After MQM struck a deal, the PTI-led government now has only 164 Members of National Assembly (MNA) against the Opposition’s 179 after the support from MQM.
Islamabad: Days before a scheduled no-trust vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, a key ally of the ruling faction – Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) – struck a deal with the Opposition, strengthened its foothold and rendered a blow to Khan. Currently, Khan’s government has lost the majority in the lower House of Parliament after a midnight deal.
The National Assembly of Pakistan has 342 seats and the majority mark stands at 172. After MQM struck a deal, the PTI-led government now has only 164 Members of National Assembly (MNA) against the Opposition’s 179 after the support from MQM.
In a tweet, key Opposition party Pakistan People’s Party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan.”
It is important to note that Khan has been alleging “foreign” support to topple the government. Earlier, he had said, “Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest.”
