The war of words beween the PTI-led government and opposition continues to escalate with PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Thursday asserting that the situation was ripe for parliamentarians to table a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Talking to the media in the capital after the hearing in the Islamabad High Court against her conviction in the Avenfield reference, she stated that Nawaz Sharif was strongly against any no-confidence move, but decided to give the go ahead for it after the party leadership pointed out that it was the only way out of the current crisis plaguing the country.

She asserted that the PTI-led government's allies were aware of Imran Khan's nosediving popularity and knew that they wouldn't be able to carry the baggage of the government's failure in the next election.

The PML-N vice president pointed out that those supporting Imran Khan must pay heed to people's sentiments, including their grievances, and to go against the people's wishes in this situation would be futile. "The PTI will be wiped out from mainstream politics soon."

When asked about Imran Khan's successor, she said it was still early day as the procees would start with the tabling of hte motion, followed by a consensus-based decision on the next premier.

Maryam stated that Imran Khan lacks public support over his failure to deliver on promises as the country goes from one crisis to another, while adding that it was reflected in his decisions and speeches.

"Imran Khan, wear a helmet next time you are out in public," she said, pointing out that people were now against the wall due to backbreaking inflation.

Inflation

Maryam said it was also incumbent upon all opposition parties to respect the sentiments of inflation-hit people and respond affirmatively to their calls.

She called the recent 15 per cent increase in salaries of Rangers and FC personnel by the prime minister was significantly low. "These soldiers who put their lives on the line for the country are also struggling because of inflation."

Regarding awarding of appreciation certificates to different ministries by PM Imran today, Maryam said key ministries like the foreign ministry were left out from any recognition as the government had failed on various fronts.