ISLAMABAD:Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday tabled a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly.

The assembly session began under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri. The opposition leader, while tabling the motion, said that he was presenting a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister. The motion was tabled under Article A-95 of the Constitution, and it had 161 members as signatories. The opposition requires 172 votes in the favour of the no-confidence motion to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“This house is of the view that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan, has lost the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, therefore, he should cease to hold office,” the resolution presented by Shehbaz Sharif stated.

During the session, Deputy NA Speaker Qasim Suri asked the members of the Parliament, who are in favour of the motion, to stand up so that their numbers could be counted. As per the Constitution, 20% of the MNAs present in the assembly must show support for the voting. After the counting of the members who stood up in favour of the motion, the deputy speaker approved a discussion on the no-confidence motion.

The Speaker adjourned the Session till March 31. It may be noted Rule 37(5) of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly says that the speaker may, after considering the state of business, shall allow a day or two for discussion on the motion.

As per Article 95 of the Constitution and Assembly’s rules, a resolution of no-confidence against the Prime Minister shall not be voted before the expiry of three days and not later than seven days from the day, it was moved. Besides the opposition, a substantial number of PTI lawmakers are believed to be voting against Imran Khan. Two ministers on Sunday tendered their resignation hours before the Pakistan prime minister addressed a rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground.

During his two-hour speech, Khan alleged a foreign hand in the conspiracy to topple his three-and-a half year old government. A loss in the trust vote will definitely end the prime ministerial stint for the 69-year-old ‘Kaptaan’ which Khan is fondly addressed by his supporters.