Imran Khan Loses Majority As Key Ally MQM Strikes Deal With Opposition Ahead Of No Confidence Motion

With the ruling coalition partner MQM-P joining the opposition, the joint opposition has 177 members of the national assembly (MNAs) and the Imran Khan-led government will be left with 164 MNAs

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran khan | Phot:Getty

New Delhi: In a major blow to the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the key ally and main coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

In the late night development, the PTI government will end up losing majority in the lower house of Parliament ahead of the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan on March 31.

What’s the latest blow to Imran Khan-led PTI government?

"The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan," tweeted PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

متحدہ اپوزیشن اور ایم کیوایم کے درمیان معاہدہ ہوچکا ہے، ایم کیوایم کی رابطہ کمیٹی اور پی پی پی کی سینٹرل ایگزیکٹو کمیٹی مذکورہ معاہدے کی توثیق کریں گے، جس کے بعد ہم انشاء اللہ کل میڈیا کو پریس کانفرنس میں تفصیلات بتائیں گے۔
مبارک ہو پاکستان https://t.co/60GpbqFmAA

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 29, 2022

With the ruling coalition partner MQM-P joining the opposition, the joint opposition has 177 members of the national assembly (MNAs) and the Imran Khan-led government will be left with 164 MNAs.

In order to facilitate no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, the joint opposition will need the support of 172 MNAs. The number looks comfortable thereby reducing the Imran Khan government to a minority in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, after allegations from Imran Khan that some people are trying to topple his government with the help of foreign funds, federal minister Asad Umar asserted that the PM is ready to show a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to support claims.

PM Imran had said during his rally, "Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest.

(With inputs from ANI)