Pakistan government ally quits coalition ahead of vote to oust PM

AFP

A main ally of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan quit his ruling coalition on Wednesday after reaching a pact with opposition parties seeking to oust him, signalling Khan may be running out of options as he tries to stay on in power.

Former cricket star Khan, 69, is battling a series of defections from his ruling alliance and an increasingly united opposition trying to force him from office in a no-confidence vote due on Monday. 

Khan's ouster would likely mean another round of instability in the nuclear-armed country, in which the military has a long record of intervening in politics.

"We have sent our resignations to the prime minister," Amin-ul-Haq, a member of Khan's cabinet from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), told reporters.

Khan's party does not have a simple majority in the National Assembly by itself and needs the support of coalition allies and the MQM, based in the southern port city of Karachi, has been his biggest ally in parliament. 

Opposition parties accuse Khan of mismanaging the economy, foreign policy and resorting to heavy-handed measures against critics.

Earlier, the MQM said it was joining an opposition bid to oust Khan in a no-confidence.

Senior MQM member Nasreen Jalil told reporters her party and those opposed to Khan had reviewed their agreement and they would announce details later in the day.

"The MQM coordination committee has endorsed the agreement with the joint opposition," she said.

More from International News

News

  • UAE introduces regulations on social media advertising under new system

    Individuals advertising on social media will need to follow new rules under the UAE Media Council's latest comprehensive system that aims to "build public trust, protect audiences and improve the quality of online media content".

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honours Shabab Al Ahli team

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured members of the Shabab Al Ahli football team for clinching four titles this season at a special ceremony in Zabeel Palace.

  • Khalifa Award for Education honours 18th cycle winners

    His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, was named Distinguished Educational Personality in recognition of his extensive contributions to developing the education system locally, regionally and internationally, at an award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.