Pakistan National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri on Sunday dismissed the no-trust motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution.
Suri chaired the crucial session after opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion against Speaker Asad Qaiser.
Opposition lawmakers, who had earlier exuded confidence in the success of the no-trust move as they made their way to Parliament House, protested against the decision.
Addressing Pakistan after the no-confidence motion was dismissed, PM Imran Khan said he has advised President Arif Alvi to dissolve the National Assembly and call for fresh elections.
Khan, who came to power in 2018 with promises to create a ‘Naya Pakistan’, is at a critical juncture of his political career as he has lost majority after defection from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Two of his allied parties also withdrew their support and joined the ranks of the rejuvenated Opposition.