In the unstable political history of Pakistan, the no-confidence motion was proposed two times and it had been precedented that remained unsuccessful. The first time in 1989 by the opposition leader Nawaz Sharif this motion of no confidence was presented against Benazir Bhutto the prime minister of that time and she managed to survive while the opposition was defeated by 12 votes. Second time in history this motion is tabled against Shaukat Aziz and again failed falling short of 36 votes.
This time the situation is different because the present government is in power with a minute majority in parliament and beholding unstable mainly due to coalition due to which a wave of political instability with great intensity has been raised. On the other side, the opposition is so confident about this motion and has submitted required documents including to summon NA session under article 54 of constitution after which the speaker is bound to call session within two weeks.
According to article 95 of the constitution voting on a no-confidence motion after presenting it by the sectary could be done not before the expiration of three and later than seven days so that parties can get enough time to muster their members for voting. But here is the law-point that article 63A of the constitution that deals with floor-crossing embodied the principle that if any member of parliament has voted against the party position in the national assembly, he could be disqualified by a declaration sent to the chief election commissioner through the speaker. After receipt of declaration within thirty days, the election commission is obliged to decide about the luck of parliamentarian member, and he could be disseated.
Both camps of opposition and government are exchanging harsh words and accusing each other that are leading towards a swiftly deteriorating situation. The matters are more complicated than ever before because in the current scenario the political ally of government presenting their demands to support the government in this motion such as five members party PMLQ urge to make Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi a new CM of Punjab is inappropriate and unacceptable for the ruling party. Similarly, MQM has insisted on the opening of four offices in a meeting with the prime minister and according to sources, one office is allowed to be opened.
The coalition partners are giving estranged rhetoric statements making a bizarre political situation while the PTI government is trying to behave like appeased. But the inter-party revolt is more perilous than opposition therefore the government is intimidating the use of article 63A against the members planning for rebellion. Thus, this motion of no confidence is hanging over the head of the ruling party with no likelihood of consensus.
The current discontented political situation will impact negatively on our economy and in the end, the public will bear consequences. It is suggested that on a priority basis this matter must be resolved as soon as possible for the greater interest of this country.
The writer is a final year law student at the Punjab University Law College, Lahore.
- The Fault Line - 04/06/2022
- An Unstable Political Angle in Relation to No-Confidence Motion - 14/03/2022
