According to reports, ousted Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had threatened to impose martial law in the country amid struggle with the opposition.

Reports claim the former Pakistan prime minister attempted to sack Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in order to "provoke" a military takeover of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-pak-political-crisis-pm-imran-faces-no-confidence-vote-in-parliament-469510">Also Read: Change of guard in Pakistan - As it happens</a>

A report published in Britain's Guardian&nbsp;newspaper claimed Imran wanted to trigger a crisis in order to create a situation for the military to intervene and take over the reins.

During the first no-confidence motion a fortnight ago, Imran had made a dramatic TV appearance and announced that&nbsp;he had requested the president to dissolve the assembly even as the deputy Speaker dismissed the no-trust vote against Imran's government.

Watch:&nbsp;PPP's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to be the next foreign minister?

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The Army moved promptly to deny any involvement in the political situation in the country. The Pakistan Army said it had "absolutely nothing to do" with the situation as Imran recommended the National Assembly be dissolved.

Imran repeatedly said there was a "foreign conspiracy" to topple his government. Reports claimed earlier that Army chief Bajwa had met&nbsp;the former prime minister ahead of the first no-confidence vote.

The Speaker's decision to dismiss the no-confidence vote was challenged by the opposition as the Supreme Court asked Imran's government to face Parliament.&nbsp;

In a long drawn out no-confidence motion, Imran's party lost the vote in a midnight vote after 174 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion even as the prime minister moved out from his official residence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-prime-ministers-whose-tenures-ended-prematurely-since-1947-469862">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Pakistan prime ministers whose tenures ended prematurely since 1947</a>

Imran had called for nationwide protests ahead of the vote and on Sunday his party held a rally in Islamabad. During the rally, Imran continued to stress his government was a victim of a foreign conspiracy.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, ousted Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had threatened to impose martial law in the country amid struggle with the opposition. Reports claim the former Pakistan prime minister attempted to sack Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in order to "provoke" a military takeover of the country.

According to reports, ousted Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had threatened to impose martial law in the country amid struggle with the opposition. Reports claim the former Pakistan prime minister attempted to sack Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in order to "provoke" a military takeover of the country. Also Read: Change of guard in Pakistan - As it happens A report published in Britain's Guardian newspaper claimed Imran wanted to trigger a crisis in order to create a situation for the military to intervene and take over the reins. During the first no-confidence motion a fortnight ago, Imran had made a dramatic TV appearance and announced that he had requested the president to dissolve the assembly even as the deputy Speaker dismissed the no-trust vote against Imran's government. Watch: PPP's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to be the next foreign minister? The Army moved promptly to deny any involvement in the political situation in the country. The Pakistan Army said it had "absolutely nothing to do" with the situation as Imran recommended the National Assembly be dissolved. Imran repeatedly said there was a "foreign conspiracy" to topple his government. Reports claimed earlier that Army chief Bajwa had met the former prime minister ahead of the first no-confidence vote. The Speaker's decision to dismiss the no-confidence vote was challenged by the opposition as the Supreme Court asked Imran's government to face Parliament. In a long drawn out no-confidence motion, Imran's party lost the vote in a midnight vote after 174 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion even as the prime minister moved out from his official residence. Also Read in Pics: Pakistan prime ministers whose tenures ended prematurely since 1947 Imran had called for nationwide protests ahead of the vote and on Sunday his party held a rally in Islamabad. During the rally, Imran continued to stress his government was a victim of a foreign conspiracy. (With inputs from Agencies)

Before ouster as PM, Imran Khan threatened to impose martial law: Report

Pakistan Supreme Court expressed doubts on the jurisdiction of the deputy speaker who called the no-confidence motion filed by the opposition members “unconstitutional” and rejected their plea.

The top court’s comments came on Monday as it began hearing the high-profile case after it took suo moto cognizance of the matter.

A day earlier, the opposition had approached the SC against Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for rejecting the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan citing so-called foreign conspiracy.

A five-member larger bench was convened which comprised Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.

During the hearing, Justice Ahsan noted that there were violations in the proceedings of the no-confidence motion, PTI news agency quoted Dawn newspaper.

Similarly, Justice Akhtar expressed doubts over the deputy speaker's constitutional authority to pass such a ruling, the paper said.

He said, “In my opinion, only the speaker had the right to pass the ruling. The Deputy Speaker chairs the session on the non-availability of the Speaker."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-political-crisis-imran-khan-nominates-former-cjp-gulzar-ahmed-as-caretaker-pm-468245">Pakistan's political crisis: Imran Khan nominates former CJP as caretaker PM</a>

Justice Bandial observed that a debate before voting on the no-confidence motion had been clearly mentioned in the law but didn't take place.

Representing the joint opposition, Farooq H Naek urged the top court to issue a verdict on the matter today (Monday).

However, Justice Ahsan denied his request saying that it was impossible to pass the verdict in a day as the court’s decision will have far-reaching outcomes.

"We can't pass a decision in the air," Justice Bandial said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-the-fear-of-elections-now-imran-khans-new-barb-as-opposition-decries-snap-polls-468166" hreflang="en">‘Why fear elections now?’: Imran Khan’s barb at opposition</a>

The Supreme Court then adjourned the hearing till 12 pm on Tuesday.

On Sunday, after a brief hearing, the court issued a written order saying that it would like to "examine whether such an action (dismissal of the no-trust motion on the basis of Article 5) is protected by the ouster (removal from the court's jurisdiction) contained in Article 69 of the Constitution."

The decision of the court would also determine the legality of the presidential order to dissolve the National Assembly.

Watch |&nbsp;Protest in Pakistan after multiple state addresses by Imran Khan amid political crisis

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(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Supreme Court expressed doubts on the jurisdiction of the deputy speaker who called the no-confidence motion filed by the opposition members “unconstitutional” and rejected their plea.

Pakistan Supreme Court expressed doubts on the jurisdiction of the deputy speaker who called the no-confidence motion filed by the opposition members “unconstitutional” and rejected their plea. The top court’s comments came on Monday as it began hearing the high-profile case after it took suo moto cognizance of the matter. A day earlier, the opposition had approached the SC against Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for rejecting the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan citing so-called foreign conspiracy. A five-member larger bench was convened which comprised Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. During the hearing, Justice Ahsan noted that there were violations in the proceedings of the no-confidence motion, PTI news agency quoted Dawn newspaper. Similarly, Justice Akhtar expressed doubts over the deputy speaker's constitutional authority to pass such a ruling, the paper said. He said, “In my opinion, only the speaker had the right to pass the ruling. The Deputy Speaker chairs the session on the non-availability of the Speaker." Also read | Pakistan's political crisis: Imran Khan nominates former CJP as caretaker PM Justice Bandial observed that a debate before voting on the no-confidence motion had been clearly mentioned in the law but didn't take place. Representing the joint opposition, Farooq H Naek urged the top court to issue a verdict on the matter today (Monday). However, Justice Ahsan denied his request saying that it was impossible to pass the verdict in a day as the court’s decision will have far-reaching outcomes. "We can't pass a decision in the air," Justice Bandial said. Also read | ‘Why fear elections now?’: Imran Khan’s barb at opposition The Supreme Court then adjourned the hearing till 12 pm on Tuesday. On Sunday, after a brief hearing, the court issued a written order saying that it would like to "examine whether such an action (dismissal of the no-trust motion on the basis of Article 5) is protected by the ouster (removal from the court's jurisdiction) contained in Article 69 of the Constitution." The decision of the court would also determine the legality of the presidential order to dissolve the National Assembly. Watch | Protest in Pakistan after multiple state addresses by Imran Khan amid political crisis (With inputs from agencies)

Pak SC notes violations in no-trust proceedings, says Dy Speaker has no authority to pass ruling

As the no-confidence motion against Pakistan PM Imran Khan's government begins in Parliament, the opposition has already fired the first shot as it moved a no-confidence resolution against Speaker Asad Qaiser in the National Assembly.&nbsp;

There is a set procedure&nbsp;for the no-confidence motion. Here is how it is supposed to take shape in Pakistan's Parliament today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-political-crisis-updates-will-pm-imran-khan-deliver-on-no-confidence-vote-day-467823">Follow Live: Pak political crisis as it happens</a>

At first, the voting bells will be tolled and the Speaker will read out the agenda, after that National Assembly members will be split into two sides - for and against the motion.

Marshal sergeants will then count the heads and open counting. The counting will be done twice and then the Speaker will declare the numbers for and against the motion and the final verdict on the no-confidence motion will be presented.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Is public support enough for Imran Khan to retain power?

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Pakistan PM Imran Khan suffered a jolt earlier this week after his key ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement- Pakistan (MQM-P) joined hands with the opposition.

According to the rules, if the incumbent PM accepts the verdict, then the victorious side will claim to form the government provided the verdict goes against Imran Khan's government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/last-over-begins-will-imran-khan-deliver-on-no-confidence-vote-day-467800">Also Read |&nbsp;Last over begins: Will Imran Khan deliver on no-confidence vote day?</a>

Then within four sessions, a new prime minister&nbsp;will be to be elected. Pakistan People's Party(PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had earlier during a press conference pushed for PML-N leader and Pakistan's leader of opposition Shahbaz Sharif as the next prime minister.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the no-confidence motion against Pakistan PM Imran Khan's government begins in Parliament, the opposition has already fired the first shot as it moved a no-confidence resolution against Speaker Asad Qaiser in the National Assembly.

As the no-confidence motion against Pakistan PM Imran Khan's government begins in Parliament, the opposition has already fired the first shot as it moved a no-confidence resolution against Speaker Asad Qaiser in the National Assembly. There is a set procedure for the no-confidence motion. Here is how it is supposed to take shape in Pakistan's Parliament today. Follow Live: Pak political crisis as it happens At first, the voting bells will be tolled and the Speaker will read out the agenda, after that National Assembly members will be split into two sides - for and against the motion. Marshal sergeants will then count the heads and open counting. The counting will be done twice and then the Speaker will declare the numbers for and against the motion and the final verdict on the no-confidence motion will be presented. Watch: Is public support enough for Imran Khan to retain power? Pakistan PM Imran Khan suffered a jolt earlier this week after his key ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement- Pakistan (MQM-P) joined hands with the opposition. According to the rules, if the incumbent PM accepts the verdict, then the victorious side will claim to form the government provided the verdict goes against Imran Khan's government. Also Read | Last over begins: Will Imran Khan deliver on no-confidence vote day? Then within four sessions, a new prime minister will be to be elected. Pakistan People's Party(PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had earlier during a press conference pushed for PML-N leader and Pakistan's leader of opposition Shahbaz Sharif as the next prime minister. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan Parliament no-confidence procedure: Voting bells, open counting and final verdict

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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?&nbsp;

Can a prime minister facing a no-trust motion seek to dismiss the very House that was set to vote on it?&nbsp;

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 |&nbsp;Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC

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Will the new crisis lead to another such military rule?&nbsp;

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. 
&nbsp; 
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)

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

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&nbsp;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&nbsp; 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 |<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>

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 |&nbsp;Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC

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(With inputs from agencies)

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

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional.

President Arif Alvi's move came moments after Khan said in his address to the nation, “I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prepare-for-elections-imrans-dramatic-tv-speech-amid-no-confidence-motion-467893">Also Read:&nbsp;Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion</a>

His remarks came almost simultaneously as Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri dismissed the no-confidence motion against Khan-led PTI government as "unconstitutional".&nbsp;

In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament.

Suri himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser, against whom the opposition had submitted a no-confidence motion just hours before the session started.

Watch: Pakistan deputy speaker dissolves assembly session

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Fawad Choudhury, information minister in the government who earlier slammed in parliament the no-trust move as a "foreign conspiracy", tweeted that Khan would continue as prime minister till elections are held, adding that the cabinet was dissolved.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister will continue his duties under Article 224 of the Constitution. The Cabinet has been dissolved," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Opposition members shouted slogans inside the parliament, while supporters of Khan were arrested and removed from the Parliament House premises.&nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the united opposition will stage a sit-in inside the National Assembly and its lawyers will challenge the move by Khan in the Supreme Court.

Security has been made tight both in Islamabad and other cities and large gatherings banned in the capital.

The Supreme Court had banned earlier any gatherings inside the so-called Red Zone, a high-security area in the capital.&nbsp;

Junior minister for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib tweeted that fresh elections will be held in 90 days, but it remains to be seen if that's possible, given the opposition's legal challenge.

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional.

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional. President Arif Alvi's move came moments after Khan said in his address to the nation, “I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections.” Also Read: Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion His remarks came almost simultaneously as Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri dismissed the no-confidence motion against Khan-led PTI government as "unconstitutional". In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament. Suri himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser, against whom the opposition had submitted a no-confidence motion just hours before the session started. Watch: Pakistan deputy speaker dissolves assembly session Fawad Choudhury, information minister in the government who earlier slammed in parliament the no-trust move as a "foreign conspiracy", tweeted that Khan would continue as prime minister till elections are held, adding that the cabinet was dissolved. "The Prime Minister will continue his duties under Article 224 of the Constitution. The Cabinet has been dissolved," he tweeted. Opposition members shouted slogans inside the parliament, while supporters of Khan were arrested and removed from the Parliament House premises. Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the united opposition will stage a sit-in inside the National Assembly and its lawyers will challenge the move by Khan in the Supreme Court. Security has been made tight both in Islamabad and other cities and large gatherings banned in the capital. The Supreme Court had banned earlier any gatherings inside the so-called Red Zone, a high-security area in the capital. Junior minister for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib tweeted that fresh elections will be held in 90 days, but it remains to be seen if that's possible, given the opposition's legal challenge.

Pak political drama: Parliament, cabinet dissolved as no-trust session against PM Imran Khan junked

In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan's deputy Speaker on Sunday dismissed the no-trust motion against Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan amid uproar in Parliament

Imran Khan addressed the nation&nbsp;from PM's house in Islamabad as the National Assembly was in session. The Pakistan Prime Minister said, "I have sent advice to the President to dissolve the Assembly."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-political-crisis-updates-will-pm-imran-khan-deliver-on-no-confidence-vote-day-467823">Also Read |&nbsp;LIVE: Pakistan Parliament&nbsp;no-confidence motion - as it happens</a>

The Pakistan prime minister said the deputy Speaker had "rejected the attempt of changing the regime and the foreign conspiracy".

In a short address to the nation, Imran said: "I want to say -&nbsp;do not worry,&nbsp;God is watching over Pakistan."

"Prepare for elections. No corrupt forces will decide what the future of the country will be. When the assemblies will be dissolved, the procedure for the next elections and the caretaker government will begin," the Pakistan prime minister told the nation.

Watch:&nbsp;Opposition destabilising nation, says Pak's foreign minister

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Imran asserted that billions of rupees were being spent to "buy" lawmakers as the opposition parties erupted in Parliament against the Speaker's move.

PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari however said the Speaker's ruling was "unconstitutional".

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan's deputy Speaker on Sunday dismissed the no-trust motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan amid uproar in Parliament Imran Khan addressed the nation from PM's house in Islamabad as the National Assembly was in session.

In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan's deputy Speaker on Sunday dismissed the no-trust motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan amid uproar in Parliament Imran Khan addressed the nation from PM's house in Islamabad as the National Assembly was in session. The Pakistan Prime Minister said, "I have sent advice to the President to dissolve the Assembly." Also Read | LIVE: Pakistan Parliament no-confidence motion - as it happens The Pakistan prime minister said the deputy Speaker had "rejected the attempt of changing the regime and the foreign conspiracy". In a short address to the nation, Imran said: "I want to say - do not worry, God is watching over Pakistan." "Prepare for elections. No corrupt forces will decide what the future of the country will be. When the assemblies will be dissolved, the procedure for the next elections and the caretaker government will begin," the Pakistan prime minister told the nation. Watch: Opposition destabilising nation, says Pak's foreign minister Imran asserted that billions of rupees were being spent to "buy" lawmakers as the opposition parties erupted in Parliament against the Speaker's move. PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari however said the Speaker's ruling was "unconstitutional". (With inputs from Agencies)

'Prepare for elections': Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion

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;

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;

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;

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>

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;

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;

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;

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;

Ambassador Majeed has now moved to Brussels to take up his new assignment and has been replaced by Ambassador Masood Khan.&nbsp;

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>

<hr />
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;

"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;

According to some diplomatic sources in Washington, the letter could be a diplomatic cable from Washington, drafted by a senior Pakistani diplomat.&nbsp;

"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;

"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;

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;

"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;

WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan set to unveil 'secret letter' in parliament today

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(With inputs from agencies)

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'