PM urges opposition to accept snap polls offer instead of supporting ‘foreign plot’

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he was “astonished” by the reaction of joint opposition including Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership over his decision to call early elections.

“Astonished by reaction of PDM to our calling for general elections. They have been crying hoarse about how our govt has failed & lost support of the people,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.

His statement comes as opposition cryied foul after the government dissolved assemblies and called early elections as no-confidence motion to oust the PM was dismissed by the National Assembly deputy speaker.

“So why the fear of elections now? Democrats go to the people for support,” the premier added.

In a follow-up tweet, the PM asked the opposition parties to accept of his decision of snap elections “rather than being part of a foreign conspiracy for regime change; and indulging in blatant purchasing of loyalties thereby destroying our nation's moral fibre?”.

Responding to PM Imran’ statement, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “Your coup attempt will not succeed. Early elections was our demand not yours. No confidence, electoral reforms, early free and fair elections is our long stated goal.”

Also read: PM says opposition taken aback by his no-trust move

He added that the assemblies cannot be dissolved if there is a no-confidence motion pending against the prime minister or custodian of the house.

“Can’t end the session without voting on the NCM [no-confidence motion]. Today you proved you are nothing but a tiny little dictator who’s ego is more important than our Constitution. We proved we are ready to vote you out of parliament & will vote you out in elections,” he added.

The PPP leader asked the premier that if opposition’s NCM was part of a ‘global conspiracy’ “then why did you implement this supposed conspiracy by unconstitutionally trying to dissolve parliament and call early elections”.