As the date of summoning a National Assembly session for the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is getting closer, at least 100 lawmakers of the Lower House of the Parliament have signed a no-trust motion against NA Speaker Asad Qaiser on the pretext that the speaker was not "neutral" anymore, reported Aaj News on Saturday.

Opposition members noted that Qaiser was meeting government members of the house at a time when he had to be neutral, especially as the NA speaker will also be chairing the session for the no-confidence vote against the prime minister. Qaiser was also meeting law experts, which showed his biased attitude towards the government, as per the opposition members.

"Signatures of at least 100 lawmakers have been obtained on paper and saved but the ultimate decision will be taken by the opposition leaders, including Pakistan Democratic Movement chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Pakistan People's Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's President Shehbaz Sharif," the report quoted opposition members.

If Qaiser did not survive the vote of no-confidence, NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, who is the president of the ruling party in Balochistan, will chair the crucial assembly session, they said, adding this would also be considered by the opposition bigwigs.

Earlier, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid had warned lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf against crossing the floor during the no-confidence vote against the prime minister, adding that they would be disqualified by the NA speaker and face political repercussions for their actions.

"The speaker has powers to disqualify the ruling party's lawmakers over possible defection," he said, adding the move was justified as "no one can challenge the ruling of the speaker".

Fawad, Rashid call for ‘reconciliation’ as political matters simmer

The federal minister predicted that the premier would survive the no-confidence move, while adding that his supporters will gather outside the National Assembly to celebrate his victory. At least 86 lawmakers have signed the no-trust motion against the prime minister.

Opposition submits no-confidence move against PM Imran in National Assembly

The requisition submitted by the opposition reads: “Mr Speaker: We, the undersigned Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, together totalling more than one-fourth of the total membership of the Assembly, under clause (3) of Article 54 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the following purpose, to the exclusion of all other business:

(1) to discuss and vote upon the Resolution for a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister under clause (1) of Article 95 ibid, notice of which has been filed with the Secretary of the National Assembly and

(2) if the Resolution for a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister is passed by a majority of vote of the total membership of the National Assembly as a consequence of which Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan ceases to hold office under cause (4) of Article 95, to elect a new Prime Minister under Article 91 read with Rule 32 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assumedly by, 2007.”