ISLAMABAD: A top opposition leader said this week an alliance of opposition parties had secured the support of over 20 legislators from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for a no-trust vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan expected to take place by the end of this month, adding that the government’s coalition partners were also willing to join hands with the opposition to overthrow Khan.
The comments by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a former prime minister and senior leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, came as Pervaiz Elahi, the head of one of the four parties in Khan’s ruling coalition, also said the PM was in danger of losing his coalition partners in the no-confidence vote.
An opposition alliance filed the no-confidence motion against Khan on March 8, accusing him of poor governance and mismanagement of the economy. The alliance consists of major parties such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and has a strength of nearly 163 in the lower house. It needs a simple majority of 172 to win the no-confidence vote.
“We have more than 20 PTI members who will vote for this vote of no-confidence,” Abbasi told Arab News in a wide-ranging interview on Tuesday night, adding that the opposition had 163 members of its own in the lower house who were committed to voting against Khan.
“Plus, we’ve at the moment more than 20 members of the ruling party, PTI, who want to join with the opposition in this no-confidence move,” he said.
In total, Abbasi said, the opposition had 172 lawmakers who were “staying in Islamabad and they’ll be available on the voting day.”
The national assembly speaker has not yet summoned the national assembly session to table the no-trust motion or announced the day of voting.
Abbasi said the opposition was also engaged with, and seeking support from, the government’s coalition partners who collectively have 20 seats in the National Assembly. He claimed the government had lost the support of its allies.
“We are hopeful that most of them will also join this no-confidence,” he said. “You’ll see the motion of no-confidence being passed by more than 190 members.”
In an interview to local media on Tuesday, Elahi, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ), a key Khan ally, said the collation partners were now “tilting” toward the opposition.
“We’ve invited them to join the no-confidence move and they’ll take a decision,” Abbasi said when asked about the position of the coalition partners. “But the reality is that they are not aligned with the government also today. The government has also lost their support, so we’re hopeful that before the vote takes place, the coalition partners will also join the vote of no-confidence.”
Talking about the opposition’s strategy in case of a successful no confidence vote, Abbasi said it could announce early elections, form a government for a few weeks, or allow the assemblies to complete their term until August 2023.
“My personal view is immediate elections are the only solution because that will give you a mandate to resolve the problems of Pakistan,” he said.
In case Abbasi’s PML-N party won the next general election, he said the president of the party [Shehbaz Sharif] was the choice for PM.
“But that decision all depends on how many seats you win, how you do in the provinces, do you form a coalition government or not, it all depends on all those factors,” the politician added, “but in general, the president of the party is the candidate for the prime ministership.”
And what would happen in case the opposition lost the no confidence vote?
“There’s always a possibility of a loss,” Abbasi said, “but at least the way numbers look today, InshaAllah [God willing], it’ll be a success.”
Over 20 ruling party lawmakers support alliance in no-trust vote against PM — opposition leader
https://arab.news/bbwjd
Over 20 ruling party lawmakers support alliance in no-trust vote against PM — opposition leader
- Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Pakistani PM and top leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, speaks to Arab News
- Opposition alliance has a strength of nearly 163 in lower house, needs simple majority of 172 to win no-confidence vote
US approves sale of $686 million tech upgrade, equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets
- US Defense Security Cooperation Agency informs Congress sale will allow Pakistan to partner with US in counterterror efforts, won’t alter regional military balance
- Non-Major Defense Equipment includes aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, and spare and repair parts
ISLAMABAD: The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology support and equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets valued at $686 million, according to a letter sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the American Congress, saying the move would allow Islamabad to partner with Washington in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
As per a copy of the document dated Dec. 8 seen by Arab News, the letter stated that Islamabad has requested to buy 92 Link-16 systems communication/data-sharing networks and six Mk–82 inert 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies. The letter also said that the sale includes non-Major Defense Equipment items such as aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, other weapons integration, test and support equipment such as spare and repair parts.
“The estimated total cost is $686 million,” the DSCA’s letter to Congress reads. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
Pakistan and the US have been key allies in battling militants in the region, with Islamabad counted among Washington’s closes non-NATO allies during the “War on Terror” campaign. The proposed sale takes place as Washington, under US President Donald Trump, warms up to Pakistan after his recent meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The DSCA letter said the sale will maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block–52 and Mid Life Upgrade F–16 fleet.
“These updates will provide more seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter added.
It further said Pakistan has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and “will have no difficulty” absorbing these articles into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the letter said.
The principal contractor for the deal will be Lockheed Martin Company, the DSCA said, adding that the implementation of the sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Pakistan.
“All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Pakistan,” the letter concluded.
The development takes place as Pakistan undertakes efforts to expand its fleet of fighter jets, defense exports and deepen military-industrial partnerships with other countries. Islamabad claimed last month that a “friendly country” signed a memorandum of understanding to procure Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter that Pakistan jointly developed with China, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade. It is designed to replace aging legacy aircraft.
The South Asian country has been eager to assert its regional dominance, especially when it comes to air warfare, after its four-day military confrontation with India in May.
Pakistan claimed it shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the May altercation between the two forces. Indian officials have acknowledged their planes were shot down but have refused to share the exact number, rejecting Pakistan’s claim it had shot down seven.
