Voting on no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan on April 3: Sheikh Rasheed

• Interior minister says debate on the no-confidence motion will begin on March 31.
• All roads in Islamabad have been cleared.
• Rasheed says govt is trying to stop Opposition from bringing 172 members on April 3.

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed announced on Tuesday that voting on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan will take place on April 3.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Rasheed revealed the much-awaited date, adding that debate on the motion — tabled by Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif on Monday — will begin on March 31.

Rasheed further said that the final decision would be taken till the last hour, adding that PM Imran Khan will play [fight] till the last ball.

Reiterating his support for the PTI-led government, he stated: “I stand with Imran Khan” and hoped that voting will be held peacefully on April 3.

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The interior minister said that the official notification will be issued after PM Imran Khan accepts the resignation of Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.

“In politics, some people win even after losing,” he said.

Following the power shows of the government and the Opposition, he said that all containers have been removed in Islamabad and all roads are clear.

The interior minister said that as he mentioned earlier Chaudhry brothers are with PTI. He, however, hoped that MQM-P will soon announce their decision in favour of the government.

“Their decision will be a decisive one,” he added.

“All those who have planned international conspiracies to remove PM Imran Khan will fail miserably,” he said, adding that all eyes are on the Supreme Court’s decision.

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He further said that the government is trying to stop the Opposition from bringing 172 members on April 3, adding that he was very nervous regarding the no-confidence motion, however, after Sunday’s power show he is relaxed because the people of Pakistan are supporting Imran Khan.

Highlighting his suggestions once again, Rasheed said that he is in favour of immediate elections.

“I have suggested that elections should be held after Hajj and PM Imran Khan should present a pro-poor budget for the people,” he added.