ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif secured a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on Thursday, days after allies of the ruling alliance threatened to part ways with the incumbent government.
In today’s session, at least 180 lawmakers posed full confidence in the premier who is now addressing the lower house of the parliament while 172 votes were required to secure the trust vote in the assembly of 342 members.
FM Bilawal Bhutto tabled the resolution in the National Assembly for the premier to seek a vote of confidence.
NA resolution cited “The National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan reposed its full confidence in the leadership of Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
PM Sharif after winning the trust vote in the assembly, thanked Allah Almighty and NA members for reposing trust in him. The premier also went up to the seat of Opposition Leader Raja Riaz.
Shehbaz, 71, decided to take a confidence vote after meeting members of the coalition government at a luncheon that was attended by several members including Bilawal Bhutto and leaders of MQM-Pakistan.
It was reported that the premier was supposed to take the confidence vote earlier this week but it was postponed due to unknown reasons. It was reported that over 190 members of the National Assembly (MNA) were present in the house whereas 172 members constitute a majority.
Opposition is expected to take part in the vote of confidence, reports said. In this regard, all parliamentarians of the ruling parties were told to be in Islamabad for the crucial session.
Let it be known that the Sharif-led government remained in hot waters since coming into power last year, with repeated protests from the Imran Khan-led PTI, along with the worsening economy and its recent standoff with the Supreme Court.
More to follow…
