With the government issuing multiple warnings to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNAs over voting against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the no-confidence motion, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said no lawmaker would be barred from attending the session of the National Assembly and participate in the vote.
“The MNAs have the right to vote [in favour or against the government or opposition] and this whole process will be done according to the Constitution,” the interior minister said while speaking to the media in Islamabad on Thursday.
Responding to a question whether the interior minister was being approached by the opposition as the latter was part of meetings with the PTI-led government allies, Rashid said that he isn't one to exploit such situation.
"This is the 15th ministry that I have had since I joined politics. I would not think of showing attitude to the premier in trying times when he needs our support the most," he said adding that he will support Imran Khan regardless of the outcome of the no-trust vote.
He also expressed hope that other allies of the PTI-led government would support the premier in the no-confidence move which is expected to be tabled in the assembly before the end of this month.
“Imran Khan has become more popular due to the opposition's follies and missteps. They [the opposition leaders] were fighting amongst themselves as they do not have the required numbers for making the no-confidence motion successful,” he added.
Rashid also criticized Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the opposition leader in the National Assembly, on his comments regarding the formation of a national government in the country for the next five years if the no-confidence motion becomes successful.
“Currently, they are talking to form a national government. After March 25, their announcement will be to establish a technocrat government," he said.
Shehbaz proposes national government sans PTI for next five years
“Shehbaz used to talk about ‘respect to vote’. Where have all those [principles] gone? Now, he has been exposed.”
