Pakistan PM Imran Khan's mega rally to save face ahead of crucial no-trust vote

Follow us on

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed a mega rally in Islamabad ahead of a likely crucial no-trust motion vote against him by the opposition. Key leaders from his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were present at the rally, where 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans are echoing.

Imran Khan's speech: Highlights 

• Despite the difficult conditions in Corona, we saw record economic growth. Gave a historic package to the industry with record exports, record remittances, record crop production: Imran Khan. “I came into politics 25 years ago for one thing, and that is following the vision of Pakistan for which it was created," the PM said
• I assure that none of the govt in Pakistan's history has delivered as much as my govt has delivered in these 3.5 years, he said. "We have brought a bill to give the females their due right in inheritance!"
• "Never in the history of Pakistan has so much money been spent on the people as this government has done. Plans like Health Card, Ehsas Programs, Successful Pakistan were brought for the people, taxes were collected and petrol, diesel and electricity were made cheaper"
• Attacking the Opposition, the Pak PM said, "Maryam Nawaz who has not worked for an hour in her life and Bilawal whose trembling hangs who cannot speak Urdu also wants to be a leader and threatens to cry"  
• Pak PM Imran Khan said, "Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us".
• "We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest," Khan said in his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour and a half.

Visuals of the rally:

The No-confidence motion vote

Pakistan has been on the edge since Opposition parties on March 8 submitted the no-confidence motion before the National Assembly Secretariat, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister Khan was responsible for the economic crisis and the spiralling inflation in the country.

Separately, an equally-charged political event will be held in Islamabad on Monday by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of the Opposition parties. Two special trains have been mobilised by the national transporter, Pakistan Railways, from Lahore and Islamabad at the request of the government to transport its workers.

Thousands of supporters of the prime minister came in trains, public vehicles and private cars to attend the “historic” rally of the ruling party.

The Opposition parties are confident that they can get the support of 172 members in the house of 342 to dislodge the government, while the government claims that it enjoys the required support in the house to foil the attempt.

Khan came to power in 2018 with promises to create a ‘Naya Pakistan’ but miserably failed to address the basic problem of keeping the prices of commodities in control, giving air to the sails of opposition ships to make war on his government.

Also Read | Imran Khan to step down as Pakistan PM? 'PMO' dropped from his YouTube channel

Also Read | Pakistan: 50 ministers go missing as Imran Khan fights for survival on no confidence motion