Imran Khan Loses His Majority As MQM Strikes Deal With Opposition

The government of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was dealt a major setback as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) reached an agreement with the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

“The MQM and the unified opposition have achieved a deal. The accord will be ratified by the Rabta committee MQM and the PPP CEC. We’ll then provide the media the details at a press conference tomorrow, IA. Pakistan, congratulations! “PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari sent out a tweet.

As of now, the Imran Khan government has lost its majority in Pakistan’s lower chamber of parliament, following late-night developments in the days leading up to the no-confidence motion or no-trust vote against him.

After the ruling coalition partner MQM-P opted to break away from the Imran Khan-led government, Pakistan’s unified opposition currently has 177 members of the national legislature (Members of National Assembly).

Notably, Pakistan’s combined opposition needed the backing of 172 MNAs in order to pass a no-confidence resolution against the Prime Minister.

The Pakistani National Assembly has a total of 342 members, with 172 constituting a majority. The PTI-led coalition was created with 179 members’ support, but now that MQM-P has left the party, PTI is only standing with 164 members’ support, while the Opposition now has 177 members of supporters in the national assembly and does not require the backing of unhappy PTI MNAs.

Meanwhile, after Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that foreign monies are being used to overthrow his administration, federal minister Asad Umar claimed that the PM is prepared to show a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to back up his assertions.

“Attempts are being made to change the government in Pakistan using foreign money,” Imran Khan remarked during his rally. Our folks are being taken advantage of. Some people, mostly unknowingly, use money against us. We are aware of the sources of pressure being applied to us. We’ve been threatened in writing, but we’re not going to give in on national security.”

After both sides signed a draught drafted by Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the MQM-P decided to support the opposition. According to Pakistan’s Geo TV, who cited sources, the signatories include Shahbaz Sharif, the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party.

“The deal between the combined Opposition and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan has been finalised,” MQM-P leader Faisal Subzwari tweeted, confirming the claim about the MQM-P standing with the opposition.

An MQM-P official stated in a statement that the party’s Rabta Committee would meet at 2 p.m. today at their Bahadurabad headquarters, where the document would be presented for approval.

The no-confidence vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled for April 3.