Imran Khan gets vote of confidence as opposition stays away

According to details, the PM required 172 votes to win the confidence vote. He was able to secure 178 votes, six more than needed.

The announcement was made by NA Speaker Asad Qaiser.

Imran Khan has become the second Prime Minister in the history of Pakistan to gain ‘voluntary’ vote of confidence.

Imran Khan needed a simple majority of 172 lawmakers in the National Assembly, according to Article 91(7) of the Constitution. However, as the seat of Daska NA-75 lies vacant after Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) nullified its results, PM required support of 171 lawmakers. The government currently has 180 members.

The resolution tabled by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated, “That this House reposes confidence in the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan, as required under clause (7) of Article 91 of the Constitution Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

Earlier yesterday, PM met lawmakers from Mutahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to discuss the vote of confidence following a key defeat in this week’s closely contested senate polls.

On Wednesday, in the most highlighted and awaited contest of Senate elections, former Prime Minister and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) joint candidate Yousuf Raza Gillani thumped PTI candidate Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. Gillani registered his victory from an Islamabad’s General seat.

The victory of opposition came as major blow for PTI, after which Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to take a vote of confidence from Parliament.