Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Pakistan’s joint opposition seeks PM Khan’s resignation after key coalition partner abandons government


Pakistan’s joint opposition seeks PM Khan’s resignation after key coalition partner abandons government

Leader of the MQM-P Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, second left, with opposition parties leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, left, Shahbaz Sharif, second right, and Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman give a press conference, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 30, 2022. (AP)
Short Url

https://arab.news/nqreg

Updated 30 March 2022
Follow

Pakistan’s joint opposition seeks PM Khan’s resignation after key coalition partner abandons government

  • Without vote of MQM-P, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has fallen short of 172 votes needed to retain power
  • Information minister said earlier in the day the PM would not resign and ‘fight until the last ball’
Updated 30 March 2022
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistan’s leading opposition figures on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to resign after a major coalition partner formally announced to abandon the government, making the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party lose its majority in the national assembly.
Minister for information Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said earlier in the day the prime minister would not step down after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and signaled it would vote against Khan in a no-confidence vote expected to take place early next month.
“The prime minister should set a new tradition by handing in his resignation after losing his numerical strength [in the national assembly],” said Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the national assembly, during a joint news conference with other politicians who want to bring down the government.
He said the agreement between the PPP and MQM-P had taken place within 20 minutes during a meeting of their leaders last night while congratulating the two parties for setting aside their past political differences.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also agreed with Sharif, saying that Khan should step down.
“Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has lost his majority,” he said. “Today, MQM Pakistan has joined the opposition ranks. Shehbaz Sharif has rightly given a challenge in the spirit of statesmanship to [PM Khan to] resign.”
The PPP leader added: “The prime minister does not have any option. Either he should resign or come to the parliamentary session tomorrow to settle this issue.”
He maintained the prime minister’s removal would help Pakistan resume its democratic journey again.
Without the vote of the MQM-P, Khan’s PTI administration would fall short of the 172 needed to retain power. Khan’s four coalition parties have a total of 20 seats in the lower house of parliament.
However, the prime minister’s close aides have ruled out the possibility of his resignation despite the recent setback.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan is a player who plays until the last ball,” the information minister said on Twitter, adding the PM would not resign.


Even before the MQM-P’s joint news conference with the opposition parties, MQM leaders Syed Aminul Haque, federal minister for IT and Telecom, and law minister Farogh Naseem, had resigned from their posts.
Speaking to Arab News, Faisal Karim Kundi, the PPP’s central information secretary, confirmed that the MQM-P had decided to join the opposition.
“The MQM-P will formally announce the decision and [make] public the points of the deal but I can just tell that Sindh’s governorship for the MQM-P is one of the agreed points of the deal,” Kundi said, referring to giving the coveted slot of the governor of the southern Sindh province to the MQM-P in exchange for siding with the opposition alliance.
“The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement,” Bhutto-Zardari also announced on Twitter, adding that the agreement would be ratified by the executive committees of both parties and the details shared with the public in a press conference. “Congratulations Pakistan.”




Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, co-chairperson of PPP (2nd from L), former President Asif Ali Zardari (3rd from L) meets MQM-P Deputy Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui (2nd from L) in Islamabad, Mar 30, 2022. (PPPP/Twitter)

Pakistani opposition legislators have been wooing ruling party legislators away for weeks and tabled a no-confidence motion against Khan in parliament Monday, hoping to oust his government amid accusations he has mismanaged the economy and governed poorly. 
Khan came to power in a 2018 election, securing 176 seats. He needs 172 votes to remain in power but about a dozen lawmakers from his ruling party have defected, weakening his position.
The ruling PTI accuses the opposition of bribing its lawmakers to vote against the prime minister. It has also filed a presidential reference in the supreme court seeking an interpretation of Article 63-A, which sets down rules in the constitution for the disqualification of lawmakers in the case of defection and violation of party policy. Khan’s party is calling for the lifetime disqualification of defectors.
On Tuesday, Khan directed all ruling party members to abstain from the no-confidence vote.

Topics: Pakistan politics no confidence motion Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MQM-P Khalid Maqbool Asif Ali Zardari Shehbaz Sharif

Security forces kill six militants in northwest Pakistan

Updated 04 May 2024
Follow

Security forces kill six militants in northwest Pakistan

  • The intelligence-based operation was carried out in North Waziristan that led to an intense exchange of fire
  • The targeted militants were involved in violent attacks against security forces and civilians in the volatile area
Updated 04 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan tribal district in the early hours of Saturday, killing six militants after a heavy exchange of fire.
Located in the tribal belt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, North Waziristan has historically been known as a volatile region with significant militant activity.
The Pakistani military carried out several major operations in the area to dismantle militant networks and had success in reducing violence.
However, there have been reports of renewed militant activities in the region, prompting the Pakistani security forces to once again increase its focus on these challenges.
“On night 3/4 May 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in North Waziristan District, on reported presence of terrorists,” the military’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
“During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and the terrorists,” it continued, adding that six militants were killed as a result.
The statement informed that the security forces also destroyed militant hideout during the operation and launched a “sanitization operation” in the area while trying to locate any remnants of the militant group.
“The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as target killings of innocent civilians in the area,” the ISPR added.

Pakistan telecom authority seeks review of tax agency directive to block SIMs of non-filers

Updated 04 May 2024
Follow

Pakistan telecom authority seeks review of tax agency directive to block SIMs of non-filers

  • Federal Board of Revenue issued a list of over half a million people who did not file tax returns in 2023
  • Reports indicate that telecom companies showed reluctance to block the SIMs of so many subscribers
Updated 04 May 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday showed reluctance to implement the instructions of the country’s tax collection body to block the SIMs of non-filers, while asking the authority to review its decision.
The development came after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a list of over half a million people who did not file income tax returns for 2023, instructing the PTA to block their cellphone SIMs as a penalty.
However, media reports indicated that telecom companies were reluctant to carry out the directives affecting so many subscribers, prompting an official meeting on Friday in which the government decided to act against anyone opposing FBR’s orders.
Still, the PTA circulated a brief notification on Saturday, seeking a review of the FBR’s decision.
“On the issue of blocking of mobile phone SIMs under section 114-B of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has communicated to FBR that the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) in the manner as referred to the Authority needs review before its execution by the concerned entity/entities,” the notification said.
“In the meanwhile, PTA has also initiated consultation with stakeholders on the subject issue,” it added.
Pakistan has traditionally faced the challenge of convincing people to file their tax returns.
However, the government has decided now to implement stringent measures to address the problem, particularly in the context of negotiations for a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
The IMF has frequently urged Pakistan to enhance its revenue collection from non-filers as part of broader economic reforms to support social and development initiatives.
In response, the FBR is taking steps like blocking the SIM cards of non-filers and considering other punitive measures to enforce tax compliance and widen the tax net.

Topics: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

Pakistan’s deputy PM, Saudi foreign minister discuss Muslim world issues at OIC summit

Updated 04 May 2024
Follow

Pakistan’s deputy PM, Saudi foreign minister discuss Muslim world issues at OIC summit

  • Ishaq Dar stresses the significance of ceasefire in Gaza during his meetings with the Kuwaiti, Qatari and Egyptian FMs
  • He also calls for more investment for his country and greater employment opportunities for Pakistanis in the Middle East
Updated 04 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and other Arab officials on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Gambia on Saturday, emphasizing collective action to address the problems confronting the Muslim world.
The OIC summit is being held against a backdrop of widespread anger over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in the death of nearly 35,000 Palestinians along with a massive destruction of hospitals, schools and residential neighborhoods in the area.
There has been a clear uptick in Islamophobic sentiments and incidents in different parts of the world, particularly since the outset of the conflict last year in October.
The Pakistani deputy prime minister arrived in Gambia on Wednesday to present his country’s perspective on a wide range of issue, including the war in Gaza and the rights situation in the Indian-administered Kashmir.
“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today met Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud @FaisalbinFarhan in Banjul, The Gambia,” the foreign office said in a social media post.
“They discussed strengthening strategic and economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and enhancing economic cooperation and investment,” it continued. “They called for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of OIC’s role in addressing challenges concerning the Muslim Ummah including Islamophobia and the situations in Palestine and Kashmir.”

Dar also held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Kuwait, Egypt and Qatar.
During his conversation with Abdullah Ali Al Yahya of Kuwait, he discussed the possibility of further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
He noted the government wanted to transform the “traditionally fraternal ties with Kuwait into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.”
Dar also discussed further consolidation in trade and investment with Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani while seeking more employment opportunities for young Pakistanis.
He emphasized on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his interactions for all Arab officials, commending Egypt’s role in supporting international humanitarian assistance for Palestine in his meeting the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry.

 

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties

Pakistan Cricket Board reviews venue upgrades in meeting ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Updated 04 May 2024
Follow

Pakistan Cricket Board reviews venue upgrades in meeting ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

  • PCB chairman says upgradation work has been delayed, asks authorities to hire international consultant
  • It will be the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup
Updated 04 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held a meeting at its headquarters in Lahore to review the upgradation plan for major cricket venues in the country on Saturday ahead of the two-week ICC Champions Trophy next year.
The meeting was presided over by the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who directed the relevant officials to immediately hire international consultant to upgrade the Qaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Bank Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium.
“The stadium upgradation work has already been delayed,” he observed during the meeting according an official PCB statement, instructing the authorities to speed up the process.
He also instructed to form a three-member committee to ensure the hiring process was carried out in keeping with the rules and regulations.
The PCB plans to provide world-class facilities at the three Pakistani cricket stadiums.
Its upgradation plan includes structural changes to the boxes along with improved facilities and numbered seats for spectators.
Additionally, the number of seats in the enclosures on both sides of the main gate of the Qaddafi Stadium will also be increased.
The PCB chairman directed the replacement of screens for scoreboards and live streaming, instructing the officials to prepare the feasibility to install new floodlights in the stadiums.
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March 2025.
It is expected to be a significant event since it will mark the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
The tournament will include top-ranked One Day International (ODI) teams, with Pakistan having automatically qualified as the host nation.

Topics: Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan cricket

‘No illegal Afghan nationals,’ seminary board declares as Pakistan’s Sindh plans crackdown

Updated 04 May 2024
Follow

‘No illegal Afghan nationals,’ seminary board declares as Pakistan’s Sindh plans crackdown

  • The province took the decision after a security meeting was told a madrasah teacher was involved in 2023 KPO attack
  • Independent analysts say Afghans involve in militant violence arrive from their country and are not residents of Pakistan
Updated 04 May 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistani seminaries have stopped giving admission to Afghan nationals except for those who approach them with the interior ministry’s approval, a top seminary board official informed Saturday, after the country’s southern Sindh province announced to deport illegally enrolled foreigners in seminaries and other educational institutions.
The decision was taken after the province’s apex committee, the top security forum, was briefed earlier this week that one of the individuals involved in the 2023 Karachi Police Office (KPO) attack was a madrasah or seminary teacher. It was also pointed out during the meeting that a number of unregistered foreigners were studying in such institutions in different parts of Sindh.
The 2023 attack was launched by militants, armed with guns and grenades, who stormed the building, leading to a prolonged gunfight with security forces. This confrontation resulted in casualties among both police officers and civilians, along with substantial damage to the police facility. The KPO attack was claimed by the banned militant network Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose leadership is reportedly based in neighboring Afghanistan.
Speaking to Arab News, Maulana Talha Rehmani, spokesperson of Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan, said local seminaries had stopping enrolling Afghan nationals almost a year ago.
“Our madrasah used to offer admission to Afghan refugees who possessed proof of registration cards,” he said. “But that also stopped a year ago.”
“Different Pakistani intelligence agencies frequent seminaries for information,” he continued. “Nothing is hidden. The madrasas have a proper system of registration. We are ready to cooperate.”
Rehmani said the authorities had not shared any details with them about the identity of the seminary teacher involved in the KPO attack.
However, Dr. Aamir Tuaseen, former chairman of Pakistan Madrasah Education Board, noted seminaries lacked any coherent policy to develop “a monitoring system” for students.
“Admissions are granted to students without proper background checks,” he told Arab News. “The admission authorities also overlook which province or country does a student belong to, especially in case of Afghanistan.”
He added that boards of religious seminaries should take it upon themselves to grant admission only to students from the city where the seminary is located.
“This will help gather information about the background of every student,” he said, noting the current directorate of religious education did not seem to be fully functional.
The provincial information minister, Sharjeel Inaam Memon, did not respond to a request for comment, but a police official told Arab News on condition of anonymity the madrasah teacher involved in the KPO attack was a Pakistani national.
“The madrasah teacher was identified as Aryadullah who worked with a Karachi-based seminary,” the official said. “He was Pakistani citizen.”
Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, a security expert who manages an online publication, The Khorasan Diary, said the Afghan nationals involved in militant violence in Pakistan mostly arrived from the neighboring state and were not residents of Pakistan.
“The involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism cannot be ignored, but in my opinion, the government’s assertion is overstated,” he said. “The individuals involved in recent acts of terrorism are primarily those who have arrived directly from Afghanistan to carry out attacks rather than Afghan refugees.”
He emphasized any measures related to the expulsion of Afghan students from seminaries should not be driven by a reactionary approach.
“It is critical to implement gradual [seminary] reforms in accordance with the national action plan,” Mehsud said.

Topics: Afghan Refugees in pakistan Pakistan Afghanistan

Latest updates

China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines
Japan seeks Sri Lanka recovery for regional stability
Biden and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on issues in 2024’s rare contest between two presidents
Togo ruling party wins sweeping majority in legislative poll, final provisional results show
Warren Buffett says AI may be better for scammers than society. And he’s seen how

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.