Opposition plans for no-trust ‘success’ aftermath

KARACHI:

The united opposition has completed preliminary consultations for the formation of a new federal government as well as the election of new prime minister following the possible success of its no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday.

A possible new federal government will be formed in the style of a national government in which all opposition parties will be represented.

At present, it is being considered that in case a new government is formed, its term should be at least three or six months.

During this period, electoral reforms and other important legislation can be passed.

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After the approval of this legislation, the present set-up will be dissolved and the formation of an interim government and new elections will be announced. They should be held in a transparent manner immediately and the power of the majority party should be completed in a constitutional manner by the votes of the people.

Sources in the opposition said that in the event of a victory of the no-confidence motion against the prime minister, the main leadership of the united opposition would hold preliminary consultations to elect a new leader of the house and form a possible federal cabinet. A new federal government is being drafted in this initial consultation.

If the no-confidence motion succeeds, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif may become the next prime minister.

Similarly, the PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, MQM-P, BAP and other allied parties could be represented in the possible new federal cabinet.

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It is likely that the ministries of finance, interior and planning will be bagged by the PML-N. The PPP will be given the ministries of foreign affairs, information and others.

The MQM will keep the portfolios of the maritime affairs and housing and works ministries.

Other ministries might be given to the coalition parties.

However, the size of the cabinet will be kept small.

It is possible that experienced opposition members may be represented in the possible cabinet.

All decisions, including the cabinet, will be made by the party leaders.

Sources said that the parties in a possible new federal government could immediately pass legislation in parliament on electoral reforms, accountability and other important issues.

The united opposition will make every effort to announce new elections as soon as possible if their objectives are achieved.

The key tasks of this potential government might include improving the economic situation, eliminating inflation, the provision of public relief package, overcoming the energy crisis, an integrated foreign policy, equitable relations, ending the politics of revenge, speedy justice and a free and independent media.

This possible government could terminate the official appointments of the previous government. Besides, it can change the president and the four governors in a constitutional manner.

Any decision to make a constitutional change in the governments of Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will also be made in consultation.

The sources said these were preliminary consultative stages and further decisions would be made by consensus after the success of the no-confidence motion and considering the political situation at that time.