At the stroke of midnight, Imran Khan fell from power through a vote of a no-confidence, becoming the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to have been ousted by a parliamentary revolt. 174 lawmakers supported the joint opposition’s no-confidence motion that required 172 votes in a parliament of 342 members.
The outcome shook the political earth of the country, seemingly bringing an end to a protracted crisis. After three-and-a-half years, Khan’s PTI struggled to stay in power as its allies betrayed to joined hands with opposition parties. And while Pakistan’s history has been marred with political instability, no prime minister has ever been removed from office through a no-trust motion.
Thus, in the final moments of the former prime minister’s government, his team members paid tribute to him, vowing to fight along his side “for as long as it takes.” Celebrities, too, followed suit, penning their thoughts on the situation, knowing full well that Khan’s term had come to an end. Many are still lamenting the fall of “hope” and a sad but irrefutable return to “purana” Pakistan.
Actor Armeena Khan tweeted a prayer, “May God protect Pakistan and it’s loyal citizens from darkness and the forces of evil that are about to consume it once more. Ameen.”
Unable to fall asleep, she took to her Insta Stories to add, “Dil thora toot sa raha hai. Aesa lagta hai jese kuch qeemti si cheez kho di (My heart is breaking a little, it feels like we’ve lost something very precious).”
Veteran actor Samina Peerzada shared, “This is not the end, Imran Khan will return with more power and greater resolve. He will not give up and neither will we. We share a great bond. Love for Pakistan.”
In another tweet, she thanked the former prime minister for “waking up the nation,” writing, “Imran Khan, humain is lambi neend say jaganay ka shukria. Humnay is political theatre kay saray chehray jan liay hain pehchan liay hain (we have learnt and memorised the faces behind this political theatre).”
Actor Humaima Malick called it a “dark day” while Aiman Khan shared a post hailing Khan as a “true leader.”
Teefa in Trouble star Maya Ali too, termed today the “saddest and a dark day in Pakistan’s history.” She lamented, “All we needed was some patience, unity and belief. We have lost a gem, a true politician and honest prime minister. I salute Imran khan that he tried his best and fought for the sovereignty of Pakistan till the last moment. Thank you, kaptan. I know you will come back stronger. Once a leader, always a leader.”
While actor Shaan Shahid, as always, penned, “Imran Khan, your journey as a prime minister was phase 1. But your journey as a great leader has started now. The hardships will be your medals, the negativity you bare will be your scars of war. This nation needs you. Don’t give up on us, don’t give up on Pakistan.”
YouTube sensation Zaid Ali T tweeted, “Today is a very dark day for Pakistan. We as a nation have lost our most valuable asset. I salute the courage of Imran khan for fighting till his last breath. He is an example of a true champion and leader. Well played, Captain.”
Fellow content creator Shahveer Jafry chimed in, “Khan fought alone. I salute him and thank him for that he tried his best to save his country.”
Junoon guitarist Salman Ahmad maintained, “174 Votes, 14 parties, five judges, 90% of anchors, so democratic. It took all this to defeat one Imran Khan and he still rules the hearts of the majority.”
Sharing the now viral speech of PTI member Ali Muhammad Khan, who witnessed the complete session of no-confidence against Imran Khan, designer Maheen Khan tweeted, “What a powerful speech.”
And responding to a tweet by author Nadeem Farooq Paracha, who said those “feeling jittery and outraged should actually feel guilty and self-reflect,” designer Khadija Shah tweeted, “If you had a conscience, you would be concerned too. Instead of this immature tit for tat shitty statement.” Paracha was referring to the individuals who had been “applauding and rationalising harassment of activists, journalists and campaigns of character assassination during the ousted regime.”
Actor Gohar Rasheed went on to point out, “Aaj Imran Khan ka imtihan khatam hua or opposition ka imtihan shuru (Today Imran Khan’s test has concluded and the opposition’s has only begun).”
Newbie Dananeer Mobeen remarked, “He will rise again.” While actor Ushna Shah shared writer Fatima Bhutto’s tweet on her Instagram Stories. The tweet reads, “I’ve always been a critic of Imran Khans politics and often wrote that he would damage Pakistan’s institutions with his opportunism and expediency. So, I say this with absolutely no feeling for his term or tenure: ‘Purana’ Pakistan was squalid. No one can celebrate its return in good faith.”
Anoushey Ashraf shared a post featuring Khan to assert, “Always a hero.”
While Zara Noor Abbas held, “He fought and fought hard without backing down. And that’s what a true leader does.”
Actor Kinza Hashmi shared the now viral photo of Ali Muhammad seated alone at the session to pay her respect. “Fought alone,” she wrote. Model Mushk shared the same photo.
Designer Munib Nawaz welcomed everyone back to ‘purana’ Pakistan. “Just heard Bilawal saying welcome to ‘purana’ Pakistan with a smile. Welcome!”
And we too, suppose it won’t be wrong to say, we have indeed returned.
