The much-anticipated session of the National Assembly for the no-confidence motion against the prime minister will likely be convened on March 22, a day before celebratory Pakistan Day and when the nation hosts a meeting of the OIC’s foreign ministers.
This week is expected to see a flurry of political activities as the opposition attempts to solidify its position and the allied parties after days indecisiveness will also announce their final decision. The prime minister has also completed his strategy to foil the no-trust motion best known to him. He is expected to continue efforts to placate disgruntled members and allies in the coming weeks.
The oppositions seems to be in overdrive hinting at similar no-confidence motions against the NA speaker, his deputy, Chairman Senate and perhaps if they succeed then impeaching the president. All this suggests that the opposition parties have geared to oust the entire political setup and then deal with the consequences, whatever they may be.
This year, Pakistan reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Even today, democracy remains fragile and under threat. We have seen numerous precedents when elected prime ministers have been unceremoniously thrown out of power, either through the infamous Article 58(2b) which gave the president power to dissolve assemblies, or through military coups. Unfortunately, no prime minister has completed a complete five-year term.
Prime Minister Imran Khan seemed to be on course to become the first individual to complete a full term until he hit a roadblock. They is no precedent that a prime minister has been defeated by a no-trust motion but anytime is possible in the nation’s checkered history. It will be dubious distinction to achieve and will not bode well for the democratic struggle.
The opposition says it is their democratic right to file the no-confidence motion as it is the only way to oust the prime minister in a legal manner. There is no disagreement on it but such attempts strengthen undemocratic forces in the country. There is also no indication that the opposition will benefit unless their sole purpose is ousting the prime minister. It is not far until we find out if the democratic history will mark another milestone.
