The PDM is once again divided on another issue which shows that the rift within the opposition alliance is widening and it is unable to come up with any decisive plan. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has now hinted at the possibility of ousting the prime minister through a no-confidence motion but the suggestion has not found traction with the alliance.
The PPP wants to send the government packing but only using constitutional, legal and democratic options. Bilawal said no-confidence move could be tabled against the prime minister and speaker and that PDM member parties will be convinced to reach a consensus on the issue.
The Constitution has stipulated a no-confidence motion for the removal of the prime minister but it has seldom worked in Pakistan. In 1989, Benazir Bhutto defeated a no-confidence motion that threatened to bring down her government. In 2006, Shakat Aziz also survived a vote of no-confidence. Such moves have only succeeded against speakers and deputy speakers but that is not the objective of the PDM.
The PML-N has also opposed Bilawal’s suggestion, calling it an ‘old recommendation’ and asking him to show whether he has the required numbers to back the claims. An attempt was made to dislodge Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani but the tactics did not work as many opposition members did not even vote against him. The PML-N is not keen on adventurism once again until it has the required numbers, after its performance in the last Senate elections.
The PPP is disillusioned that the rallies and protests are effective. The protests outside the ECP headquarters showed one of the lowest crowds. The PPP now wants to use other methods instead of protest rallies, unlike the PML-N which wants to continue the rhetoric and still hold the long march to Islamabad even its has put off the decision to resign from assemblies.
A no-confidence motion will only be successful if the PTI’s allies and coalition partners distance themselves from the government and side with the opposition. This also looks unlikely despite the reservation of the parties. Even if successful by a long shot, it will not end the PTI government and the PDM’s objective will remain unsolved.
The no-confidence motion against the government particularly when the opposition does not have the required numbers is a futile exercise. It will embolden the government which remains unnerved and is confident it can defeat the no-trust motion.
