These are real concerns: the threat of violence has only escalated, especially in the aftermath of the recent incident at the Parliament Lodges and the government's veiled threat of physical intimidation. Given our shady history of vote-buying and horse-trading, it's difficult to rule out the possibility that the opposition would offer cash or a seat in the next election to the dissidents. Since the 1990s, this has been an increasing trend.
More recently, the PTI was accused of vote-buying during the creation of the government, when south Punjab independents were 'persuaded' to support the party by a then-loyal Jehangir Tareen. Meanwhile, non-political forces appear to have pressured groups like the devastated MQM to embrace the PTI.
Leaving aside concerns about horse-trading, it appears that none of the lawmakers are being held against their will under the 'protection' of a big posse of Sindh Police's Special Security Unit.
The media would not have been permitted into the premises to interview these MPs if the opposition had something to conceal, or if they had been 'abducted' as the administration alleged. Though the exact number of PTI MNAs in Sindh House is unknown, it is believed to be in excess of 17 — one lawmaker claimed there were 24 — a considerable amount that will aid the opposition's efforts to depose the PM.
The media would not have been permitted into the premises to interview these MPs if the opposition had something to conceal, or if they had been 'abducted' as the administration alleged. Though the exact number of PTI MNAs in Sindh House is unknown, it is believed to be in excess of 17 — one lawmaker claimed there were 24 — a considerable amount that will aid the opposition's efforts to depose the PM.
Imran Khan’s ‘survival’
The opposition has put up the heat on Imran Khan. After weeks of discussion, senior parliamentarians linked with the nine-party Opposition alliance — the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — tabled a no-confidence resolution against Khan's government,
It has subsequently become one of Pakistan's most talked-about topics. Imran Khan is facing "a stronger danger from within his party," according to a Dawn editorial titled Rocky road for PM,
"In fact, a sitting administration has enough clout to reclaim dissident legislators and splinter the opposition." "However, the PM's ability to heal the chasm he has created between himself and his old allies Jehangir Tarin and Aleem Khan is now all but impossible," the editorial said.
It also noted that similar motions had been filed against two previous prime ministers, Shaukat Aziz in 2006 and Benazir Bhutto in 1989, both of whom had survived.
Despite the ruling PTI's appearance on paper, the opposition may triumph in a no-trust case, according to the Express Tribune,
"The opposition is asking that the 'strong circles' remain impartial. Political observers, on the other hand, believe that the 'powerful circles' might dramatically transform the scenario if they resumed their political management, as they have done on multiple occasions since the PTI came to power," it continued,
An expert said that PPP leader "Asif Ali Zardari's position is vital in this subject, and he has extremely good relations with Chaudharis" during a Geo News programme about the no-confidence motion. A debate on the matter was also broadcast on Bol News,
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