In Do-Or-Die Situation, Imran Khan Offers Early Elections In Pakistan If No-Trust Vote Withdrawn

The recent political developments in neighbouring country indicate that Imran Khan is virtually losing the majority in the 342-member National Assembly after the defection of two key allies.

Islamabad: In a do-or-die situation to retain power in Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday offered to dissolve the National Assembly and announce early polls if the no-confidence motion against him is withdrawn by the Opposition. 

The recent political developments in neighbouring country indicate that Imran Khan is virtually losing the majority in the 342-member National Assembly after the defection of two key allies.

Sources close to news agency PTI said that backdoor talks between Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government and the joint opposition are underway on the issue of no-confidence motion against him.

"Talks are focused on one-point – the joint opposition withdraws the no-trust motion against Khan and in return he dissolves the National Assembly calling for fresh elections," a source informed.

"The top man in the establishment may be a guarantor if the understanding (deal) between the opposition and the government reaches,” he added.

The source also added that if the deal is accepted by the Opposition, Imran Khan would announce General Elections in Pakistan in August this year, since the opposition is not trusting the Prime Minister, the guarantor may ally its concerns.

Imran Khan To Address Nation Tonight 

Amid the growing risk of collapse of PTI government, Imran Khan will address the nation later tonight ahead of the no-confidence motion against him.

PTI currently has 155 senators in the 342-member National Assembly. Imran Khan ran the government with the help of smaller parties. Khan needs at least 172 votes to defeat the no-trust motion.

After defection of the government allies - urban Sindh-based MQM-P and Balochistan based Balochistan Awami Party - the opposition has now managed to cross the magical figure of 172 and now enjoys the support of 177 members in the National Assembly

Pakistan's powerful Army, too, has withdrawn its support for the Khan-led government. 

No government in Pakistan's history has ever been ousted through a no-confidence motion, and Khan is the third Prime Minister to face the challenge.

It is also noteworthy that no Pakistani prime minister has ever completed a full five-year term in office.