The announcement by the opposition parties to present a no-confidence motion against the PTI-led government in the National Assembly has increased the political temperature in the country.
All major news stories are about anti-government statements by opposition leaders and their attempts to seek support from the ruling party’s allies.
Similarly, the focus of government spokespersons is on handling the chaotic situation created by the opposition’s decision.
A no-confidence motion is considered to be an integral part of a democratic and parliamentary system.
The first no-confidence motion in the world’s parliamentary history was tabled against British prime minister Lord North in 1782, when the legislators expressed their anger over the defeat of the British force during the siege of Yorktown in 1781. Similarly, more than two dozen no-confidence motions were tabled in our neighboring country India.
At least three elected prime ministers, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, H D Gowda and Atal Bihari Vajpayee were ousted by no-confidence votes.
Under the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the National Assembly of Pakistan, the opposition has the right to move a no-confidence motion.
“The resolution shall not be voted upon before the expiry of three days, or later than seven days, from the day on which the resolution is moved in the Assembly,” it further mentioned.
The procedure for the motion against the prime minister is by open voting while a secret ballot is adopted to remove the speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly, and the chairman and deputy chairman of the Senate. Regardless of the procedure, it is the responsibility of the proponents to complete the required number in the assemblies.