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

Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...
Risky slope
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Risky slope

Inflation likely to see an upward trajectory once high base effect tapers off.
Digital ID bill
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Digital ID bill

Without privacy safeguards, a centralised digital ID system could be misused for surveillance.
Dangerous revisionism
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Dangerous revisionism

When hatemongers call for digging up every mosque to see what lies beneath, there is a darker agenda driving matters.