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Opposition leader loses majority, faces trust vote**
ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah has lost the support of the majority of the members belonging to the opposition parties in the House.
Consequently, he will have to face a “no trust” move in the next sitting of the NA. The second major group in the opposition camp comprising the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), independents and five parties having one member each are siding with the PTI.
The group has outnumbered the PPP provided the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) opts to stay neutral in the battle and does not side with the PPP.
The PTI could propose its leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi or a member from the allied parties for the office of the opposition leader in the NA.
Imran is reportedly not interested in the slot but the members of the opposition aren’t comfortable with the incumbent leader.
Well placed sources said that the ruling parliamentary party is scared of PTI leader Imran Khan in confronting him as leader of the opposition and right from the beginning made moves to keep him away from the berth of the opposition leader.
Most of the opposition members including PTI, MQM and other groups have been claiming that they aren’t taken into confidence in decision making on behalf of opposition.
The PTI leader Shireen Mazari has also complained that leader of the opposition doesn’t take into confidence her party about the major decisions.
Meanwhile, the government has decided not to summon the NA or Senate sessions soon. It appears that the two houses would meet after Eid Al Adha holidays.
Internews
Will be an interesting development in the National Assembly.
MQM’s move will be crucial. If Karachi operation continues unabated and the MQM remains at the receiving end, Altaf may decide fence-sitting instead of propping up Khurshid Shah. But it will be equally disturbing for MQM to see the Opposition crown going to the PTI.
Unless PPP offers some bargaining, which will be obviously in the shape of relaxation in Karachi, Altaf may not like to strengthen Zardari on opposition benches. But on the other hand, there is no love lost between MQM and PTI as we speak.