Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan dodged a vote of no-confidence when the deputy speaker refused to hold it, claiming there was "foreign interference".

"The public decides who they want in power," Khan said. Qasim Khan Suri claimed there was "foreign interference" in the attempt to unseat Khan. Media in Pakistan had reported that opposition parties had managed to get the support of 177 members even without counting dissidents from Khan's own party.

Imran Khan did not face the trust vote as deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri dismissed the no-trust move brought by the opposition saying it is against Article ...

Then it was announced that Imran Khan will be addressing the nation today, and the assembly session also began. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday congratulated Pakistan after the no-trust motion against his government was rejected in the assembly. Ahead of the session, the opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion against speaker Asad Qaiser and the deputy speaker chaired the session.

We'll send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest Pakistan news every morning. Prime minister Imran Khan has dissolved Pakistan's parliament and ...

The nation's politics was thrust into disarray after Prime Minister Imran Khan dissolved parliament ahead of a vote on a no-confidence motion in which he ...

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Prime minister cuts an increasingly isolated figure – and his dramatic dissolution of parliament is a very risky move. Pakistani lawmakers of the united ...

It has further united and galvanised the opposition coalition, while alienating more members of his own increasingly fragile ruling coalition. While Pakistan’s judiciary has long been seen as pro-establishment and their independence repeatedly called into question, the mood in Islamabad appears to have shifted notably against Khan and many believe the court will rule against him. While it is unclear what Khan’s approach will be if the no-confidence vote goes ahead, many fear it will lead to mass arrests of opposition politicians to try to bring the numbers back into Khan’s favour.

It was not clear whether Imran Khan's maneuver would succeed, and it seemed to raise the possibility of a constitutional crisis.

Pakistan’s president later confirmed that he had carried out Mr. Khan’s instruction to do so. A handful of lawmakers from Mr. Khan’s party waved their fists as they left the building, repeatedly shouting, “Imran Khan, your supporters are countless in number.” He said that Mr. Khan was still the prime minister and still had the power to dissolve the assembly. He justified it by claiming, as he has repeatedly in recent days, that the move to oust him from office was part of an American conspiracy. As the assembly’s Sunday session opened, Mr. Khan’s ouster had seemed all but certain. The maneuver seemed to raise the possibility of a constitutional crisis.

Imran Khan survived an attempt to oust him as Pakistan's prime minister on Sunday, after a no-confidence vote was blocked in parliament by the deputy ...

Khan had called on his supporters in the nation of 220 million to rally in the streets of the capital, Islamabad, on Sunday in protest of the proposed vote. But in a dramatic reprieve for the embattled leader, the vote was blocked as "unconstitutional" by the deputy speaker.For months, Khan has been battling depleting foreign exchange reserves and double digit inflation, with the cost of basic necessities such as food and fuel skyrocketing. Imran Khan survived an attempt to oust him as Pakistan's prime minister on Sunday, after a no-confidence vote was blocked in parliament by the deputy speaker.Khan, who is facing the toughest challenge of his political career, requested the country's president dissolve Parliament and called on the nation to prepare for a fresh election.Khan had been set to lose the no-confidence motion, which was backed by an alliance of politicians -- including more than a dozen defectors from Khan's own political party.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to address the nation from his home ahead of the trust vote, sources said, giving rise to speculation about a ...

Earlier this week, Mr Khan accused the United States of meddling in Pakistan's affairs. I will show them and will defeat them in the assembly." "I want you all to protest for an independent and free Pakistan," he said during a public question and answer phone-in broadcast by state media.

In a last-ditch effort to retain power in the country, Khan on Saturday asked his supporters to take to the streets Sunday and “protest peacefully”.

Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. He has asked his party members to participate in Assembly proceedings on Sunday and to vociferously speak in support of their leader. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif said that a treason case should be first registered against the premier, PTI reported. 🔴 In a massive blow to Khan’s PTI government, its main coalition partner MQM struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). “The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. 🔴 A day after Islamabad protested to the US embassy over alleged interference, Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that his country was looking to expand its relationship with Washington, Reuters reported. Calling the allegations baseless, the US government has categorically rejected any involvement in the vote of no confidence.

The opposition has said it will unite against the move to reject the no confidence vote. | World News.

The rejection of trust vote was the only viable option for the Imran Khan government, according to some analysts. A large number of security personnel were also deployed outside the National Assembly. Pakistan should decide who should govern them," Imran Khan said in his latest address to the nation. 3. After the unexpected move in the National Assembly, opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted: "Government has violated constitution. He had alleged attempts of meddling by the United States. Just minutes before, National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri had rejected the trust vote against the Imran Khan government, calling it “unconstitutional”.

Islamabad [Pakistan], April 3 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan shocked the Opposition by advising President Arif Alvi to dissolve assemblies.

He was also named as the Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1983 and received the ‘President’s Pride of Performance’ award in 1983. He also got the Sussex Cricket Society Player of the Year Award in 1985 and served as Unicef’s Special Representative for Sports during the 1990s. Khan was awarded ‘The Cricket Society Wetherall Award’ in 1976 and 1980 for being the leading all-rounder in English first-class cricket. He also founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research centre in 1994. Initially playing for his college and later representing English county Worcester, he made his debut for Pakistan at the age of 18 during the 1971 English series at Birmingham. Khan achieved the all-rounder’s triple in 75 tests.

So much for Prime Minister Imran Khan's “New Pakistan.” Faced with growing discontent among his own lawmakers and allies, Khan told the president to ...

Khan may have dodged the vote of no confidence for now, but a Gallup Pakistan poll taken in February showed his approval rating had fallen to 36% from 40% in 2018, while Nawaz Sharif’s had more than doubled to 55%. As many as two dozen of his own lawmakers have turned against him, as has the army. Khan’s promises to overhaul corrupt institutions, fund affordable housing and create an Islamic welfare state are now all but abandoned.His government has also been grappling with a deteriorating security situation since the Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan last August. That’s provoked a resurgence of militancy in Pakistan — including the bombing of a Shiite mosque in Peshawar last month claimed by the local chapter of Islamic State that killed as many as 60 people and wounded almost 200.Pakistan’s constitution calls for the establishment of an interim government to take the country to the elections, which must be held within 90 days. Bajwa’s statements also appeared to be an attempt to reposition Pakistan back toward the U.S. — again, in obvious opposition to Khan. Pakistan seeks to broaden and expand relations with both China and the U.S., Bajwa said, without “impacting our relations with either.” A former cricket great, Khan has gone from being seen as too close to the military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its 75-year history, to now falling out with the organization widely viewed as the real power in the South Asian nation. It’s a well trodden path in Pakistan, where high treason — and the death penalty that comes with it — has been used against former military leader and president Pervez Musharraf (he lives in Dubai and has managed to escape the verdict handed down in 2019 that sentenced him to death.)Indeed, no Pakistani leader has served a full term in office, due to assassinations, martial law, votes of no confidence and arbitrary dismissals. Last week he blamed a “foreign funded conspiracy” for trying to remove him from power, tapping into a deep well of anti-U.S. sentiment that emerged in response to American foreign policy post-9/11. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said there was “no truth” to the allegations.Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Justice) party has 155 seats. It’s likely he still will.One of the most telling moments in the weeks of turmoil that lead up to the canceled vote happened Saturday, when the country’s powerful military chief openly criticized Russia for its war in Ukraine. General Qamar Javed Bajwa said Moscow’s actions had resulted in a “great tragedy” that had killed thousands and made millions refugees, in a significant departure from Khan’s more neutral tone. Drawing outrage from the opposition, which says it has the numbers to force him from office and take power, his move is now expected to be tested in Supreme Court. Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif warned that Khan would be charged with treason for violating the constitution. There is significant pressure on both its foreign reserves and its currency (although not as severe as Sri Lanka’s, it’s enough to force its default risk to soar). Inflation, meanwhile, is running above 12% — way beyond the central bank’s target range of 5%-7%. Khan put a $6 billion International Monetary Fund bailout in jeopardy last month when he cut fuel and electricity prices after previously agreeing to increase taxes as part of the IMF program. The joint opposition of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan People’s Party run by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated former leader Benazir Bhutto, has more than 160 seats. Energy Interpretation of the news based on evidence, including data, as well as anticipating how events might unfold based on past eventsImran Khan Has Outsmarted Pakistan’s Opposition. For NowSo much for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “New Pakistan.” Faced with growing discontent among his own lawmakers and allies, Khan told the president to dissolve parliament and called for fresh elections after a hotly anticipated no confidence vote against him was abruptly canceled Sunday.“Prepare for elections,” Khan said in a televised speech to the nation. “No corrupt forces will decide what the future of the country will be,” he said, repeating the allegation that the U. S. is working with his rivals to overthrow the government. Had the trust vote gone ahead, he would have taken his place in that long list of failed prime ministers and presidents.

Supreme Court will decide whether to allow a fresh election or a no-confidence vote. . Read more at straitstimes.com.

Mr Khan put the IMF programme in jeopardy by cutting domestic fuel and power prices to temper public anger over rising living costs. The President said Mr Khan will continue as prime minister until a caretaker is appointed. The President, another Khan ally, dissolved Parliament shortly afterwards.

The political drama has moved now to the Supreme Court, which must rule on the legality of Khan's decision.

Washington has often berated Pakistan for doing too little to fight Islamic militants, even as thousands of Pakistanis have died at their hands and the army has lost more than 5,000 soldiers. Pakistan’s main opposition parties — a mosaic of ideologies from leftists to the radically religious — have been rallying for Khan’s ouster almost since he was elected in 2018. As a result, he’s burned too many bridges at a moment when he badly needs all the help he can get.” As a result, several of Pakistan’s key industries, such as construction, have survived. His government has also received international praise for its handling of the COVID-19 crisis and implementing so-called “smart lockdowns” rather than countrywide shutdowns. The opposition also blames Khan for high inflation that’s hitting households. Giant metal containers blocked roads and entrances to the capital’s diplomatic enclave, as well as Parliament and other sensitive government installations. The former cricket star turned conservative Islamic leader sought to justify the measures by accusing the United States of trying to overthrow his government. It was unclear on Sunday where the powerful military — which has directly ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 75-year history — stood in the fray. According to Pakistan’s constitution, an interim government inclusive of the opposition will now see the country toward elections held within 90 days. “I ask people to prepare for the next elections. In Pakistan, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has just begun.

The Supreme Court is due to meet at 1pm (4pm Singapore time) to begin its deliberation. . Read more at straitstimes.com.

The largely ceremonial head of state, President Arif Alvi, said on Twitter on Monday that Mr Khan would stay on as prime minister in a caretaker role. But the deputy speaker of Parliament, a member of Mr Khan's party, blocked the motion that Mr Khan had widely been expected to lose, ruling it was part of a foreign conspiracy and unconstitutional. Former cricket star Mr Khan lost his majority in Parliament last week as his opponents built their support, and he was facing a no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition on Sunday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's move to force fresh elections after dodging a no-confidence motion against his government caught the opposition ...

But he had a spat with the army chief a number of months ago," Kugelman said. So that means the army chief will not go out of his way to do Imran Khan any favors." Imran Khan has been the favorite son of the military for quite a few years. As a cricket bowler, the equivalent of a baseball pitcher, sports legend Imran Khan was famous for his so-called "inswinger." His deceptively lazy ball often began slowly but suddenly curled sharply inward, taking the batter completely by surprise. The opposition parties are only united by the desire to topple Imran Khan's government and are unlikely to be able to retain a united front," he told CNBC on Monday. He was referring to an article which says loyalty is the basic duty of every citizen, and the chair's ruling implied that members of the opposition who filed the no-confidence motion were acting against Pakistan. Still, Khan's electoral gambit may pay off because it's pegged to "a strong and loyal base," Iqbal said."

Hearing considers move by PM to dissolve parliament and call election after no-confidence vote blocked. A supporter of incumbent ruling Tehrik-e-Insaf party ...

“Even as political pundits and the media confidently predicted Mr Imran Khan’s defeat in the vote of no confidence, he seemed unperturbed. The supreme court could order that parliament be reconstituted, call for a new election, or bar Khan from standing again if he is found to have acted unconstitutionally. If Khan prevails, polls will happen within 90 days.

He said that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu had reportedly in a meeting with Ambassador Asad Majeed warned there ...

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Pakistan's top court will meet on Monday to decide whether lawmakers can hold a no-confidence vote over Prime Minister Imran Khan. On Sunday, his allies ...

But the vote Sunday was blocked by Mr. Khan’s allies in the assembly, who said he planned to dissolve the body, a move he later confirmed in a televised speech. His popularity has taken a hit in recent months as inflation has surged. Lawmakers began convening last week, and allies to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party announced they were dropping support.

The Supreme Court will rule if Mr Khan can stay on as PM ahead of an election within 90 days. He dissolved parliament in a surprise move to prevent his ousting ...

Mr Khan was facing a no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition on Sunday, but the Deputy Speaker of parliament — a member of his party — blocked the motion that Mr Khan was widely expected to lose. The military denies involvement in civilian politics but the generals are unlikely to stand by if they believe political chaos is damaging the country or if their core interests are threatened. The 69-year-old, who led Pakistan to World Cup cricket success as national captain on Australian soil in 1992, lost his majority in parliament last week as his opponents built their support.

Pakistan LIVE updates: After the assembly deputy speaker refused to accept a no-confidence motion against Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, he addressed ...