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Thursday, March 28, 2024

PPP issues notice for disqualification of MNAs – Fake or real?

Important to note, it is unconfirmed whether PPP did indeed issue the warning or not. However, as the political heat intensifies in Islamabad ahead of the no-trust move, the Opposition is certainly taking measures to ensure numbers.

The PPP has allegedly issued a warning to its MNAs as the Opposition gears up to bring the no-confidence motion. According to a notification circulated online, PPP has reportedly warned MNAs of disqualification if they voted against the party policy.

The Opposition, on 9th March, submitted the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly Secretariat. A total of 86 lawmakers from the Opposition parties have signed the no-confidence motion.

Regarding this, the notification supposedly by PPP states that MNAs will be disqualified if they either vote against or abstain from voting according to the party policy.

Read more: Is PM Khan’s future in jeopardy after no-confidence motion?

“It is brought to notice that, Article 63A, Constitution, 1973, will come into play if a member votes against or abstains from voting in accordance with the Parliamentary Party decision,” the notification read. To clarify, Article 63A refers to the disqualification on grounds of defection, etc.

Important to note, it is unconfirmed whether PPP did indeed issue the warning or not.  However, the Opposition is certainly taking measures to ensure numbers.

The letter also directs all PPP members of the National Assembly to be present on the day of voting. Pertinent to mention, recently, both PML-N and PPP barred its MNAs from leaving the country. The move came to ensure the numbers required for the success of the proposed no-confidence motion against the PTI-led government.

“Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed all MNAs of the party to remain in Islamabad,” PPP Information Secretary Shahzia Atta Marri said.

Similarly, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyam Aurangzeb said the party members would not be part of any foreign tours.

Number game: Opposition vs PTI government

Needless to say, the political heat is intensifying in Islamabad. Both the government and the Opposition are taking measures to ensure their MNAs vote in their favor. Just like the Opposition, PTI is also warning its lawmakers.

Recently, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail issued a warning to PTI MNAs. While talking to the media, Imran Ismail said that they will keep a tight eye on the lawmakers who are heading to the National Assembly on the day of voting on the no-confidence motion. He warned action against those who will vote against PM Imran Khan.

Read more: NA speaker in hot waters?

According to reports, the PTI government has 179 MNAs in its favor. Meanwhile, the Opposition has 162 MNAs in the lower house of parliament. The Opposition needs the backing of ten more MNAs to dislodge the Imran Khan government.

On the other hand, Opposition lawmakers shared that the PML-N bagged the support of 16 PTI members in exchange for giving them its party tickets in the next elections.

Similarly, the PPP managed to win over four MNAs. While the JUI-F received assurance of support from three MNAs, bringing the total to 23. This of course is more than the required number. However, both the Opposition and the government are taking shots at each other, claiming they do not have the required number.