In less than about an hour from now, a vote of no-confidence will be held in the lower house of the Pakistani parliament that could potentially end up ousting Imran Khan government. In the latest, opposition has now cornered the assembly speaker.

Pakistan Political Crisis: National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser accused of partisan approach

<p>Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday plunged Pakistan into a constitutional crisis by getting the president to dissolve parliament and seeking fresh elections on a day when a session to hold a no-trust vote against his government was abruptly adjourned.</p>

<p>In what appeared to be premeditated moves, the National Assembly session was dismissed by deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri as unconstitutional.</p>

<p>Citing Article 5 of the constitution, Suri dismissed the session soon after the ruling party's Fawad Chowdhury spoke against the no-confidence motion, calling it a "foreign conspiracy."</p>

<p>Interestingly, the deputy speaker himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser against whom the opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion earlier in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The game-changing move by Khan, a cricketer-turned-prime minister, was slammed by opposition parties, who vowed to challenge it in the Supreme Court, thus making it a constitutional crisis.</p>

<p>Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan People’s Party leader, also vowed to hold a sit-in in parliament against Khan's swift and unexpected play, adding that opposition lawyers will seek Supreme Court's intervention and seek a verdict on Sunday itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament. If anything, it is only going to serve as political posturing and optics.</p>

<p>With the opposition's legal action, it appears the ball is now in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has called other justices for consultation.</p>

<p>The top court will have to answer a complex set of constitutional questions: Can a speaker [or his deputy in this case] adjourn the House which had been convened to vote on a no-confidence motion against the government? Is the session 'unconstitutional' only because the deputy speaker thinks so, after it had been listed in the parliament business? Is it constitutional for the president to dismiss the parliament and call elections, when just days ago the opposition appeared to have the sufficient numbers to win the no-trust vote after the MQM-P party switched sides?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Can a prime minister facing a no-trust motion seek to dismiss the very House that was set to vote on it?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another looming factor is the spectre of another Army rule. Democracy in Pakistan has been a tortuous lab experiment that could not find the right solution even after 75 years. Whenever such political crises occurred, the Army had stepped in, leading to the series of dictatorships that the impoverished South Asian country witnessed intermittently over the years.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC</strong></p>

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<p>Will the new crisis lead to another such military rule?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Khan might be trying to avoid such a situation, as according to government sources, he is seeking an interim government. Khan is apparently in the process of writing a letter to the opposition for such an interim government. It is quite possible that this was a move from the Army-intelligence establishment of Pakistan.</p>

<p>One way or the other, Pakistan needs to have a government in place by June 30, which is the deadline to pass the budget. The country is reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis, which is a deadly combination of poverty, foreign debt, high cost of living, and unemployment amid a Covid pandemic.</p>

<p>The entire political crisis is a result of mobilisation by the opposition to address these issues. Instead of finding a solution to those, Khan, the maverick cricketer, has plunged the country into yet another crisis.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Which way it will end - more violence on the streets, political vendetta, interim government followed by election, army rule, or just a period of more uncertainty - will only become clearer in the coming days.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)</strong></p>


Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday plunged Pakistan into a constitutional crisis by getting the president to dissolve parliament and seeking fresh elections on a day when a session to hold a no-trust vote against his government was abruptly adjourned.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday plunged Pakistan into a constitutional crisis by getting the president to dissolve parliament and seeking fresh elections on a day when a session to hold a no-trust vote against his government was abruptly adjourned. In what appeared to be premeditated moves, the National Assembly session was dismissed by deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri as unconstitutional. Citing Article 5 of the constitution, Suri dismissed the session soon after the ruling party's Fawad Chowdhury spoke against the no-confidence motion, calling it a "foreign conspiracy." Interestingly, the deputy speaker himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser against whom the opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion earlier in the day. The game-changing move by Khan, a cricketer-turned-prime minister, was slammed by opposition parties, who vowed to challenge it in the Supreme Court, thus making it a constitutional crisis. Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan People’s Party leader, also vowed to hold a sit-in in parliament against Khan's swift and unexpected play, adding that opposition lawyers will seek Supreme Court's intervention and seek a verdict on Sunday itself. In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament. If anything, it is only going to serve as political posturing and optics. With the opposition's legal action, it appears the ball is now in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has called other justices for consultation. The top court will have to answer a complex set of constitutional questions: Can a speaker [or his deputy in this case] adjourn the House which had been convened to vote on a no-confidence motion against the government? Is the session 'unconstitutional' only because the deputy speaker thinks so, after it had been listed in the parliament business? Is it constitutional for the president to dismiss the parliament and call elections, when just days ago the opposition appeared to have the sufficient numbers to win the no-trust vote after the MQM-P party switched sides? Can a prime minister facing a no-trust motion seek to dismiss the very House that was set to vote on it? Another looming factor is the spectre of another Army rule. Democracy in Pakistan has been a tortuous lab experiment that could not find the right solution even after 75 years. Whenever such political crises occurred, the Army had stepped in, leading to the series of dictatorships that the impoverished South Asian country witnessed intermittently over the years. WATCH | Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC × Will the new crisis lead to another such military rule? Imran Khan might be trying to avoid such a situation, as according to government sources, he is seeking an interim government. Khan is apparently in the process of writing a letter to the opposition for such an interim government. It is quite possible that this was a move from the Army-intelligence establishment of Pakistan. One way or the other, Pakistan needs to have a government in place by June 30, which is the deadline to pass the budget. The country is reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis, which is a deadly combination of poverty, foreign debt, high cost of living, and unemployment amid a Covid pandemic. The entire political crisis is a result of mobilisation by the opposition to address these issues. Instead of finding a solution to those, Khan, the maverick cricketer, has plunged the country into yet another crisis. Which way it will end - more violence on the streets, political vendetta, interim government followed by election, army rule, or just a period of more uncertainty - will only become clearer in the coming days. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

New polls, interim govt, or Army rule? PM Imran Khan plunges Pakistan into constitutional crisis

<p>Pakistan’s Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the involvement of the military establishment in Sunday’s political development.</p>

<p>“The military has nothing to do with what happened today,” DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar told Geo News on Sunday.</p>

<p>According to the news outlet, Iftikar was responding to a question regarding the consent of the army in the political developments of the day.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who skipped the National Assembly session where a no-confidence vote against his government was being discussed, suddenly&nbsp;announced fresh elections.</p>

<p>Geo News quoting sources said that elections can be held within 90 days.</p>

<p>In a sudden turn of events, Prime Minister Imran Khan informed that he had advised President&nbsp; Arif Alvi to "dissolve assemblies".</p>

<p>The major political development came hours after the National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri threw out the no-confidence motion raised by the opposition, calling it “unconstitutional”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prepare-for-elections-imrans-dramatic-tv-speech-amid-no-confidence-motion-467893">&nbsp;'Prepare for elections': Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion</a></p>

<p>Citing article 5 of the constitution, Suri dismissed the session soon after the ruling party's Fawad Chowdhury spoke against the motion, dubbing it a "foreign conspiracy."</p>

<p>According to local media reports, the deputy speaker was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser against whom the opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion earlier in the day.</p>

<p>According to the Dawn newspaper, Khan welcomed the NA deputy speaker's ruling, saying, “The NA speaker has rejected the move intended at changing the regime and I congratulate the entire nation on it.”</p>

<p>“Pakistan came into existence on 27th Ramzan, and this nation will not let such a conspiracy get successful."</p>

<p>According to reports, Khan is writing a letter to the president on the formation of a caretaker government to take care of the duties of the government till the elections are held.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC</strong></p>

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<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Pakistan’s Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the involvement of the military establishment in Sunday’s political development.

Pakistan’s Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the involvement of the military establishment in Sunday’s political development. “The military has nothing to do with what happened today,” DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar told Geo News on Sunday. According to the news outlet, Iftikar was responding to a question regarding the consent of the army in the political developments of the day. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who skipped the National Assembly session where a no-confidence vote against his government was being discussed, suddenly announced fresh elections. Geo News quoting sources said that elections can be held within 90 days. In a sudden turn of events, Prime Minister Imran Khan informed that he had advised President Arif Alvi to "dissolve assemblies". The major political development came hours after the National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri threw out the no-confidence motion raised by the opposition, calling it “unconstitutional”. Also read | 'Prepare for elections': Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion Citing article 5 of the constitution, Suri dismissed the session soon after the ruling party's Fawad Chowdhury spoke against the motion, dubbing it a "foreign conspiracy." According to local media reports, the deputy speaker was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser against whom the opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion earlier in the day. According to the Dawn newspaper, Khan welcomed the NA deputy speaker's ruling, saying, “The NA speaker has rejected the move intended at changing the regime and I congratulate the entire nation on it.” “Pakistan came into existence on 27th Ramzan, and this nation will not let such a conspiracy get successful." According to reports, Khan is writing a letter to the president on the formation of a caretaker government to take care of the duties of the government till the elections are held. Watch | Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC (With inputs from agencies)

'Absolutely not': Pakistan military has nothing to do with whatever happened today, says DG ISPR

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan government had handed official protest to US embassy over what he called USA's interference in the country's internal affairs.</p>

<p>"We now have given a demarche to (the) American embassy," Khan told local television channel ARY in an interview, referring to a diplomatic note over what he described as a foreign conspiracy to oust him from power.</p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-politician is in a tough political situation as his government is due to face a tough no-confidence vote on Sunday (March 3). Khan recently got a major jolt as his coalition partner MQM declared that it would vote with the opposition on the no-confidence motion.</p>

<p>Imran Khan has been alleging that there was a foreign conspiracy against Pakistan and his government. He has claimed that he has documentary evidence that foreign countries are trying to interfere in Pakistan's affairs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | The final countdown: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lauds India for second time</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised address to the nation on Thursday (March 31), Imran Khan explicitly named USA but backtracked during the same speech.</p>

<p>But on Friday evening Khan named the United States, in his interview with ARY News TV.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that US embassy did not immediately respond to Imran Khan's assertion on Thursday that an official protest had been handed to US embassy.</p>

<p>Ruling party members in Pakistan led a protest against the United States in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Friday.</p>

<p>In an unusual move, dozens of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ruling party figures, led by a provincial minister, rallied in the centre of Peshawar, chanting "Down with America!"</p>

<p>"We have come out to support Imran Khan who has challenged the capitalist forces," the minister, Taimur Jhagra, told the rally. "We will prefer hunger over a surrender to the U.S.," said another provincial lawmaker in the rally, Fazal Elahi.</p>

<p>A handful of activists from an anti-America Shi'ite group also reacted to Khan's claims, holding a rally in Islamabad where they burned American flags.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan government had handed official protest to US embassy over what he called USA's interference in the country's internal affairs.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan government had handed official protest to US embassy over what he called USA's interference in the country's internal affairs. "We now have given a demarche to (the) American embassy," Khan told local television channel ARY in an interview, referring to a diplomatic note over what he described as a foreign conspiracy to oust him from power. The cricketer-turned-politician is in a tough political situation as his government is due to face a tough no-confidence vote on Sunday (March 3). Khan recently got a major jolt as his coalition partner MQM declared that it would vote with the opposition on the no-confidence motion. Imran Khan has been alleging that there was a foreign conspiracy against Pakistan and his government. He has claimed that he has documentary evidence that foreign countries are trying to interfere in Pakistan's affairs. Watch | The final countdown: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lauds India for second time × In a televised address to the nation on Thursday (March 31), Imran Khan explicitly named USA but backtracked during the same speech. But on Friday evening Khan named the United States, in his interview with ARY News TV. Reuters reported that US embassy did not immediately respond to Imran Khan's assertion on Thursday that an official protest had been handed to US embassy. Ruling party members in Pakistan led a protest against the United States in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Friday. In an unusual move, dozens of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ruling party figures, led by a provincial minister, rallied in the centre of Peshawar, chanting "Down with America!" "We have come out to support Imran Khan who has challenged the capitalist forces," the minister, Taimur Jhagra, told the rally. "We will prefer hunger over a surrender to the U.S.," said another provincial lawmaker in the rally, Fazal Elahi. A handful of activists from an anti-America Shi'ite group also reacted to Khan's claims, holding a rally in Islamabad where they burned American flags. (With inputs from agencies)

Official protest lodged with US embassy, Pakistan PM Imran Khan tells Pakistani media

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan recently, while speaking at a rally in the country's capital Islamabad, said that besides internal politics, a "foreign conspiracy" was also plotting his removal from power as he faces a no-confidence vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan alleged that because of his external policy, such a conspiracy took place. "We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interests," he said. Although, Khan didn't&nbsp;offer any&nbsp;details or evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as per a report by Pakistani media outlet DAWN, Imran Khan briefed his cabinet members about the contents of the letter and the reports added that a group of journalists were provided with minutes of the meeting because of the legal bar on disclosing classified documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-life-under-threat-as-there-was-a-plot-to-assassinate-him-claims-pti-leader-467031">Pakistan PM Imran Khan's life in danger as there was a plot to assassinate him, claims PTI leader</a></strong></p>

<p>The journalists&nbsp;were informed that a Pakistani envoy was told by a senior official of the host country that they had issues with PM Khan's foreign policy, especially his visit to Russia and the stance on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.&nbsp;Though no foreign government was named in that meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the DAWN&nbsp;report, the Pakistani envoy was conveyed that the future trajectory of relations between the two countries was contingent upon the fate of the no-confidence motion that the opposition parties were then planning to bring against Khan. The envoy was warned of serious implications if Prime Minister Khan survived the no-trust vote, it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cable was reportedly sent on March 7, a day before the Opposition submitted the no-confidence motion and requisitioned a National Assembly session for voting on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from that, it has been reported that the cable was sent by Pakistan's then-ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed on the basis of his meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ambassador Majeed has now moved to Brussels to take up his new assignment and has been replaced by Ambassador Masood Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-is-no-zulfikar-ali-bhutto-ex-wife-reham-khan-slams-beleaguered-pak-pm-466987">Imran Khan is no Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: Senior journalist Reham Khan slams beleaguered Pak PM</a></strong></p>

<hr />
<p>Meanwhile, the US State Department on Wednesday (March 30) asserted that no US government agency or official had sent a letter to Pakistan on the current political situation in the country, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is no truth to these allegations," said a State Department spokesperson while responding to questions from DAWN&nbsp;about the alleged letter and US involvement in the no-confidence motion against the PTI government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to some diplomatic sources in Washington, the letter could be a diplomatic cable from Washington, drafted by a senior Pakistani diplomat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The contents of the letter, apparently, are based on informal discussions between Pakistani and other officials," the DAWN&nbsp;quoted one diplomatic source as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The contents, if correct, show a set of friendly officials from various countries indulging in some loud-thinking and probing. Nothing more," the source added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sources said such conversations often happened in capital cities around the world and diplomats often shared the contents of such conversations with authorities in their home countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The purpose behind such cables is to keep your government informed. It's no sign of a conspiracy against a government or a personality," another diplomatic source was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan set to unveil 'secret letter' in parliament today</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan recently, while speaking at a rally in the country's capital Islamabad, said that besides internal politics, a "foreign conspiracy" was also plotting his removal from power as he faces a no-confidence vote.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan recently, while speaking at a rally in the country's capital Islamabad, said that besides internal politics, a "foreign conspiracy" was also plotting his removal from power as he faces a no-confidence vote. Khan alleged that because of his external policy, such a conspiracy took place. "We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interests," he said. Although, Khan didn't offer any details or evidence. However, as per a report by Pakistani media outlet DAWN, Imran Khan briefed his cabinet members about the contents of the letter and the reports added that a group of journalists were provided with minutes of the meeting because of the legal bar on disclosing classified documents. ALSO READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan's life in danger as there was a plot to assassinate him, claims PTI leader The journalists were informed that a Pakistani envoy was told by a senior official of the host country that they had issues with PM Khan's foreign policy, especially his visit to Russia and the stance on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Though no foreign government was named in that meeting. According to the DAWN report, the Pakistani envoy was conveyed that the future trajectory of relations between the two countries was contingent upon the fate of the no-confidence motion that the opposition parties were then planning to bring against Khan. The envoy was warned of serious implications if Prime Minister Khan survived the no-trust vote, it said. The cable was reportedly sent on March 7, a day before the Opposition submitted the no-confidence motion and requisitioned a National Assembly session for voting on it. Apart from that, it has been reported that the cable was sent by Pakistan's then-ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed on the basis of his meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu. Ambassador Majeed has now moved to Brussels to take up his new assignment and has been replaced by Ambassador Masood Khan. ALSO READ | Imran Khan is no Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: Senior journalist Reham Khan slams beleaguered Pak PM Meanwhile, the US State Department on Wednesday (March 30) asserted that no US government agency or official had sent a letter to Pakistan on the current political situation in the country, the report said. "There is no truth to these allegations," said a State Department spokesperson while responding to questions from DAWN about the alleged letter and US involvement in the no-confidence motion against the PTI government. According to some diplomatic sources in Washington, the letter could be a diplomatic cable from Washington, drafted by a senior Pakistani diplomat. "The contents of the letter, apparently, are based on informal discussions between Pakistani and other officials," the DAWN quoted one diplomatic source as saying. "The contents, if correct, show a set of friendly officials from various countries indulging in some loud-thinking and probing. Nothing more," the source added. The sources said such conversations often happened in capital cities around the world and diplomats often shared the contents of such conversations with authorities in their home countries. "The purpose behind such cables is to keep your government informed. It's no sign of a conspiracy against a government or a personality," another diplomatic source was quoted as saying in the report. WATCH | Pakistan PM Imran Khan set to unveil 'secret letter' in parliament today × (With inputs from agencies)

US says no letter sent to Pakistan as PM Imran Khan discloses contents of 'threat letter'

Has Imran Khan sensed his downfall? In the last 4 weeks, he has made several remarks which betray his frustration. Palki Sharma decodes the remarks to assess the Pak PM'S state of mind.

Gravitas: 9 remarks that reveal Imran Khan's state of mind

<p class="MsoNormal">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a video message on Thursday urging the people of the nation to stand against evil as he faces a no-confidence motion in the Assembly on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Imran Khan criticized the opposition by calling them ‘a gang of thieves’ and he said that they have been looting the country for the past 30 years and now they are indulging in 'shameless horse trading'. He also urged the nation to participate in PTI's March 27 power rally in Islamabad.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">وزیراعظم <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> کا قوم کے نام اہم پیغام <a href="https://t.co/abeHvXAi0Z">pic.twitter.com/abeHvXAi0Z</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1506885611927527429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"I want the entire nation to join me on March 27 to send one message: that we are not with evil, we are against it. That we are against the crime[s] being committed against democracy and the nation, where the conscience of public representatives is being bought with looted money," he said.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier, Imran Khan clearly said that he will not be stepping down ahead of the no-confidence vote. He maintained that he will have the last laugh and will reveal his trump card at the right time.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-team-find-human-remains-at-the-chinese-plane-crash-site-465135">Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Let me predict in clear terms that we will succeed in the no-confidence motion because the entire party and our workers are standing with us like a rock and even the debate raging on the menace of corruption and horse-trading has become a topic of household discussion," he said according to PTI.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In the 342-member National Assembly, the Opposition needs 172 votes to remove Khan. Currently, PTI has 155 members and they also have the support of 23 members from at least six other parties.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a video message on Thursday urging the people of the nation to stand against evil as he faces a no-confidence motion in the Assembly on Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a video message on Thursday urging the people of the nation to stand against evil as he faces a no-confidence motion in the Assembly on Friday. Imran Khan criticized the opposition by calling them ‘a gang of thieves’ and he said that they have been looting the country for the past 30 years and now they are indulging in 'shameless horse trading'. He also urged the nation to participate in PTI's March 27 power rally in Islamabad. وزیراعظم @ImranKhanPTI کا قوم کے نام اہم پیغام pic.twitter.com/abeHvXAi0Z — PTI (@PTIofficial) March 24, 2022 × "I want the entire nation to join me on March 27 to send one message: that we are not with evil, we are against it. That we are against the crime[s] being committed against democracy and the nation, where the conscience of public representatives is being bought with looted money," he said. Earlier, Imran Khan clearly said that he will not be stepping down ahead of the no-confidence vote. He maintained that he will have the last laugh and will reveal his trump card at the right time. Also read | Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site "Let me predict in clear terms that we will succeed in the no-confidence motion because the entire party and our workers are standing with us like a rock and even the debate raging on the menace of corruption and horse-trading has become a topic of household discussion," he said according to PTI. In the 342-member National Assembly, the Opposition needs 172 votes to remove Khan. Currently, PTI has 155 members and they also have the support of 23 members from at least six other parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan urges nation for support ahead of no-confidence vote

<p>As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball'&nbsp;to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate.</p>

<p>The Opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8.</p>

<p>About two dozen members of his own Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have closed ranks with the Opposition parties and said they will vote for the motion against him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-says-he-wont-resign-ahead-of-no-confidence-move-465114">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says he won't resign ahead of no-confidence move</a></strong></p>

<p>The trust vote indicates very clearly that Khan does not have the majority support in the 342-member Parliament.</p>

<p>That seems unlikely, given his wide unpopularity amongst the lawmakers, and the country as a whole. And to his dismay, the all-powerful Army, the final arbiter of many things in Pakistan, has decided to stay "neutral" in the tussle between cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan and his detractors.</p>

<p>All the escape routes for Pakistan PM are closing as the voting date or the no-confidence motion inches closer and if Imran Khan denies to put in his papers and "fight it out" then the situation in Islamabad could turn ugly, forcing General Bajwa to stomp hard on his protege.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Army's top brass has reportedly asked Imran Khan to resign after the conference of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).</p>

<p>Pakistan media reports stated that the decision to oust Imran Khan was taken by General Bajwa and three other senior Lt. Generals. It was reported that all four military leaders decided not to give any escape route to Imran Khan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-calls-for-ukraine-ceasefire-offers-mediation-by-china-and-islamic-nations-465100">Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Prime Minister apologised to the Pakistan army as he praised India for its independent foreign policy. He will have to face a crucial no-confidence motion in the National Assembly of Pakistan where his ouster seems all but certain.</p>

<p>Imran Khan was referring to the Indian decision to buy oil from Russia despite the sanction and despite India being a member of the Quadrilateral Alliance. "Their policy is for the betterment of people," he said while addressing a public rally at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 20. He seems to have realized his own folly of trying to preside over the government of a failed state.</p>

<p>The possible ouster of Imran Khan would once again establish that democracy cannot survive in Pakistan, a country where the army and its powerful wing the Inter-Service Intelligence control everything. Imran Khan has committed the cardinal sin of offending the army. In Pakistan, the support of the politically powerful military is critical for any political party to retain power.</p>

<p>He has used the ISI to stay in power, and now the same ISI is trying to remove him from power. Imran Khan had stood in the way of what was being seen as a routine transfer in the army, with Pak army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa planning to shift Director General of ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hamid as the commander of Peshawar-based XI Corps and replacing him with Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI. The Prime Minister had refused to issue the formal notification.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-no-confidence-vote-3-allies-of-khan-join-opposition-pak-pm-says-wont-resign-464991">Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign'</a></strong></p>

<p>The fact, possibly, is that Imran Khan himself had become too dependent on Lt Gen Faiz Hamid and was using the ISI for his political survival. Finally, Imran Khan had to eat the humble pie in October 2021 and accept the face-saver of choosing the same Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI from a panel of three names presented to him by Gen Bajwa. It is reported that Imran Khan had been warned against any attempt by him to replace the army chief.</p>

<p>While domestic issues like rapid inflation have been highlighted by opposition parties in seeking Imran Khan's ouster, the former cricket captain of Pakistan must also share a part of the blame himself for having made a mess of Pakistan's foreign relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: End of the road for Imran Khan?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-end-of-the-road-for-imran-khan-464994/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball' to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate.

As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on Friday, several reports say that this motion is expected to be proven as the 'last ball' to decide former cricketer turned politician's fate. The Opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. About two dozen members of his own Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have closed ranks with the Opposition parties and said they will vote for the motion against him. Also read| Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says he won't resign ahead of no-confidence move The trust vote indicates very clearly that Khan does not have the majority support in the 342-member Parliament. That seems unlikely, given his wide unpopularity amongst the lawmakers, and the country as a whole. And to his dismay, the all-powerful Army, the final arbiter of many things in Pakistan, has decided to stay "neutral" in the tussle between cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan and his detractors. All the escape routes for Pakistan PM are closing as the voting date or the no-confidence motion inches closer and if Imran Khan denies to put in his papers and "fight it out" then the situation in Islamabad could turn ugly, forcing General Bajwa to stomp hard on his protege. The Pakistan Army's top brass has reportedly asked Imran Khan to resign after the conference of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Pakistan media reports stated that the decision to oust Imran Khan was taken by General Bajwa and three other senior Lt. Generals. It was reported that all four military leaders decided not to give any escape route to Imran Khan. Also read | Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations Meanwhile, the Prime Minister apologised to the Pakistan army as he praised India for its independent foreign policy. He will have to face a crucial no-confidence motion in the National Assembly of Pakistan where his ouster seems all but certain. Imran Khan was referring to the Indian decision to buy oil from Russia despite the sanction and despite India being a member of the Quadrilateral Alliance. "Their policy is for the betterment of people," he said while addressing a public rally at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 20. He seems to have realized his own folly of trying to preside over the government of a failed state. The possible ouster of Imran Khan would once again establish that democracy cannot survive in Pakistan, a country where the army and its powerful wing the Inter-Service Intelligence control everything. Imran Khan has committed the cardinal sin of offending the army. In Pakistan, the support of the politically powerful military is critical for any political party to retain power. He has used the ISI to stay in power, and now the same ISI is trying to remove him from power. Imran Khan had stood in the way of what was being seen as a routine transfer in the army, with Pak army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa planning to shift Director General of ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hamid as the commander of Peshawar-based XI Corps and replacing him with Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI. The Prime Minister had refused to issue the formal notification. Also read | Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign' The fact, possibly, is that Imran Khan himself had become too dependent on Lt Gen Faiz Hamid and was using the ISI for his political survival. Finally, Imran Khan had to eat the humble pie in October 2021 and accept the face-saver of choosing the same Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the DG ISI from a panel of three names presented to him by Gen Bajwa. It is reported that Imran Khan had been warned against any attempt by him to replace the army chief. While domestic issues like rapid inflation have been highlighted by opposition parties in seeking Imran Khan's ouster, the former cricket captain of Pakistan must also share a part of the blame himself for having made a mess of Pakistan's foreign relations. Watch | Gravitas: End of the road for Imran Khan?

Pakistan Opposition's no-trust motion a 'last ball' for Imran Khan's political fate

<p>Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said&nbsp;he&nbsp;wouldn't&nbsp;resign, rejecting opposition calls to step down ahead of a no confidence move&nbsp;against him in his toughest challenge since coming to power in 2018.</p>

<p>Pakistan's parliament will convene on Friday to start proceedings into the&nbsp;no-confidence&nbsp;motion, that could take seven days to actually go for voting to decide whether&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;will be removed.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;no&nbsp;confidence&nbsp;move&nbsp;has risked constitutional, administrative and economic crises amid a pending International Monetary Fund review to issue next tranche&nbsp;of a $6 billion rescue package, which was scheduled this week but has yet to happen.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-calls-for-ukraine-ceasefire-offers-mediation-by-china-and-islamic-nations-465100">Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations</a></strong></p>

<p>Opposition parties filed the&nbsp;motion earlier this month, saying&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;has lost his parliamentary majority after some 20 of his party lawmakers defected, calling on the&nbsp;prime minister to step down.</p>

<p>"I will not&nbsp;resign&nbsp;come what may,"&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said in a statement from his office issued late Wednesday night.&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;said&nbsp;he&nbsp;would not surrender without a fight and questioned why should&nbsp;he&nbsp;quit under pressure from "crooks".</p>

<p>Along with the&nbsp;defection of nearly 20 of his party lawmakers, some of his coalition partners have also suggested they may join the&nbsp;opposition.</p>

<p>Some political analysts and opposition lawmakers say&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;has fallen out with&nbsp;Pakistan's powerful military, which was seen as instrumental in the&nbsp;success of the&nbsp;former cricket star's upstart party four years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-no-confidence-vote-3-allies-of-khan-join-opposition-pak-pm-says-wont-resign-464991">Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign'</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan&nbsp;denies the&nbsp;military&nbsp;helped him into office. The&nbsp;military&nbsp;says&nbsp;it does not interfere in politics.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;opposition accuses&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;of mismanaging the&nbsp;economy and foreign policy.&nbsp;He&nbsp;denies this. No&nbsp;Pakistani prime minister has ever completed his full five year term in office.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;loss of dissident lawmakers has left&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;short of the&nbsp;minimum - 172 - needed for a simple majority in the&nbsp;parliament.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;joint opposition commands 163 seats in the&nbsp;lower house, but could build a majority if most of the&nbsp;defectors effectively join its ranks via a no-confidence&nbsp;vote.</p>

<p>Khan&nbsp;has filed a court petition seeking a lifetime ban on the&nbsp;defectors, and appealed them to return to the&nbsp;ruling party.&nbsp;He&nbsp;has also called on the&nbsp;public to show support for his premiership by holding a "million-man" rally in Islamabad on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan hosts OIC meeting: Conference ahead of PM Imran Khan's no-confidence vote</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hosts-oic-meeting-conference-ahead-of-pm-imran-khans-no-confidence-vote-464511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he wouldn't resign, rejecting opposition calls to step down ahead of a no confidence move against him in his toughest challenge since coming to power in 2018.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he wouldn't resign, rejecting opposition calls to step down ahead of a no confidence move against him in his toughest challenge since coming to power in 2018. Pakistan's parliament will convene on Friday to start proceedings into the no-confidence motion, that could take seven days to actually go for voting to decide whether Khan will be removed. The no confidence move has risked constitutional, administrative and economic crises amid a pending International Monetary Fund review to issue next tranche of a $6 billion rescue package, which was scheduled this week but has yet to happen. Also read | Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations Opposition parties filed the motion earlier this month, saying Khan has lost his parliamentary majority after some 20 of his party lawmakers defected, calling on the prime minister to step down. "I will not resign come what may," Khan said in a statement from his office issued late Wednesday night. Khan said he would not surrender without a fight and questioned why should he quit under pressure from "crooks". Along with the defection of nearly 20 of his party lawmakers, some of his coalition partners have also suggested they may join the opposition. Some political analysts and opposition lawmakers say Khan has fallen out with Pakistan's powerful military, which was seen as instrumental in the success of the former cricket star's upstart party four years ago. Also read | Ahead of no-confidence vote, 3 allies of Khan join opposition; Pak PM says ‘won’t resign' Khan denies the military helped him into office. The military says it does not interfere in politics. The opposition accuses Khan of mismanaging the economy and foreign policy. He denies this. No Pakistani prime minister has ever completed his full five year term in office. The loss of dissident lawmakers has left Khan short of the minimum - 172 - needed for a simple majority in the parliament. The joint opposition commands 163 seats in the lower house, but could build a majority if most of the defectors effectively join its ranks via a no-confidence vote. Khan has filed a court petition seeking a lifetime ban on the defectors, and appealed them to return to the ruling party. He has also called on the public to show support for his premiership by holding a "million-man" rally in Islamabad on Sunday. Watch | Pakistan hosts OIC meeting: Conference ahead of PM Imran Khan's no-confidence vote

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says he won't resign ahead of no-confidence move

<p>Even as his prime ministership is at stake, Pakistan’s Imran Khan once again raked up the Kashmir issue this time at the inaugural session of the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday.</p>

<p>While speaking about the need to tackle “Islamophobia”, Khan attempted to equate the Palestine crisis with the Kashmir issue, the Dawn newspaper reported.</p>

<p>Asserting that nobody takes the OIC seriously anymore, Khan said, "We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all."</p>

<p>Without offering any evidence, he alleged that India “was changing the demography” of Kashmir, which he termed it as a “war crime”.</p>

<p>Referring to India's decision to revoke temporary special status for Kashmir in August 2019, he said "nothing happened because they (India) feel no pressure."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-asks-imran-khan-to-resign-after-oic-conference-say-reports-463978">Pakistan Army asks Imran Khan to resign after OIC conference, say reports</a></p>

<p>"They feel we can just [pass] a resolution and then [go] back to our usual business."</p>

<p>His remarks come at a time when a political storm is brewing in his own backyard, with the opposition parties uniting to throw him out of power.</p>

<p>Having managed to barely escape the worst of COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan’s economy has been in the doldrums due to inflation, plunging currency and soaring debt.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-troubles-for-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-even-before-the-no-confidence-vote-463439">More trouble for Pakistan PM Imran Khan before the no-confidence vote</a></p>

<p>Citing the economic crisis and poor governance, the opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Khan which is scheduled to be formally introduced on Friday with a vote next week.</p>

<p>Khan also seems to have lost the backing of the military establishment which brought him to power.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Even as his prime ministership is at stake, Pakistan’s Imran Khan once again raked up the Kashmir issue this time at the inaugural session of the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Even as his prime ministership is at stake, Pakistan’s Imran Khan once again raked up the Kashmir issue this time at the inaugural session of the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday. While speaking about the need to tackle “Islamophobia”, Khan attempted to equate the Palestine crisis with the Kashmir issue, the Dawn newspaper reported. Asserting that nobody takes the OIC seriously anymore, Khan said, "We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all." Without offering any evidence, he alleged that India “was changing the demography” of Kashmir, which he termed it as a “war crime”. Referring to India's decision to revoke temporary special status for Kashmir in August 2019, he said "nothing happened because they (India) feel no pressure." Also read | Pakistan Army asks Imran Khan to resign after OIC conference, say reports "They feel we can just [pass] a resolution and then [go] back to our usual business." His remarks come at a time when a political storm is brewing in his own backyard, with the opposition parties uniting to throw him out of power. Having managed to barely escape the worst of COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan’s economy has been in the doldrums due to inflation, plunging currency and soaring debt. Also read | More trouble for Pakistan PM Imran Khan before the no-confidence vote Citing the economic crisis and poor governance, the opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Khan which is scheduled to be formally introduced on Friday with a vote next week. Khan also seems to have lost the backing of the military establishment which brought him to power. (With inputs from agencies)

With PM post at stake, Imran Khan rakes up Kashmir issue, says 'nobody takes OIC seriously'

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan may lose the no-confidence motion in Parliament as three of his cabinet ministers are about to tender their resignation, a top leader from the party supporting the government said.</p>

<p>In an interview with Hum News on Tuesday, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, whose Pakistan Muslim league-Quaid party is a key government partner with five members in the lower house National Assembly, asserted that the opposition had the support of “more than required” in order to pass the no-confidence plea.</p>

<p>"He is 100 per cent in trouble,” Elahi said, adding there are “plenty of surprises in store”.</p>

<p>"It's up to Imran Khan now to personally reach out to his allied parties and convince them to stay in the coalition government," Elahi said.</p>

<p>Elahi claimed that he had been offered Punjab’s chief minister position from the opposition alliance, adding that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party had yet to make that offer.</p>

<p>However, hours after his explosive interview, Elahi struck a conciliatory note saying that his party had neither left the government nor decided to support the no-trust move against PM Imran Khan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-didnt-join-politics-to-know-the-prices-of-aloo-and-tamatar-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-462066">I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a></p>

<p>In a statement issued through his party, he defined Khan is an “honest” person whose “intentions are good”.</p>

<p>"There are different opinions within a party but decisions are made through mutual consultation," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opposition-accuses-imran-khan-of-coercive-measures-ahead-of-no-trust-vote-461646">Opposition accuses Imran Khan of coercive measures ahead of no-trust vote</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the voting on the no-confidence motion will take place on March 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The no-confidence plea was signed by about 100 lawmakers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which was then submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan may lose the no-confidence motion in Parliament as three of his cabinet ministers are about to tender their resignation, a top leader from the party supporting the government said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan may lose the no-confidence motion in Parliament as three of his cabinet ministers are about to tender their resignation, a top leader from the party supporting the government said. In an interview with Hum News on Tuesday, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, whose Pakistan Muslim league-Quaid party is a key government partner with five members in the lower house National Assembly, asserted that the opposition had the support of “more than required” in order to pass the no-confidence plea. "He is 100 per cent in trouble,” Elahi said, adding there are “plenty of surprises in store”. "It's up to Imran Khan now to personally reach out to his allied parties and convince them to stay in the coalition government," Elahi said. Elahi claimed that he had been offered Punjab’s chief minister position from the opposition alliance, adding that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party had yet to make that offer. However, hours after his explosive interview, Elahi struck a conciliatory note saying that his party had neither left the government nor decided to support the no-trust move against PM Imran Khan. Also read | I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan In a statement issued through his party, he defined Khan is an “honest” person whose “intentions are good”. "There are different opinions within a party but decisions are made through mutual consultation," he added. Also read | Opposition accuses Imran Khan of coercive measures ahead of no-trust vote Meanwhile, the voting on the no-confidence motion will take place on March 28. The no-confidence plea was signed by about 100 lawmakers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which was then submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Pakistan PM Imran Khan face the axe? His key ally says '100%'

<p>&nbsp;With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.</p>

<p>The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources.</p>

<p>The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-diplomats-under-pressure-from-taliban-regime-462072">Afghan diplomats under pressure from Taliban regime</a></strong></p>

<p>After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in.</p>

<p>This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.</p>

<p>Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-didnt-join-politics-to-know-the-prices-of-aloo-and-tamatar-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-462066">I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a></strong></p>

<p>The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech."</p>

<p>"Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.</p>

<p>Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-why-imran-khan-entered-politics-in-his-own-words-462330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.</p>


With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.

With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation. The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources. The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad. Also read | Afghan diplomats under pressure from Taliban regime After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in. This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27. Also read | I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech." "Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote. Watch | Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.

Pakistan government to deploy paramilitary forces in Islamabad ahead of no-confidence motion

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lashed out at opposition parties for bringing a no-confidence against him.</p>

<p>While addressing a public&nbsp;gathering in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan dubbed the opposition members— PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman—as “three stooges”.</p>

<p>What was striking in Imran Khan’s speech was that during his rally, he seemed to disclose his conversation with army chief General Bajwa on Rahman, who is known as “Maulana Diesel”— a derogatory term for his alleged participation in graft involving fuel licenses.</p>

<p>“I was just talking to Gen Bajwa, and he told me not to refer to Fazl as diesel. But I am not the one who is saying that. The people have named him diesel," the prime minister said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opposition-submits-no-confidence-motion-as-pak-pm-khan-says-army-stands-with-me-460289">Opposition submits no-confidence motion as Pak PM Khan says 'army stands with me'</a></p>

<p>The tone and language of the prime minister seem&nbsp;to have nosedived in recent days after the opposition parties moved a no-trust vote against him.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Khan said that after winning the trust vote in Parliament, he would target former president and Opposition leader Asif Ali Zardari for alleged corruption.</p>

<p>Khan, addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers at the Governor House in Karachi, claimed that the motion is the “political death” of the opposition, Geo News reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;P<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-striking-speech-targeting-western-envoys-joint-letter-on-russia-grabs-attention-459828">akistan PM Imran Khan's striking speech targeting Western envoys' joint letter on Russia grabs attention</a></p>

<p>The no-confidence motion, signed by about 100 lawmakers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was submitted with the National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lashed out at opposition parties for bringing a no-confidence against him. While addressing a public gathering in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan dubbed the opposition members— PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman—as “three stooges”.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lashed out at opposition parties for bringing a no-confidence against him. While addressing a public gathering in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan dubbed the opposition members— PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman—as “three stooges”. What was striking in Imran Khan’s speech was that during his rally, he seemed to disclose his conversation with army chief General Bajwa on Rahman, who is known as “Maulana Diesel”— a derogatory term for his alleged participation in graft involving fuel licenses. “I was just talking to Gen Bajwa, and he told me not to refer to Fazl as diesel. But I am not the one who is saying that. The people have named him diesel," the prime minister said. Also read | Opposition submits no-confidence motion as Pak PM Khan says 'army stands with me' The tone and language of the prime minister seem to have nosedived in recent days after the opposition parties moved a no-trust vote against him. On Wednesday, Khan said that after winning the trust vote in Parliament, he would target former president and Opposition leader Asif Ali Zardari for alleged corruption. Khan, addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers at the Governor House in Karachi, claimed that the motion is the “political death” of the opposition, Geo News reported. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan's striking speech targeting Western envoys' joint letter on Russia grabs attention The no-confidence motion, signed by about 100 lawmakers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was submitted with the National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday. Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides. (With inputs from agencies)

Slip of tongue: Pak PM discloses his conversations with Gen Bajwa while slamming opposition

Pakistan’s opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance.

Pakistan: Opposition parties seeks PM Imran Khan’s ouster with no-confidence motion

<p>In a massive jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the opposition lawmakers submitted a no-confidence motion seeking to ouster his government over failure to control inflation.</p>

<p>A delegation of lawmakers submitted the no-trust motion to the secretariat in the Parliament House in Islamabad.</p>

<p>A total of 86 Members of the National Assembly from the Opposition have signed the motion. As per rules, 68 MNAs need to sign the petition and the Speaker has 3-7 days to call the session for voting.</p>

<p>Further, PML-N MNAs have been directed to remain in Islamabad as the coming 3 weeks were crucial politically.</p>

<p>In order to make the no-confidence motion against the prime minister successful, the joint opposition requires the support of 172 MNAs.</p>

<p>Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides, which is not unusual in parliamentary democracies.</p>

<p>This comes after a former minister and member of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Aleem Khan, switched sides with a rival faction in the party as he had reservations with the prime minister.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;P<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-striking-speech-targeting-western-envoys-joint-letter-on-russia-grabs-attention-459828">akistan PM Imran Khan's striking speech targeting Western envoys' joint letter on Russia grabs attention</a></p>

<p>Khan has been facing heat for uncontrolled inflation that has broken the back of poor people of the country.</p>

<p>Khan, a former cricketer, came to power in 2018 and elections are to be held in 2023 if he succeeded to ward off the challenge of no-trust move.</p>

<p>He had promised to clean the country of corruption and create a new Pakistan.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Khan asserted that his government would not be ousted and would become stronger.</p>

<p>"The army stands with me, it will never support thieves [...] and since the people are not backing the Opposition anymore, they are claiming that the establishment is supporting them," GEO TV quoted Khan as saying.</p>

<p>"A mind game is going on right now, and I am a master at it," he added.</p>

<p>Speaking about estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen, the prime minister said: "I know that he will never join these robbers."</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


In a massive jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the opposition lawmakers submitted a no-confidence motion seeking to ouster his government over failure to control inflation.

In a massive jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the opposition lawmakers submitted a no-confidence motion seeking to ouster his government over failure to control inflation. A delegation of lawmakers submitted the no-trust motion to the secretariat in the Parliament House in Islamabad. A total of 86 Members of the National Assembly from the Opposition have signed the motion. As per rules, 68 MNAs need to sign the petition and the Speaker has 3-7 days to call the session for voting. Further, PML-N MNAs have been directed to remain in Islamabad as the coming 3 weeks were crucial politically. In order to make the no-confidence motion against the prime minister successful, the joint opposition requires the support of 172 MNAs. Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides, which is not unusual in parliamentary democracies. This comes after a former minister and member of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Aleem Khan, switched sides with a rival faction in the party as he had reservations with the prime minister. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan's striking speech targeting Western envoys' joint letter on Russia grabs attention Khan has been facing heat for uncontrolled inflation that has broken the back of poor people of the country. Khan, a former cricketer, came to power in 2018 and elections are to be held in 2023 if he succeeded to ward off the challenge of no-trust move. He had promised to clean the country of corruption and create a new Pakistan. Meanwhile, Khan asserted that his government would not be ousted and would become stronger. "The army stands with me, it will never support thieves [...] and since the people are not backing the Opposition anymore, they are claiming that the establishment is supporting them," GEO TV quoted Khan as saying. "A mind game is going on right now, and I am a master at it," he added. Speaking about estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen, the prime minister said: "I know that he will never join these robbers." (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition submits no-confidence motion as Pak PM Khan says 'army stands with me'

Pak PM Imran Khan is fighting for survival. His allies are 'breaking bread' with opposition leaders. Reports say, they're conspiring to pass a no-confidence motion against him. Will they succeed? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is fighting for survival

<p>Sweden's government was toppled on Monday after Stefan Lofven became the country's first prime minister to lose a no-confidence vote, meaning he can now either resign or trigger a snap election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The motion of no confidence passed with a majority of 181 MPs in the 349-seat parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was filed on Thursday by the far right Sweden Democrats (SD), after the Left Party, which has propped up the government, announced it was planning to seek support for such a motion itself to protest a government project to ease rent controls, denouncing the move as an attack on the Swedish social model.</p>

<p>The conservative Moderate Party and the Christian Democrats quickly announced their support for the move, thereby securing the necessary majority.</p>

<p>Critics described the constellation as an "unholy alliance" of parties at opposite sides of the political spectrum.</p>

<p>Lofven is the first head of government to lose a no-confidence vote in the country, and means the collapse of the Social Democrat and Green Party coalition minority government.</p>

<p>The political crisis was triggered by a project, which is still in its preliminary stages, to reform the country's rent controls and potentially open the door for landlords to freely set rents for newly constructed apartments.</p>

<p>Among the left the proposal has been seen as being at odds with the Swedish social model and a threat to tenants.</p>

<p>Last-ditch efforts to appease the Left Party, which holds 27 seats, had been in vain.</p>

<p>An offer to invite stakeholders in the rental market for negotiations was dismissed as "not serious and political theatre aimed at stalling the process", by Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar.</p>

<p>Lofven now has one week to decide whether to trigger a snap election, or resign which means the speaker of the parliament will start negotiations among parties to find a viable candidate for the office.</p>


Sweden's government was toppled on Monday after Stefan Lofven became the country's first prime minister to lose a no-confidence vote, meaning he can now either resign or trigger a snap election.

Sweden's government was toppled on Monday after Stefan Lofven became the country's first prime minister to lose a no-confidence vote, meaning he can now either resign or trigger a snap election. The motion of no confidence passed with a majority of 181 MPs in the 349-seat parliament. It was filed on Thursday by the far right Sweden Democrats (SD), after the Left Party, which has propped up the government, announced it was planning to seek support for such a motion itself to protest a government project to ease rent controls, denouncing the move as an attack on the Swedish social model. The conservative Moderate Party and the Christian Democrats quickly announced their support for the move, thereby securing the necessary majority. Critics described the constellation as an "unholy alliance" of parties at opposite sides of the political spectrum. Lofven is the first head of government to lose a no-confidence vote in the country, and means the collapse of the Social Democrat and Green Party coalition minority government. The political crisis was triggered by a project, which is still in its preliminary stages, to reform the country's rent controls and potentially open the door for landlords to freely set rents for newly constructed apartments. Among the left the proposal has been seen as being at odds with the Swedish social model and a threat to tenants. Last-ditch efforts to appease the Left Party, which holds 27 seats, had been in vain. An offer to invite stakeholders in the rental market for negotiations was dismissed as "not serious and political theatre aimed at stalling the process", by Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar. Lofven now has one week to decide whether to trigger a snap election, or resign which means the speaker of the parliament will start negotiations among parties to find a viable candidate for the office.

Sweden's Stefan Lofven becomes country's first PM to lose no-confidence vote

Watch: WION Gravitas, 12th December, 2018

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WION Dispatch: UK PM Theresa May faces no-confidence motion

Brexit vote delay backfires; British MPs submit no confidence letters

<p>The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted yet again today due to noisy protests by the AIADMK and TRS members, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed her inability to take up the notices for no- confidence motion and adjourned the proceedings for the day.</p>

<p>The Speaker also announced a holiday for members on Monday on account of Ramnavmi on Sunday as many of them had conveyed they would be busy in various events on the festival and would find it difficult to join the House the next day.</p>

<p>The House was adjourned till noon soon after it met at 11 am following noisy protests by members of the AIADMK and the TRS over Cauvery dispute and quota issue respectively.</p>

<p>As the house reassembled at noon, the protests continued and Mahajan said she cannot take up the notices for no-confidence motions moved by the TDP and YSR Congress as the House is not in order and the requisite head-count of members supporting the notices can be done only if they are in their seats.</p>

<p>At least 50 members need to support a no-confidence notice for the House to accept it and start a debate.</p>

<p>The Speaker said the government had expressed its readiness for a discussion on it.</p>

<p>The BJP-led NDA government enjoys a comfortable majority in the House.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha was then adjourned for the day as protests continued.</p>

<p>This is the 15th straight day that the lower house was adjourned without undertaking any significant business.</p>

<p>As soon as the House met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan paid tributes to freedom fighters -- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev-- who were hanged on March 23, 1931 by the British. The House observed silence as a mark of respect to the martyrs.</p>

<p>Before taking up the question hour, the Speaker appealed to members to maintain order but members from the AIADMK and TRS trooped into the Well holding placards and raising slogans.</p>

<p>While the AIADMK is pressing for immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management board, the TRS is demanding that the states be given the right to determine the proportion of reservations. Some members were heard shouting &#39;we want justice&#39;.</p>

<p>Congress members too were on their feet protesting against the Supreme Court verdict on the SC/ST Act. The Congress has been demanding that the Centre seek a review of the court order which diluted provisions related to immediate arrest in cases related to atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.</p>

<p>Expelled RJD member Pappu Yadav was seen holding two placards demanding special status for Bihar.</p>

<p>Amid the din, Mahajan tried to proceed with the Question Hour, but adjourned the House within minutes as the protests continued.</p>

<p>The House has been witnessing disruptions every day since March 5 over issues like PNB scam, special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery water dispute after it re-assembled to continue the Budget session.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSR Congress Party held protest outside Gandhi Statue in Parliament demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh (earlier visuals) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/pLEOcFVbvH">pic.twitter.com/pLEOcFVbvH</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977059925301047296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up as a cattle herder to protest over demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, other TDP MPs also staged protest in Parliament premises. Sivaprasad had also dressed up as a women &amp; a school boy among others <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/4WtewVdCx9">pic.twitter.com/4WtewVdCx9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977055121774403584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: TDP MPs protest in Parliament premises demanding special status for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Skh4Me2JuR">pic.twitter.com/Skh4Me2JuR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977048684306358272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Speaker also announced a holiday for members on Monday on account of Ramnavmi on Sunday as many of them had conveyed they would be busy in various events on the festival and would find it difficult to join the House the next day

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted yet again today due to noisy protests by the AIADMK and TRS members, following which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed her inability to take up the notices for no- confidence motion and adjourned the proceedings for the day. The Speaker also announced a holiday for members on Monday on account of Ramnavmi on Sunday as many of them had conveyed they would be busy in various events on the festival and would find it difficult to join the House the next day. The House was adjourned till noon soon after it met at 11 am following noisy protests by members of the AIADMK and the TRS over Cauvery dispute and quota issue respectively. As the house reassembled at noon, the protests continued and Mahajan said she cannot take up the notices for no-confidence motions moved by the TDP and YSR Congress as the House is not in order and the requisite head-count of members supporting the notices can be done only if they are in their seats. At least 50 members need to support a no-confidence notice for the House to accept it and start a debate. The Speaker said the government had expressed its readiness for a discussion on it. The BJP-led NDA government enjoys a comfortable majority in the House. The Lok Sabha was then adjourned for the day as protests continued. This is the 15th straight day that the lower house was adjourned without undertaking any significant business. As soon as the House met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan paid tributes to freedom fighters -- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev-- who were hanged on March 23, 1931 by the British. The House observed silence as a mark of respect to the martyrs. Before taking up the question hour, the Speaker appealed to members to maintain order but members from the AIADMK and TRS trooped into the Well holding placards and raising slogans. While the AIADMK is pressing for immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management board, the TRS is demanding that the states be given the right to determine the proportion of reservations. Some members were heard shouting 'we want justice'. Congress members too were on their feet protesting against the Supreme Court verdict on the SC/ST Act. The Congress has been demanding that the Centre seek a review of the court order which diluted provisions related to immediate arrest in cases related to atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Expelled RJD member Pappu Yadav was seen holding two placards demanding special status for Bihar. Amid the din, Mahajan tried to proceed with the Question Hour, but adjourned the House within minutes as the protests continued. The House has been witnessing disruptions every day since March 5 over issues like PNB scam, special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery water dispute after it re-assembled to continue the Budget session. YSR Congress Party held protest outside Gandhi Statue in Parliament demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh (earlier visuals) #Delhi pic.twitter.com/pLEOcFVbvH — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 × TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dresses up as a cattle herder to protest over demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, other TDP MPs also staged protest in Parliament premises. Sivaprasad had also dressed up as a women & a school boy among others #Delhi pic.twitter.com/4WtewVdCx9 — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 × Delhi: TDP MPs protest in Parliament premises demanding special status for #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/Skh4Me2JuR — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 ×

Lok Sabha adjourned for 15th consecutive day, to meet on Tuesday

<p>Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-proceedings-disrupted-for-fourth-day-35111"> for the fourth day</a>.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/Gb7XBB7cvK">pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975956374621491200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute.</p>

<p>Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party.</p>

<p>The YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today.</p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would &quot;let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die,&quot; the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament.</p>

<p>&quot;All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday for the fourth day. Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute. Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party. The YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would "let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die." "We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die," the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening. The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament. "All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament gears up for stormy session, no-confidence motion to be tabled today again

<p>Ahead of the Lok Sabha meeting&nbsp;when&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for no-confidence motion</a> on Monday, TDP MP has said that his party will gather support from all opposition party for an effective debate.</p>

<p>He added that they were not trying to make the government fall, instead, they want a debate on the issue.</p>

<p>He said &quot;We are going to move no-confidence motion, gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/LbdfpLAQAd">pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975587133309313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, YSRCP MP VS Reddy has called the state chief minister a &quot;chameleon&quot;.</p>

<p>He said that since 2016 the BJP, TDP had been assuring the state for its special status and suddenly Chandrababu Naidu colluded with BJP.</p>

<p>He added that Naidu was like a chameleon and he decided against the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We for last 4 yrs after state was bifurcated have been fighting for special category status. Till 2016, BJP&amp;Chandrababu Naidu kept saying that special status will be given.Then suddenly,he colluded with BJP, he is like a chameleon, he decided against the state: VS Reddy,YSRCP MP <a href="https://t.co/xVyMVURMkI">pic.twitter.com/xVyMVURMkI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975577378448723974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another member of the party said that they will continue to move the no-confidence motion and will protest in favour of special category&nbsp;grant to the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will continue to move no-confidence motion as long as the debate is taking place and facts are brought to the notice of the nation, and also to pressurize the Centre to grant special category status to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a>: K Parthsarathi, YSRCP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/12RIbWdaPB">pic.twitter.com/12RIbWdaPB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975580491310141440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>CPI leader Duraisamy Raja has also assured his support for the motion. He said, &quot; People have started expressing their no confidence in Modi government, its time Parliament does it too&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As far as the Left parties are concerned, we will be supporting the no confidence motion. People have started expressing their no confidence in Modi Govt, its time Parliament does it too- Duraisamy Raja,CPI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/budgetsession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#budgetsession</a> <a href="https://t.co/i5cpXk1PZS">pic.twitter.com/i5cpXk1PZS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975597714917470208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>NDA ally Shiv Sena has said that they will neither support the government nor the opposition in the no-confidence motion.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will neither support the Government nor the Opposition, we will abstain: Arvind Sawant,Shiv Sena MP on no confidence motion <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/budgetsession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#budgetsession</a> <a href="https://t.co/6MV6mqj7jX">pic.twitter.com/6MV6mqj7jX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975606201651261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shiromani Akali Dal leader has said that though they are in favour of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, they would not support no-confidence motion against the government.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are in favour of special category status to Andhra Pradesh. We are not in favor of no-confidence against the Modi government, we will support the government: Prem Singh Chandumajra, Shiromani Akali Dal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/budgetsession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#budgetsession</a> <a href="https://t.co/WGyCwTOk2R">pic.twitter.com/WGyCwTOk2R</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975620531679563776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am in the opposition. Whatever the opposition does, I will do the same: Farooq Abdullah, National Conference on No-Confidence motion <a href="https://t.co/5LWrowPaPb">pic.twitter.com/5LWrowPaPb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975624959493136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While Andhra Pradesh BJP chief, K Haribabu has said that the no-confidence motion will not harm BJP as it enjoys an absolute majority in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said &quot;BJP has got absolute majority in Lok Sabha and we are ready to face any situation and discussion. All these parties coming together cannot harm Modi government, we are comfortably placed&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP has got absolute majority in Lok Sabha and we are ready to face any situation and discussion. All these parties coming together cannot harm Modi Govt, we are comfortably placed:K Haribabu,Andhra Pradesh BJP chief on TDP and YSRCP no confidence motion <a href="https://t.co/1ThEcae1xb">pic.twitter.com/1ThEcae1xb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975560142950469633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The no-confidence motion was issued&nbsp;by the TDP and YSR Congress last week&nbsp;after the Centre clarified that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>However, it could not be presented in the house after the Lok Sabha got adjourned&nbsp;due to disruptions from&nbsp;Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MPs.</p>

<p>A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House.</p>


TDP MP added that they were not trying to make the government fall, instead, they want a debate on the issue

Ahead of the Lok Sabha meeting when Andhra Pradesh's YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for no-confidence motion on Monday, TDP MP has said that his party will gather support from all opposition party for an effective debate. He added that they were not trying to make the government fall, instead, they want a debate on the issue. He said "We are going to move no-confidence motion, gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall". We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Meanwhile, YSRCP MP VS Reddy has called the state chief minister a "chameleon". He said that since 2016 the BJP, TDP had been assuring the state for its special status and suddenly Chandrababu Naidu colluded with BJP. He added that Naidu was like a chameleon and he decided against the state. We for last 4 yrs after state was bifurcated have been fighting for special category status. Till 2016, BJP&Chandrababu Naidu kept saying that special status will be given.Then suddenly,he colluded with BJP, he is like a chameleon, he decided against the state: VS Reddy,YSRCP MP pic.twitter.com/xVyMVURMkI — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Another member of the party said that they will continue to move the no-confidence motion and will protest in favour of special category grant to the state. We will continue to move no-confidence motion as long as the debate is taking place and facts are brought to the notice of the nation, and also to pressurize the Centre to grant special category status to #AndhraPradesh: K Parthsarathi, YSRCP #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/12RIbWdaPB — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × CPI leader Duraisamy Raja has also assured his support for the motion. He said, " People have started expressing their no confidence in Modi government, its time Parliament does it too". As far as the Left parties are concerned, we will be supporting the no confidence motion. People have started expressing their no confidence in Modi Govt, its time Parliament does it too- Duraisamy Raja,CPI #budgetsession pic.twitter.com/i5cpXk1PZS — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × NDA ally Shiv Sena has said that they will neither support the government nor the opposition in the no-confidence motion. We will neither support the Government nor the Opposition, we will abstain: Arvind Sawant,Shiv Sena MP on no confidence motion #budgetsession pic.twitter.com/6MV6mqj7jX — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Shiromani Akali Dal leader has said that though they are in favour of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, they would not support no-confidence motion against the government. We are in favour of special category status to Andhra Pradesh. We are not in favor of no-confidence against the Modi government, we will support the government: Prem Singh Chandumajra, Shiromani Akali Dal #budgetsession pic.twitter.com/WGyCwTOk2R — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × I am in the opposition. Whatever the opposition does, I will do the same: Farooq Abdullah, National Conference on No-Confidence motion pic.twitter.com/5LWrowPaPb — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × While Andhra Pradesh BJP chief, K Haribabu has said that the no-confidence motion will not harm BJP as it enjoys an absolute majority in Lok Sabha. He said "BJP has got absolute majority in Lok Sabha and we are ready to face any situation and discussion. All these parties coming together cannot harm Modi government, we are comfortably placed". BJP has got absolute majority in Lok Sabha and we are ready to face any situation and discussion. All these parties coming together cannot harm Modi Govt, we are comfortably placed:K Haribabu,Andhra Pradesh BJP chief on TDP and YSRCP no confidence motion pic.twitter.com/1ThEcae1xb — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The no-confidence motion was issued by the TDP and YSR Congress last week after the Centre clarified that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. However, it could not be presented in the house after the Lok Sabha got adjourned due to disruptions from Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MPs. A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House.

No-trust vote: 'Want debate, not trying to make government fall'

<p>The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress will move the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the NDA government on March 19.</p>

<p>YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy will move the no-confidence motion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy to move No Confidence motion in Lok Sabha against Central government on 19th March. <a href="https://t.co/TEv603gFhp">pic.twitter.com/TEv603gFhp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975250452467118081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On March 15, the YSR Congress Party MP informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General in a letter that his party would be moving a motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the lower of Parliament the following day.</p>

<p>The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also moved a no-confidence motion against the NDA in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motions are the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance.</p>

<p>The parties moved the motion over their demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on March 16.</p>

<p>On March 16, the Lower House could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties following adjournment due to protests by the Opposition over various issues.</p>

<p>The Congress, DMK, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy will move the no-confidence motion

The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress will move the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the NDA government on March 19. YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy will move the no-confidence motion. YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy to move No Confidence motion in Lok Sabha against Central government on 19th March. pic.twitter.com/TEv603gFhp — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × On March 15, the YSR Congress Party MP informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General in a letter that his party would be moving a motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the lower of Parliament the following day. The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also moved a no-confidence motion against the NDA in the Lok Sabha. The no-confidence motions are the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties moved the motion over their demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on March 16. On March 16, the Lower House could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties following adjournment due to protests by the Opposition over various issues. The Congress, DMK, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.

YSR Congress to move no-confidence motion against NDA on March 19

<p>Addressing the Karnataka assembly on Friday Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said his decision to quit the NDA was for the interest of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports &#39;no-confidence&#39; motion in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA&nbsp;did not have anything for Karnataka.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;&quot;We&#39;ve quit NDA. I took the decision, not for selfish reasons, but for interests of Andhra Pradesh. For 4-years I made all efforts, went to Delhi 29 times, asked many times. This was centre&#39;s last budget and there was no mention of Andhra Pradesh, we had to pull our ministers out of cabinet&quot;.</p>

<p>He said that the government did not fulfil the &quot;bifurcation promises&quot;.</p>

<p>He said &quot;Bifurcation promises are not yet fulfilled. Had special status been included in the Act in the Lok Sabha then, this situation would not have arisen&quot;.</p>

<p>Accusing Union Minister Arun Jaitley of doing injustice with the state he said &quot;Sentiment is very powerful and Telangana was also carved out for sentiment&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arun Jaitley said, sentiment cannot increase quantum of funds. What a reckless statement. Telangana was carved for sentiment. Sentiment is very powerful. Even now you are doing injustice: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly <a href="https://t.co/yNqNzit2YS">pic.twitter.com/yNqNzit2YS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974570333700227072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said his party has survived many crises and will survive this too. He added that he had written many letters to the centre, but nothing materialised.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TDP has survived many crises and we can sail through this situation. I wrote many letters to the Centre. Recently also I gave a letter to PM but nothing materialised: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974572247439593472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA did not have anything for Karnataka

Addressing the Karnataka assembly on Friday Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said his decision to quit the NDA was for the interest of the state. Also read: Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports 'no-confidence' motion in Lok Sabha He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA did not have anything for Karnataka. He said, "We've quit NDA. I took the decision, not for selfish reasons, but for interests of Andhra Pradesh. For 4-years I made all efforts, went to Delhi 29 times, asked many times. This was centre's last budget and there was no mention of Andhra Pradesh, we had to pull our ministers out of cabinet". He said that the government did not fulfil the "bifurcation promises". He said "Bifurcation promises are not yet fulfilled. Had special status been included in the Act in the Lok Sabha then, this situation would not have arisen". Accusing Union Minister Arun Jaitley of doing injustice with the state he said "Sentiment is very powerful and Telangana was also carved out for sentiment". Arun Jaitley said, sentiment cannot increase quantum of funds. What a reckless statement. Telangana was carved for sentiment. Sentiment is very powerful. Even now you are doing injustice: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly pic.twitter.com/yNqNzit2YS — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × He said his party has survived many crises and will survive this too. He added that he had written many letters to the centre, but nothing materialised. TDP has survived many crises and we can sail through this situation. I wrote many letters to the Centre. Recently also I gave a letter to PM but nothing materialised: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 ×

Decision to quit NDA is for interest of Karnataka: Chandrababu Naidu

<p>The Lok Sabha was today adjourned following protests by the Opposition over various issues. The Lower House consequently could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties, with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there was no order in the House and adjourning the proceedings for the day.</p>

<p>The Lower House proceedings were washed out for the 10th consecutive day following incessant protests and sloganeering by various parties, including the TDP, YSR Congress, AIADMK and RJD over multiple issues, including special status for Andhra Pradesh and the banking scam.</p>

<p>Soon after papers and reports were laid during the Zero Hour, Mahajan said she has received a notice for no-confidence motion. &quot;I am duty-bound to bring it... Provided the House is in order,&quot; she said amid the din.</p>

<p>&quot;I request all of you to go back to your seats,&quot; Mahajan told the members protesting in the Well.</p>

<p>As the members continued with the protests, the Speaker said since the House is not in order, she was unable to take up the notice and then adjourned the proceedings for the day.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties have been demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue on which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance today.</p>

<p>The no-confidence notices were moved by YSR Congress member Y V Subba Reddy and TDP&#39;s Thota Narasimham.</p>

<p>Congress members were also seen standing at their seats.</p>

<p>Members from the TRS and AIADMK were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans during Zero Hour.</p>

<p>Soon after the House assembled and was to take up the Question Hour, the proceedings were adjourned till noon and later for the day.</p>

<p>Protesting members from various parties were sporting stoles of multiple colours. While members from TRS were wearing pink ones, those from TDP were seen with yellow stoles. Many AIADMK members, who have been demanding immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management, sported stoles carrying black, white and red stripes.</p>

<p>Members of the Samajwadi Party, including patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, were spotted wearing their red-coloured party caps. &nbsp;The party recently wrested two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh from the ruling BJP.</p>

<p>The House also extended the time for the Joint Committee on the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 to submit its report.</p>

<p>Earlier, three newly elected MPs -- RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam (Araria-Bihar) and SP members Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel (Phulpur-UP) and Praveen Kumar Nishad (Gorakhpur-UP) -- took oath.</p>

<p>The House also paid respect to three departed former members and noted cosmologist Stephen Hawking, who passed away this week. Tributes were also paid to nine CRPF personnel, who were killed in a IED blast in Chhattisgarh, on March 13.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha has been witnessing disruptions on a daily basis ever since Parliament reconvened on March 5 after the Budget Session recess.</p>

<p>On Wednesday amid chaos, the House had passed the Finance Bill and appropriation bills without any discussion.&nbsp;</p>


The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the 10th consecutive day following protests by the Opposition over various issues

The Lok Sabha was today adjourned following protests by the Opposition over various issues. The Lower House consequently could not take up notices for no-confidence motion against the NDA government moved by Andhra Pradesh parties, with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there was no order in the House and adjourning the proceedings for the day. The Lower House proceedings were washed out for the 10th consecutive day following incessant protests and sloganeering by various parties, including the TDP, YSR Congress, AIADMK and RJD over multiple issues, including special status for Andhra Pradesh and the banking scam. Soon after papers and reports were laid during the Zero Hour, Mahajan said she has received a notice for no-confidence motion. "I am duty-bound to bring it... Provided the House is in order," she said amid the din. "I request all of you to go back to your seats," Mahajan told the members protesting in the Well. As the members continued with the protests, the Speaker said since the House is not in order, she was unable to take up the notice and then adjourned the proceedings for the day. The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties have been demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue on which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance today. The no-confidence notices were moved by YSR Congress member Y V Subba Reddy and TDP's Thota Narasimham. Congress members were also seen standing at their seats. Members from the TRS and AIADMK were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans during Zero Hour. Soon after the House assembled and was to take up the Question Hour, the proceedings were adjourned till noon and later for the day. Protesting members from various parties were sporting stoles of multiple colours. While members from TRS were wearing pink ones, those from TDP were seen with yellow stoles. Many AIADMK members, who have been demanding immediate setting up of the Cauvery river management, sported stoles carrying black, white and red stripes. Members of the Samajwadi Party, including patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, were spotted wearing their red-coloured party caps. The party recently wrested two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh from the ruling BJP. The House also extended the time for the Joint Committee on the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 to submit its report. Earlier, three newly elected MPs -- RJD's Sarfaraz Alam (Araria-Bihar) and SP members Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel (Phulpur-UP) and Praveen Kumar Nishad (Gorakhpur-UP) -- took oath. The House also paid respect to three departed former members and noted cosmologist Stephen Hawking, who passed away this week. Tributes were also paid to nine CRPF personnel, who were killed in a IED blast in Chhattisgarh, on March 13. The Lok Sabha has been witnessing disruptions on a daily basis ever since Parliament reconvened on March 5 after the Budget Session recess. On Wednesday amid chaos, the House had passed the Finance Bill and appropriation bills without any discussion.

Lok Sabha adjourned yet again; no-confidence motion not taken up