Will welcome Imran Khan as Opposition leader in NA: Asif Ali Zardari

As the Supreme Court nullified Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling to reject the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, former president and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday he would welcome Prime Minister Imran Khan as the Opposition leader in the National Assembly.

On Thursday, in a landmark judgment, the SC restored the National Assembly (NA) after it declared the government's decision to dissolve the Assembly and NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri's ruling against the Constitution.

The top court has ordered NA Speaker Asad Qasier to summon the session on Saturday (April 9) not later than 10:30 am to allow the vote on the no-confidence motion against the premier.

Following the court’s verdict, Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement, said he would welcome PM Imran Khan as the opposition leader in the National Assembly.

“After electing Shahbaz Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan will become opposition leader and I will welcome him,” said Asif Zardari

The former president further hoped that Prime Minister Imran Khan will play a democratic role as an opposition leader.

The order

The SC order read as follows: "In consequence of the foregoing, it is declared that at all material times the Prime Minister was under the bar imposed by the Explanation to clause (1) of Article 58 of the Constitution and continues to remain so restricted. He could not, therefore, have at any time advised the President to dissolve the Assembly as contemplated by clause (1) of Article 58". 

"In consequence of the foregoing, it is declared that the advice tendered by the Prime Minister on or about 03.04.2022 to the President to dissolve the Assembly was contrary to the Constitution and of no legal effect," said the order," the court order read.

The SC also "declared that the Assembly was in existence at all times, and continues to remain and be so".

The apex court also stated that the speaker cannot prorogue the Assembly and bring the session to an end if the no-trust motion fails or after a new prime minister is elected if a no-confidence motion is passed.

The court ruled that no member will be barred from casting their vote. It also stated that if the no-trust motion fails, the government will continue to carry out its affairs.

"...if the no-confidence motion against the prime minister succeeds, then the assembly will appoint the new prime minister," the top court's order said.