Friday, National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser adjourned the much-awaited session on the no-confidence motion till Monday 28th March. The speaker adjourned the session as per the traditions of the lower house of parliament to show respect for departed MNA Khayal Zaman.
As a result, the Opposition warned that they will take action if the speaker further delays the session. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif even said if the no-confidence motion was not tabled on Monday, then they would not be responsible for what would come next.
Interestingly, ever since today’s session took place, there has been a lot of confusion on the number of Opposition MNAs that attended the session. The Opposition claims that it has the required support of 162 lawmakers. In fact, Opposition leader Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha said the number will cross 200 if allies also go against PM Khan.
Read more: Opposition pins hope for no-trust move on PTI members?
There are contradictory reports circulating on social media regarding the number of Opposition MNAs that attended the NA session today. According to the NA agenda, 152 Opposition lawmakers gave the go-ahead for the no-confidence motion against PM Khan. This sparked reports that 10 Opposition MNAs did not attend the NA session.
Furthermore, media sources also stated that around 152 Opposition members attended the session. There may be a difference of two or three members. However, Opposition MNAs were definitely not the full number claimed by the Opposition.
Number game pic.twitter.com/cmA8Gkh951
— Mohsin Zia محسن ضیاء🇵🇰🕊 (@MohsinMall) March 25, 2022
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) March 25, 2022
However, PML-N leader Khawaja M. Asif tweeted an image stating that 159 lawmakers from the Opposition attended the session. Additional media reports also stated that 159 Opposition members were present.
الحمد للہ.. ریزرو کی تعداد ڈال کر حکومت سے کہیں زیادہ انشاءاللہ pic.twitter.com/vztpdbZGeG
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) March 25, 2022
اپوزیشن کے 159 ارکان آج پارلیمانی پارٹی میٹنگ میں اور پھر اجلاس میں شریک تھے۔
ہم نے خود گنے ہیں ۔ باقی تین میں سے ایک جماعت اسلامی (نیوٹرل) ایک علی وزیر(جیل) اور ایک پیپلز ہارٹی کے رکن بیرون ملک ہیں۔۔— Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) March 25, 2022
The number game
While the number of Opposition members remains unconfirmed, the success or the failure (for the Opposition and the government, respectively) of the no-confidence motion comes down to the number of lawmakers.
According to the latest details, there are currently 340 members in the 342-member National Assembly. The ruling PTI has 156 seats with its allies having 22 seats. As a result, the government has the support of 178 members. On the other hand, the PTI allies have yet to make a final decision.
Meanwhile, the opposition has the support of 164 lawmakers. The rules of the National Assembly dictate that a simple majority — 172 votes — is required to remove the prime minister from office.
Read more: Disgruntled PTI MNA returns to PM Khan?