next few months will be crucial for the government, the opposition, and the public.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 14th, 2022.
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