Opposition ‘divided’ over no-trust move

Toppling incumbent govt at this time may tarnish opposition’s image, says PPP leader Latif Khosa

LAHORE:

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders seemed divided over the much-hyped no-confidence motion, which is likely to be tabled in National Assembly next month in a bid to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Speaking to The Express Tribune at Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), senior PPP leader and former Punjab governor Sardar Latif Khan Khosa claimed that the opposition have support of enough lawmakers in the lower house of the parliament required to pass the no-confidence motion against the premier.

“There are two types of opinion between the opposition parties which we are discussing. One is that whether the opposition parties should topple PTI government to take baggage of prevailing crisis,” he said. “If we decide to do that then it may tarnish the image of opposition parties as we would not be able to put things back on track in a short time,” the PPP leader added.

Khosa said the second option is to allow the PTI-led government to complete its tenure and wait till the next general elections.

Also read: Zardari seeks JI’s support for no-trust motion

“But the opposition is adamant to bring this move [no-confidence motion] in March and everyone will see the ‘selected Prime Minister Imran Khan’ will be sent packing,” he maintained.

Another senior PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan told The Express Tribune that opposition was still facing some problems regarding the no-confidence move against PM Imran.

“There is a conflict on a point whether to use option of no-trust vote in Punjab or at the Centre first. Opposition is not collectively prepared for this move,” he added.

“It will be a perfect strategy to conquer the pickets around the boundary first and then move forward slowly,” Aitzaz said, adding that there is no room for what he called “aar ya paar” [now or never] in politics.

PPP had been suggesting Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), anti-government alliance, to launch this move first in Punjab and earlier also opposed the decision of en masse resignations from legislative assemblies but “suggestions were not taken seriously”, he remarked.

However, PML-N’s Punjab president Rana Sanaullah said opposition is optimistic about succeeding in no-trust move against the government.

He said PDM and the other political parties are united to get the vote of no confidence passed in the National Assembly.