Pakistan crisis: President approves dissolution of National Assembly
PremiumThe dissolution of the National Assembly has been approved on the advice of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan
Pakistan President Arif Alvi has dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Media has reported.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said the Imran Khan-led government has violated the Constitution, and even didn't allow voting on the no-confidence motion in Parliament. “The united opposition is not leaving parliament. Our lawyers are on their way to the Supreme Court," he added.
Pak PM survived the ouster after deputy speaker of Parliament blocked a non-confidence motion against his government, calling it unconstitutional. The Opposition parties have said they'll challenge the move to block the no-confidence motion. He has also called on the nation to be ready for fresh elections.
"I've sent advice to the president to dissolve assemblies," Khan, an international cricket champion turned politician, said in a televised address, referring to national and state legislatures.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, head of the opposition Pakistan People's Party, has blamed Khan's party for failing to revive the economy and crack down on corruption.
"Under article 224 of the constitution, prime minister will continue his responsibilities, the Cabinet has been dissolved," Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a tweet.
Khan rose to power in 2018, thanks to massive public and military support. However, analysts suggest he had fallen out with the army, though both he and army have denied these rumours. No PM could ever complete a full five-year term in Pakistan since Independence in 1947.
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