Opp reaches out to PTI MNAs from K-P

PDM sources say some parliamentarians had sought time while others refused to support no-trust motion

PESHAWAR:

In a significant development ahead of the no-trust motion likely to be tabled against the government, it has been revealed that opposition parties contacted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly (NA) members hailing from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in a bid to garner their support.

However, officials familiar with the matter said a majority of PTI MNAs refused to support the opposition in their political endeavors whereas some sought time for consultations.

A source within the opposition parties’ alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), on the condition of anonymity, said NA members were being contacted to complete the “number games” for the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan to be a success.

In this regard, he added, PTI members from K-P have also been contacted. “PDM central leadership has contacted the members.”

On the other hand, a PTI MNA, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, said "We have been contacted by a PDM ally and we have refused to cooperate in this regard."

PDM sources said some MNAs have requested for consultation time and some members are not ready to cooperate.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) K-P Spokesperson Ikhtiar Wali has confirmed that the necessary preparations for bringing the no-confidence motion have been completed.

Opposition parties are also in touch with the ruling party MNAs and more PTI members are being contacted in this regard.

Wali added that preparation for the no-confidence motion has been completed. “The no-confidence motion can be brought forward at any time.”

He further said, “This time our preparations are very good and there will be no mistake. Members will receive good news in March.”

Read Opposition ‘divided’ over no-trust move

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan People’s Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had urged opposition parties not to put forward the no-confidence motion against PM Imran until the PPP-led long march culminated in the capital.

Earlier this month, on February 11, the PDM had announced it will bring a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.

Recently, key opposition leaders had revealed that the flurry of activity in their camp was taking a final shape and it was expected that the no-trust motion against the government would be presented within the first half of March.

A senior PPP leader, while refraining to give the exact date, said there would not be much delay in bringing the no-confidence motion as the required numbers were complete and issue was being given its final touches.

The PPP stalwart had disclosed that the motion was a matter of weeks now, adding that the first or second week of March would be crucial in this connection.

As things heat up, a government spokesperson had claimed that three PTI lawmakers were offered money to gain their support for the opposition’s planned no-confidence motion in parliament.

On the contrary, Information Minister Fawad Chauhdry had said the government will respond to the no-trust motion according to the Constitution.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2022.