Pakistan Political Crisis: Imran Khan guilty of high treason, should be tried for desecrating constitution, says Nawaz Sharif

The Deputy Speaker has disallowed the no-confidence vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Nation Assembly on Sunday. The no-trust vote, if passed with enough votes, could have Khan out of office. Opponents have accused him of economic mismanagement and foreign-policy bungling. Stay tuned for updates.

Pakistan Army's call for talks likely to get cold shoulder from New Delhi

A recent callfor“dialogue and diplomacy” to settle his nation’s disputes with Indiafrom Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwais unlikely to evoke any positive response from New Delhi, which is also opposed to his proposal for involving China.

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China keeps a close watch on political turmoil in Pakistan

A wary China on Sunday kept a close watch on the rapid political developments inPakistan- its all-weather ally - after the Parliament in Islamabad was dissolved over Prime Minister Imran Khan's allegation that there was American hand behind the Opposition parties no-confidence motion against him.

While there is no official comment here yet, the state-run media highlighted Khan's allegations of US hand behind the opposition no confidence motion against him, which was cited as a reason by Qasim Khan Suri, deputy speaker ofPakistan's National Assembly, to reject the opposition's no-confidence motion against the government.

Imran Khan guilty of 'high treason': Nawaz Sharif

FormerPakistanprime minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan and all others involved in the "conspiracy" against the nation are guilty of high treason and should be tried for desecrating the Constitution.

The former premier's remarks came after President Arif Alvi approved the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan to dissolve the National Assembly after the embattled premier recommended the controversial move in the wake of a no-trust move against him.

"The aim of the opposition in presenting the no-confidence motion is to hold new elections, but the path taken by Imran Khan for new elections is unconstitutional and he will have to suffer the consequences," said Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan to go to the polls after PM Khan foils sacking attempt

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan foiled an attempt to boot him from office Sunday by getting the president to dissolve the national assembly, meaning fresh elections must be held within three months.

On a day of high drama, the assembly deputy speaker refused to accept a motion of no confidence in the government, as Khan simultaneously appeared on TV to say there had been "foreign interference" in Pakistan's democratic institutions.

"I have sent advice to the president to dissolve the assemblies. We will go to the public and hold elections, and let the nation decide," he said.

The presidency -- a largely ceremonial office -- acceded hours later. (AFP)

Supporters ofPakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Prime Minister Imran Khan shout slogans outside the Parliament House building in Islamabad.Pakistanwill go to the polls to elect a new government within three months after Prime Minister Imran Khan foiled an attempt to boot him from office April 3 by getting the president to dissolve the national assembly.(AFP Photo)

PCB brass relieved after 'No-confidence' motion against PM Imran Khan gets dismissed

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) heaved a sigh of relief on Sunday after President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly post following dismissal of 'No-Confidence' motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan by the deputy speaker.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has taken suo moto cognisance of the current situation following the dismissal of a 'No-Confidence' motion and the subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly, the spokesperson of the apex court also confirmed on Sunday.

"The feeling of relief is temporary but at least it means that we can carry on work as usual until the next general elections are held" PCB source told PTI. Uncertainty had prevailed in the PCB itself after the 'No-Trust' motion was filed against the former Pakistan captain by the joint opposition parties in the National Assembly.

SC adjourns hearing on Assembly dissolution till April 4

Pakistan Supreme Court adjourns hearing on dissolution of National Assembly of Pakistan till tomorrow, April 4, reportedPakistan's Samaa TV

Pakistan's army says it is not involved in politics as PM seeks to stay in office

Pakistan's army said on Sunday that it was not involved in politics after the country was thrown into uncertainty when Prime Minister Imran Khan dodged an attempt to oust him and sought fresh elections.

"Army has nothing to do with the political process," Major General Babar Iftikhar, the head of the military's public relations wing, told Reuters in response to a question about the institution's involvement in Sunday's developments. Read more

What Imran Khan did today proved Opposition leaders right: Aamir Liaquat, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA Aamir Liaquat told Geo News that he believes whatever PM Imran Khan did today proved that actions taken by Opposition leaders were right.

Pakistan SC hearing on Assembly dissolution begun at 5:30 pm: Report

"Conspiracy against the government failed, traitors sniffed the snake," said Shehryar Afridi, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan

Pakistan cabinet dissolved, but Imran will continue as PM

Pakistan's former Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Sunday said the Federal Cabinet has been dissolved, but Prime Minister Imran Khan will continue his duties under Article 224 of the Constitution, Dunya News reported.

Hussain however did not give any further details.

Earlier on Sunday, NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri dismissed the much-anticipated no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister saying it was in contradiction of Article 5 of the Constitution.

In a televised address just minutes after the dismissal, Khan announced that he had advised President Alvi to dissolve all Assemblies, paving the way for snap elections.

The President, heeding to the proposal, dissolved the NA and according to sources, elections will be held within a period of 90 days. (IANS)

Imran Khan prepares for polls

Chief Justice reaches SC to review petitions filed by Oppn

"The Chief Justice of Pakistan reaches the Supreme Court to review petitions filed (by Opposition leaders against the dissolution of National Assembly of Pakistan)," Pakistan's Dunya News quotes sources.

If the vote had gone through and the opposition remained united, the former cricket star who surged to power in 2018 but recently lost his parliamentary majority, would have been out of office.

"I rule out this no-confidence motion in accordance with the constitution," said deputy speaker Qasim Suri, a Khan loyalist, as the session started.

On Sunday parliament was due to debate a no-confidence motion on Khan, but the deputy speaker refused to accept it, causing uproar in the chamber.

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) effectively lost its majority in the 342-member assembly last week when a coalition partner said its seven lawmakers would vote with the opposition.

Fresh elections in Pakistan to be held in 90 days

Pakistan’s president Arif Alvi dissolves National Assembly on advice of prime minister, fresh elections to be held in 90 days: media

Punjab Assembly session adjourned till April 6 without voting for new chief minister

Pakistan's Oppn to petition Supreme Court against blocking move to oust PM Khan, says Bilawal Bhutto

Pakistan PM Imran Khan advises President to dissolve National Assembly; Calls for fresh elections

No-confidence motion was foreign conspiracy against us: Imran Khan

I congratulate every Pakistani on the Speaker's decision. The no-confidence motion was a foreign conspiracy against us. Pakistan should decide who should govern them: Imran Khan

I have written to the President to dissolve the assemblies. There should be elections in a democratic way. I call upon the people to Pakitan to prepare for elections: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

I congratulate every Pakistani on the Speaker's decision. The no-confidence motion was a foreign conspiracy against us. Pakistan should decide who should govern them: Imran Khan

PM Imran says he has advised the President to dissolve assemblies

Crores spent to buy people against me. The Opposition has failed in their attempts to remove an elected leader, an international conspiracy failed: Imran Khan

Imran Khan addresses nation

What options does the Opposition have? The matter can now only be taken up by the Supreme Court

The Deputy Speaker gave a rolling motion deeming the no-confidence resolution as unconstitutional

Opposition creates ruckus, sloganeering on in the House

Imran Khan to remain Pakistan premier for time being

Chair dismisses motion for no-trust vote

But our ambassador is told on March 7 that no confidence is being brought against the Prime Minister

No-confidence motion is a democratic right in general. The no-confidence motion is filed under Article 95 of the Constitution, Fawad Chaudhry says.

Imran Khan likely to resign ahead of no-trust vote, NDTV reports citing sources

Fawad Chaudhary speaks in NA, cites Article 5, claims international conspiracy to oust Imran Khan. He asks are Pakistani politicians mere puppets in the hands of the West?

NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri is chairing today's session after opposition parties, in a surprise move, filed a no-confidence motion against Speaker Asad Qaiser

Proceedings of the Pakistan National Assembly get underway, to vote on the no-confidence motion. PM Imran Khan is not present in the Assembly

Punjab Assembly is all set to vote today to elect the new leader of the house, with PML-Q's PTI-backed Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and PML-N's Hamza Shehbaz, who has the support of Jahangir Khan Tarin (JKT) group

Dawn reports

PTI's Omar Sarfaraz Cheema appointed as the new Governor of Punjab

PTI govt on Sunday removed Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar hours ahead of the election of the new Punjab chief minister and the voting on the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan in the NA.

Press has not been allowed inside the Punjab Assembly

Section 144 imposed in Islamabad

More than 100 lawmakers from Opposition parties have signed no-confidence motion against NA speaker: Geo News

President of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the meeting of United Opposition.

Pakistan's Opposition member has moved a motion for the removal of Asad Qaiser, National Assembly Speaker, ahead of Imran Khan's no-trust vote

How the sclaes tilted to one side

The PDM and the PPP in its efforts to oust the prime minister, held meetings with the PTI's key allies.

Jamhoori Watan Party leader and special assistant to the prime minister on reconciliation and harmony in Balochistan, Shah­zain Bugti, quitting the federal cabinet and the Balochistan Awami Party, which has five seats in the NA, joined the Opposition

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Party, one of PTI's ley allies, decided to throw its weight behind the opposition just a day before the no-trsut vote was announced. The party had been a key ally of the ruling party with seven seats in the National Assembly

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday that the federal government had removed Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar from his post. The announcement came hours before a crucial session of the National Assembly on the no-confidence motion

The announcement came hours before a crucial session of the National Assembly on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as a sitting of the Punjab Assembly to elect a new leader of the house following Usman Buzdar's resignation.

(The Dawn)

Opposition MNAs at 177: Dawn

The prime minister on Staurday changed his mind about his party’s strategy for the all-important sitting of parliament and announced that he would be present during the debate on the no-confidence resolution.

He directed Pak­is­tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers to participate in Sunday’s proceedings and mount a vociferous defence of their prime minister.

The call for the protest was given by the prime minister during a live question-and-answer session with the public which was televised.

The NA is all set to vote on no-confidence motion today after Opposition decided to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan

The opposition is headed by the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) -- two usually feuding dynastic groups that dominated national politics for decades until Khan forged a coalition against them.

If Khan goes, the PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif is tipped to become the next prime minister.

Sharif is the younger brother of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted in 2017 and jailed on corruption charges, but is currently in Britain after being released from prison for medical treatment.

On Saturday the government moved to have Sharif sent back to jail to await trial on money-laundering charges that have been pending since 2020, asking a Lahore court to revoke his bail.

Khan has accused the opposition of conspiring with "foreign powers" to remove him because he won't take the West's side on global issues against Russia and China.

Earlier this week he accused the United States of meddling in Pakistan's affairs.

Local media had reported that Khan had received a briefing letter from Islamabad's ambassador to Washington recording a senior US official saying they felt relations would be better if Khan left office.

Authorities have installed a ring of steel around the National Assembly in the capital, using shipping containers to block roads after Khan on Saturday called for supporters to take to the streets.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan looked likely to be booted out of office later Sunday as parliament gathered to vote on a no-confidence motion following weeks of political turmoil.

No premier of Pakistan has ever completed a full term, and Khan faces the biggest challenge to his rule since being elected in 2018

Security beefed up near Parliament, PM House ahead of no-confidence vote

According to a Geo News journalist, whether the Opposition is inside the Assembly or outside, "they will be beaten"

Violence expected in Islamabad as Imran Khan faces no-trust vote today

Ahead of Sunday’s sitting, political circles were abuzz with reports that the government had devised a strategy to physically prevent opposition members and nearly two dozen PTI dissidents from reaching Parliament House through their protests

The Dawn reports

PM Imran Khan urges Tehreek-e-Insaf legislators to go to National Assembly today during the proceedings of no-confidence motion: Radio Pakistan

Khan rejected the claims of him not getting along with the army

"I have no differences with the army. They took a decision and we respect it. The army decided to stay neutral and we respect it," he said.

The prime minister claimed that the political crisis created against him was a result of him wanting to devise an independent foreign policy for Pakistan, which he said was previously attempted only once, the report said.

"Except under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, our country has never had an independent foreign policy. And then too, Mir Jaffers such as Fazlur Rehman and Nawaz Sharif had got him killed by conspiring with the foreign powers," he said.

Terming it a "war for the future” of the country, Khan said Pakistan was standing at a decisive point.

"There are two routes we can take. Do we want to take the way of destruction or a path of pride? There will be difficulties in this path but this is the path of our Prophet. This path is for our good. This path brought a revolution in the country," he said.

The prime minister said the politics of Pakistan had reached a point where the people of the country had to take a call, the report said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the youth of Pakistan to stage "peaceful protests" against a "foreign conspiracy" allegedly hatched against his government but told them not to criticise the Pakistan Army, a day ahead of the crucial vote

Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces prospect of being run out in number game during no-trust vote

Pakistan's embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has promised to bowl an inswing yorker against Opposition leaders for tabling a no-confidence motion against him, is now facing the prospect of being run out in the number game in Parliament on Sunday with key allies deserting him and a sizeable number of rebel lawmakers vowing to vote against him.

Khan, who came to power in 2018 with promises to create a ‘NayaPakistan’, is at a critical juncture of his political career as he has lost majority after defection from hisPakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party

Pak PM Imran urges youth to stage 'peaceful protests' ahead of no-confidence motion vote

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the youth ofPakistanto stage "peaceful protests" against a "foreign conspiracy" allegedly hatched against his government but told them not to criticise thePakistanArmy, a day ahead of the crucial vote on the no-confidence motion against him.

Even if no-trust motion succeeds, Imran will hold office until new leader is sworn-in

Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed revealed on Saturday that even if the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan succeeds, the premier will continue to hold office until a new leader is sworn-in, Dawn reported.

At a media talk in Islamabad, he referred to Article 94 of the Constitution -- related to the Prime Minister continuing in office -- which states, "The President may ask the Prime Minister to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Prime Minister."