The political crisis in Pakistan continued as opposition leaders raged against the blocking of a no confidence motion and the subsequent dissolution of the parliament.
What is the cause of the no confidence motion?
The opposition is challenging the latest moves by Khan, who came to power in 2018, contending that they are the plans of him to stay in power.
The opposition has also accused him of economic mismanagement.
Khan’s ally and Pakistan’s deputy parliament speaker dismissed the motion to sidestep a no-confidence vote that Khan appeared certain to lose.
Clause (1) of Article 5 was quoted to argue that the no-confidence motion submitted to the Speaker went against the provisions of the Article.
Imran Khan advised the President to dissolve the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies and call fresh elections.
Until then, a caretaker government under him would be in charge.
The opposition claims the deputy speaker had no constitutional authority to throw out the no-confidence vote.
The developments marked the latest in an escalating dispute between Khan and the opposition.
What is Article 5 of Pakistan’s Constitution?
Article 5 titled ‘Loyalty to the State and Obedience to the Constitution’ has two clauses.
Clause (1) states that loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen.
Clause 2 states that obedience to the Constitution and law is the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and every other person for the time being within Pakistan.
It was said that the no-confidence motion was a conspiracy hatched by a “powerful country” that did not want Pakistan to have an independent foreign policy.
During another address to the nation, Khan had named the United States as the country behind the conspiracy.
What was the different opinions regarding the recent developments in Pakistan ?
Opposition- The decision to cancel the no-confidence vote angered opposition parties and they have appealed the decision in court.
Army- Pakistan Army countered Imran Khan's allegations of a "foreign conspiracy" involving the US.
The Army has said that a wrong impression was given about the military leadership endorsing the view of the government.
Election commission- Pakistan's election commission has expressed its inability to hold general elections within three months due to legal, constitutional and logistical challenges.
UN Secretary-General- Antonio Guterres underscores the utmost importance of respecting democratic processes and resolving differences in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan.
Pakistan Chief Justice- He held that the speaker cannot reject the no-confidence motion even if he refers to Article 5 of the constitution.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan however is yet to deliver a verdict.
