Corrupt opposition parties which took foreign money to instigate the vote of no-confidence should be banned: Sheikh Rashid

ISLAMABAD, April 02 (SABAH): In light of the current political situation, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Saturday that there was the option for the establishment to intervene and call early polls.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the home minister initially stated that there were two options, one that early elections were held, or all Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers resigned from their seats.

“Those who have conspired should be tried for treason,” Sheikh Rashid said, adding that the corrupt opposition parties which took foreign money to instigate the vote of no-confidence should be banned.

The minister claimed that if PTI lawmakers were to resign the country would struggle to operate, stating that the opposition had managed to create internal rifts within society.

“The fourth option is that I declare war on these thieves and looters; it is my mission to bury those who are politically dead,” he remarked.

Sheikh Rashid revealed that even if the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan succeeds, the premier will continue to hold office until a new leader is sworn in. He referred to Article 94 of the Constitution — related to the prime minister continuing in office — which states, “The President may ask the Prime Minister to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Prime Minister.”

Sheikh Rashid pointed out that the Constitution was silent on how long the process of electing a new leader of the lower house should take after a no-trust vote succeeds.

Sheikh Rashid touted that the no-confidence move was a “foreign conspiracy” and accused the opposition of being a part of it. “They should be charged for treason,” he demanded.

He said that politics in the country was changing every second and reiterated his support to Imran Khan.

“The opposition is stuck. Imran Khan has gained stardom from this fiasco. We [the PTI government] have flaws too. But I can say for sure that people don’t even want to see their [opposition] faces.” The minister added that he was adamant to expose the “stooges” and announced a political war against the opposition.