Shortly after the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan was dismissed by the National Assembly's deputy speaker and the NA was dissolved by the president on Sunday, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said the army is not involved in politics.

"Army has nothing to do with the political process," he told Reuters in response to a question about the institution's involvement in the events.

Earlier in the day, the NA resumed after a three-day recess to vote on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Taking the floor shortly after the NA session began, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that loyalty to the state was the basic duty of every citizen under Article 5(1). He reiterated the premier's earlier claims that a foreign conspiracy was behind the move to oust the government.

Subsequently, Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri who was presiding over the session, dismissed the no-trust motion and prorogued the assembly. "No foreign power shall be allowed to topple an elected government through a conspiracy," he said, adding that the points raised by the minister were "valid".

Shortly afterwards, Prime Minister Imran addressed the nation and said he had advised President Dr Arif Alvi to dissolve the assemblies and called on the nation to prepare for fresh elections.

Less than an hour later, the President's Secretariat issued a statement saying that the president had dissolved the National Assembly under under Article 58(1) read with Article 48(1) of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial's office said the Supreme Court is aware of Sunday's political developments,

The chief justice "has taken notice of current situation. Further details will be shared soon", a statement from his office said.

Opinion

Editorial

Race against time
Updated 09 Feb, 2025

Race against time

While some bright spots emerged at Breathe Pakistan moot, we must streamline our climate governance.
Open door
09 Feb, 2025

Open door

THE door is still open for talks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the PTI. What matters, however,...
Football suspension
09 Feb, 2025

Football suspension

ONCE again, Pakistan has been ousted from the global football family. FIFA recently suspended the Pakistan Football...
A year later
Updated 08 Feb, 2025

A year later

A war of egos has been fought between a handful of individuals at the cost of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
Wheat decision
08 Feb, 2025

Wheat decision

THE federal decision to stop setting the minimum support price for wheat and cease the staple’s procurement...
Dhanmondi attack
08 Feb, 2025

Dhanmondi attack

HISTORY has shown that unless states deliver development and equal rights to all, disenfranchised people can target...