Imran Khan: Despite losing his majority in the National Assembly, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that he will not resign and that he will face a vote of no-confidence on Sunday.
Mr. Khan, 69, also highlighted a ‘threat letter’ that reportedly presented “proof” of a foreign attempt to destabilise his coalition government in a live address to the country. In what looked to be a slip of the tongue, he labelled the United States as the source of the threat.
“…Our strategy was not anti-US, anti-Europe, or even anti-India […] it became anti-Indian once New Delhi removed Kashmir’s special status and defied international law in August 2019,” Khan added, insisting that the Kashmir dispute between the two countries remains a major issue.
Imran Khan Mentioned Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir, India has repeatedly assured Pakistan, “was, is, and will forever” remain an integral part of the country. “…the letter claimed that the no-confidence motion was being presented even before it was filed, indicating that the Opposition was in communication with them,” Khan said, adding that the letter was directed at him rather than the administration.
Mr. Khan stated that Pakistan’s envoy, who was taking notes during the conference, received a “official letter.” He claimed the foreign official understood those who would succeed him in authority would have no problem following commands from outside powers.
“But what is most alarming is that our people, who are sitting here,” he remarked, referring to the “three stooges” – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.
“Will other countries welcome such corrupt individuals in positions of influence in their country?” They are willing to accept corrupt politicians, but I am not one of them,” declared the Prime Minister. Mr. Khan stated that he will play until the last ball is struck, and that the no-trust vote on Sunday will determine the country’s fate.
Mr. Khan needs 172 votes out of 342 in the lower house to defeat the opposition’s attempt to depose him. The opposition, on the other hand, claims to have the support of 175 lawmakers, and that the prime minister should resign immediately. No Pakistani Prime Minister has ever served for the entire five-year term. A no-confidence motion has never been used to remove a prime minister in Pakistan’s history, and Khan is the third prime minister to face such a challenge.