Pak interior minister hints at early elections amid political uncertainty

Islamabad: Ahead of Opposition's no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Thursday hinted that early elections can be held in the country to end the current political uncertainty.

Hitting out at the turncoats of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the minister while addressing a press conference in Islamabad also warned party dissidents that switching sides won't do them any good.

"Those switching loyalties should keep in mind that early elections could be held in the country," he warned.

He also dismissed reports of Usman Buzdar quitting and added that Buzdar is also "standing with PM Imran Khan like a rock."

Rasheed even promised "good news" despite the ground reality of creeping defeat staring Khan in the face.

He said that the ruling party also have the support of the opposition Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). 

He also said that action will be taken against those who spread fake news against institutions, including the army and judiciary. He further added that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan's top probe agency has been directed to take strict action against those using social media for peddling such fake news, reported the news channel.

Pakistan has been on the edge since Opposition parties on March 8 submitted a no-confidence motion before the National Assembly Secretariat, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister Khan was responsible for the economic crisis and the spiralling inflation in the country.

Khan, 69, is heading a coalition government and he can be removed if some of the partners decide to switch sides.

Khan ran into trouble after his allied parties with 23 members refused to give a clear indication to support him in the parliament during the no-trust vote motion which would come up for discussion in Parliament later this month. His woes multiplied when about two dozen dissidents emerged within his party. But both Khan and his ministers are trying to give the impression that everything was fine and he would come out victorious out of the trial.

The National Assembly has been summoned to meet on Friday but it is not clear if the speaker would allow the no-trust motion or adjourn the session without any official business.