ISLAMABAD: In a major blow, MQM-P has decided to desert the ruling PTI and join hands with the joint Opposition to support their no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Geo News reported on Wednesday.
Following the development, the government has lost the majority in the lower house and the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan — on which the NA is expected to vote on April 3 — will likely be successful.
With 177 members, the Opposition now has more numbers in the National Assembly and they do not need the support of disgruntled PTI MNAs. On the other hand, the government is left with the support of only 164 members of parliament.
The MQM-P’s decision to side with the Opposition came after both sides signed a draft prepared by Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab, sources told Geo News.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari have also signed the agreement, sources said.
As Fazl was leaving the Parliament Lodges after the signing of the draft, a journalist asked the PDM chief why the Opposition had not formally announced the development. At this, he said: “Some internal matters have to be resolved between the parties.”