PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, who was also the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, has been elected as the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan after getting 174 votes in the 342-seat NA. His rival, PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi, didn't get any votes after en masse resignation of his party's lawmakers from the House.

The NA session was initially chaired by Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri. However, after the announcement of en masse resignation of PTI lawmakers including the deputy speaker, Ayaz Sadiq - who is on the panel of chair for NA - conducted the remainder of the session.

The session got underway a little after 2pm, with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi initially vying for the coveted slot.

The NA Secretariat on Saturday accepted the nomination papers of joint opposition candidate Shehbaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi for the prime minister’s slot, a little over 24 hours after Imran Khan's three and a half years in power came to an unceremonious end.

Historic session

At the onset of the session, Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri explained that his April 3 ruling to dismiss the no-confidence motion against the ousted prime minister, Imran Khan, was made “as a responsible Pakistanï”, while acknowledging that it was declared unconstitutional by the court.

He also referred to the alleged “threat letter” that purportedly proves the existence of an international conspiracy to topple Imran’s government, adding that the same was proven in the National Security Committee and the parliamentary committee

He claimed the letter was sent to Pakistan before the no-confidence motion was submitted on March 8.

He repeated claims made by the PTI leadership that the cable warned of dire consequences if the no-confidence motion against Imran was not successful, while adding that Imran was removed for pursuing an independent foreign policy and fighting the case for Islamophobia.

The deputy speaker added that he was sealing the cable and sending it to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

Imran's ouster

The united opposition in a delayed post-midnight NA session on Saturday ousted PTI chief Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence. The cabinet division has de-notified 52 members of the federal cabinet – 25 federal ministers, four ministers of state, four advisers to the PM and 19 special assistants to the PM.

Following, the submission of the nomination papers of PML-N president and the former ruling PTI leader for the prime minister’s slot, Babar Awan raised objections to the papers of Shehbaz. However, the National Assembly Secretariat dismissed the objections and accepted the papers of the two candidates.

Moreover, the PTI’s Central Executive Committee also held its meeting, with chairman Imran Khan in the chair, in Islamabad. Talking to reporters after the meeting, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI MNAs have decided to resign en masse from the National Assembly if the nomination papers of PML-N President Shehbaz for the slot of prime minister get accepted.

Fawad had reiterated the party’s claim that the joint opposition no-confidence was part of a foreign conspiracy and Shehbaz’s election would be a “great injustice” to the nation.

However, the ruling was still indecisive over such a decision as former foreign minister Qureshi in an interview with ARY News show Sawal Ye Hai clarified that the party has yet to decide on resigning from the lower house of parliament.

“Today, the party’s core committee had a meeting under Imran Khan’s chairmanship. Apart from finalising my name as PTI’s candidate for prime minister’s election opposite Shehbaz Sharif, it was also discussed if the party should remain in the National Assembly in the current circumstances,” he said.

“There was a discussion on this issue, but a final decision was not taken. The former prime minister decided to call a meeting of the party’s parliamentary committee for tomorrow (Monday) at 12pm. The opinion of those who are standing by him in these tough times will be sought. A final decision will be taken after that meeting,” Qureshi added.

He called forgive a tough time to former opposition in NA and fight against the apparent “imported government” in the country, adding that a majority of leaders were of the same view. Moreover, he

Shehbaz calls for a national consensus

In an informal conversation with journalists on Saturday, Shehbaz stressed the need for having a “national consensus” and called it his first priority. A consultation would be held for the formation of the new cabinet, with the efforts to improve the economy of the country, he added.

He expressed the intent to start a “new era” in the country, saying that “mutual respect” would be promoted.

To a question on cases against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif – who is in London for more than two years – and his possible return to the country, Shehbaz said the cases would be analysed as per the law.

Shehbaz briefly talked about Pakistan’s relations with India, saying he would expect peace with the neighbouring country which “would be impossible” without resolving Kashmir's issue.

Shehbaz had also called on leaders of former opposition and coalition partners of ruling party.

PTI protests against ‘foreign conspiracy’

At the call of PTI chief Imran, the party supporters on Sunday took to the streets against the apparent foreign conspiracy against Pakistan. Media reports indicated that rallies were held in Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, and Kohat along with several other cities in Pakistan. Video footage was shared by PTI’s official Twitter page throughout the day, with accounts in the UK and UAE also sharing glimpses of rallies in London, and Sharjah, respectively.

In a tweet, Imran thanked the public for showing support.

“I am grateful to the people of Pakistan for coming out in large numbers to protest against the change of government,” he said.