PML-N leaders oppose no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan

• PML-N decides to contest Senate polls
• PML-N leaders reluctant to initiate no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Majority of PML-N leaders have opposed PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's suggestion to initiate no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Imran Khan, sources told Geo.tv.

The development came during a joint parliamentary meeting of PML-N's MNAs and senators chaired by Maryam Nawaz at the August House today. It was attended by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Raja Zafar ul Haq, Ahsan Iqbal, and Rana Sanaullah, among others, while photos representing Shahbaz Sharif and Khawaja Asif were placed on chairs in a bid to show solidarity to the imprisoned party leaders.

According to sources, the party members said a no-confidence motion would be contradictory to former premier Nawaz Sharif's stance. They also pointed out that a majority is required in assemblies to make a no-confidence motion successful and lamented having to engage "with those who we want out" of the Parliament.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said the party should adopt an effective strategy both inside and outside the Parliament while Ali Gohar said the party will stand behind Maryam Nawaz when needed.

Sources said Maryam said she will present the party's stance on no-confidence motion before the Pakistan Democratic Movement and the final decision will be taken by the 11-party Opposition alliance. 

Last month, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had suggested the PDM bring no-confidence motions against the PTI governments at the Centre and in the provinces as part of the Opposition alliance's anti-government campaign.

Senate polls

Sources also told Geo.tv that Maryam informed the party's parliamentary group of the decision to contest the Senate elections and majority of the party leaders supported the move.

Earlier, the party also announced it would take part in by-polls.

Late last year, the 11-party Opposition alliance had sought resignations from all its lawmakers from the Parliament and provincial assemblies. The deadline was January 31.

But earlier this month, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had decided to not only take part in by-polls but also in the Senate elections.