Amid political uncertainty, Pakistan Interior Minister hints at early polls

Prime Minister Imran Khan faces no-confidence motion proposed by Opposition

Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Thursday said early elections could be held to end the current political uncertainty triggered by a no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Mr. Rashid, leader of the Awami Muslim League (Pakistan), which is a coalition partner of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), warned party dissidents that switching sides would not do them any good.

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

Mr. Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides.

Mr. Khan ran into trouble after his alliance parties with 23 members refused to give a clear indication to support him in Parliament during the no-trust vote motion, which would come up for discussion later this month. His woes multiplied when about two dozen dissidents emerged within his party. But both Mr. Khan and his Ministers are trying to give the impression that everything was fine and he would emerge victorious out of the trial.

Mr. Rashid said the ruling party members “must keep in mind that early elections can also be called in the country" and switching sides would not do them any good.

“Those who are changing parties and thinking they will get respect, they are wrong," the Minister said. Mr. Rashid promised "good news" despite the ground reality of creeping defeat staring Mr. Khan in the face.