Pakistan’s Opposition leaders celebrated the decision announced by the country’s apex court to nullify the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, a decision that is being regarded as a huge setback for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Here are the latest developments:
- Pakistan’s apex court set aside all the subsequent steps taken after the rejection of the no-confidence vote and reinstated the National Assembly, as well as declaring that the cabinet stand was restored.
- The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be held at 10:30 AM on April 9 and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion.
- Leader of Opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said the top court’s decision was in line with the expectations of the masses.
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the court verdict is the victory of the opposition but the victory of Pakistan.
- Talking to media persons in London, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also hailed Pakistan Supreme Court’s decision to restore the National Assembly after it declared the government’s decision to dissolve the assembly “unconstitutional”.
- Shortly after the Pakistan Supreme Court restored the National Assembly, Imran Khan called a cabinet meeting on Friday and announced plans to address the nation today.
- In another significant development, the Election Commission of Pakistan said that it is impossible to hold a general election in three months as scheduled due to the ongoing delimitation of electoral districts, and proposed that they be held in October.
- Last Sunday, Alvi dissolved the Pakistani parliament at the request of Imran Khan. He made the proposal minutes after parliament’s deputy speaker, Qasim Suri, rejected a motion of no confidence in Khan as unconstitutional.
- The decision on the no-confidence vote was challenged by opposition parties in court.