Following a tumultuous couple of days leading into the Senate polls, a similarly turbulent series of events took place after the shock electoral results. The opposition alliance’s candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani’s victory over the ruling coalition’s pick, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, for the Islamabad seat prompted a political crisis that is unfolding at the time of writing.
Special NA session for vote of confidence
As the opposition’s calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister and his cabinet grew louder in the post-electoral celebrations, the Prime Minister decided to act first and call a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.
Sources claimed that the Prime Minister may dissolve assemblies in case of a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.
Imran Khan sent advice to President Dr. Arif Alvi to summon a special session of the National Assembly to seek a vote of confidence under Article 91 of the Constitution.
After the advice, the Prime Minister is to seek the vote of confidence on Saturday, March 4 at 12:15 pm. This is before the elections for Senate chairman and deputy chairman take place on March 12.
The Prime Minister can call for a vote of confidence after the President approves the summary under Article 91 of the Constitution. Once the President gives his approval, the PM can seek a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.
Meeting with COAS, DG ISI
A few hours after this announcement Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed was also part of the meeting.
According to an ISPR press release, matters pertaining to mutual interest, internal and external security were discussed.
Meeting with party leadership
Prime Minister Imran Khan also met senior party leaders to review the aftermath of the Senate elections, reportedly clearing his schedule to do so. The Prime Minister was briefed about the possible reasons behind Shaikh’s defeat and discussed the PDM’s anti-government moves.
Following the consultation with the party leadership, Imran Khan named the current Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani, as the candidate for the chairmanship again. PTI is expected to hold a meeting with its alliance members at 3:00 pm on Friday.
Address to the nation
Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address the nation at 6:45 pm today on the results of the Senate Elections, the Information Minister confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
