ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday ruled out the possibility of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government stepping down on January 31, the ultimatum given to it by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
In December, the multi-party anti-government alliance set the ultimatum for the federal government, saying a failure in doing so will result in a long march to Islamabad.
While speaking to a television programme, Qureshi, also the senior vice-chairperson of the party, questioned: “Imran Khan enjoys the confidence of the [people and the] National Assembly. Why would he resign on the opposition’s demand?”
He said the opposition had earlier announced to resign from the assemblies on December 31, but it did not when the date arrived. “The public has understood the opposition’s true agenda and their jalsas do not possess that strength [to force the government to resign].”
He said the PDM will participate in the upcoming Senate election and by-polls [if conducted].
PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman Friday said the alliance will take part in the by-polls, adding that rumours about conflicts within the party are false and that the PDM is stronger than ever.
“We will take part in by-polls and will decide about the Senate elections later […] basically we are not against taking part in elections,” PDM chief said.
He also reiterated that the incumbent government has only one month left to resign or the PDM will begin its long march.
“We will decide whether to hold long march towards Rawalpindi or Islamabad,” he said, adding that the date and venue will be announced soon.
“Imran Khan is a pawn for [and] the people who did rigging and imposed him upon the nation, we want to make it clear [to them that] we blame the establishment and army leadership for this,” said Fazl, stating that the PDM was determined to get rid of this “illegitimate” government.
Fazl added that from now the alliance would criticise both Prime Minister Imran Khan and the establishment, accusing it of meddling in political affairs and installing the “puppet government” into power.
