Another blow to Pakistan PM Imran Khan, 3 major allies likely to join opposition ahead of no-confidence vote

Islamabad: In a big blow to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of the no-confidence vote, three major allies of the ruling government have decided to join the opposition alliance, local media reported.

Three major coalition partners of the ruling government, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) have decided to stand with the Opposition, Geo News reported citing sources.

The sources said that all three allies of the ruling government will soon (expectedly till March 25) announce to join the Opposition in the campaign to oust Imran Khan.

Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf facing internal revolt

Imran Khan`s party is facing an internal revolt, with several members of the National Assembly (MNAs) deserting the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and joining the opposition ranks.

Earlier, around 24 lawmakers announced to vote in favour of the no-trust move and dissociated themselves from the Imran Khan-led government. 

The Opposition parties in Pakistan had submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. 

While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Khan.

Moreover, Khan has warned the opposition that he would be more dangerous for them if ousted from power. He has also called for a rally in the capital on March 27 to mobilise his support base or whatever is left of it. 

Notably, in the 342-member National Assembly, the loss of dissident lawmakers has left Khan with over a dozen seats less than the minimum of 172 needed for a majority.

With parliament set on Friday to take up the motion filed this month by opposition parties, the nuclear-armed nation now faces constitutional and administrative crises that threaten political turmoil.