Session Collapses After Coalition Strain and Walkouts
The National Assembly session on Monday descended into political turmoil when both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged walkouts, leaving the government unable to maintain quorum. The Deputy Speaker ultimately had to adjourn proceedings until sufficient members returned. The day was marked by heated speeches, sharp accusations, and talk of a possible no‑confidence motion.
The crisis began when PPP members exited following a forceful address by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, former prime minister. Ashraf criticized the government’s handling of flood relief and coalition discord, asserting PPP had joined the alliance “for the sake of Pakistan” and warning against growing provincial divisions. He defended Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s stature, questioned the removal of security for PPP’s parliamentary leader in Punjab, and declared PPP could not participate further under current conditions.
PTI Offers Support to PPP in No‑Confidence Push
In the wake of PPP’s departure, PTI lawmakers highlighted the lack of quorum. Initially, some PTI members assisted the quorum count to allow PPP’s objections, but as debate continued, PTI’s Nisar Jatt again pointed out the absence of numbers, embarrassing the ruling benches. With attendance inadequate, the Deputy Speaker suspended the session.
Amid the chaos, former Speaker Asad Qaiser of PTI offered full backing to a PPP‑led no‑confidence motion if PPP brings it forward. “If PPP is serious, we are ready,” he stated, fueling speculation of fractures within the coalition and potential re‑alignments in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the government’s flood response and sugar policy, acknowledging lower crop yields caused price increases and defending import liberalization to stabilize supply.
With both major allies sidelined and the treasury benches unable to command quorum, the ruling coalition faces intensified pressure to restore parliamentary order and resolve internal divisions.
