Preparing for impeachment against PAK President: President Alvi's proximity to former PM Imran pricking Shahbaz's government; politics in Pakistan

The turmoil in the politics of Pakistan continues. The Shahbaz government is preparing to impeach President Dr. Arif Alvi. Government MPs allege that Alvi is close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Alvi has violated the constitution in the transfer of power. Therefore it is necessary to remove him from the presidency.

Why did the demand for impeachment arise?

This political script started on 6 October. President Alvi addressed the joint session of Parliament under Articles 54-1 and 56-3 of the Constitution. Only then is the demand for impeachment rising. Alvi had called for free and fair elections and for ending polarization.

However, the hall was almost empty even during the President's address. Only 15 MPs out of 422 were present. MPs from PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F boycotted the President's address without any prior notice.

Alvi's hand in bringing a no-confidence vote

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said that his party (Pakistan People's Party) demands that the process of impeachment against President Alvi should start at the earliest. Alvi's complicity came to the fore even during the no-confidence vote. So the PPP along with allies boycotted his address.

impeachment process

The process of impeachment can start in either of the two houses of the Parliament.

The House begins the process by making allegations against the President.

Notably, no president has been impeached in the political history of Pakistan. Although attempts were made to impeach former President Pervez Musharraf in 2008, he resigned before the process could begin. A two-thirds majority is needed for impeachment.

Imran's 33 MPs in touch: PML-N

PML-N MP Shahnawaz Ranjha told that Alvi is not performing constitutional duties. Therefore, I have decided to impeach. We are gathering numbers to remove them. Around 33 PTI MPs are angry with the party, and they are in touch with us. On the other hand, PTI MP Sadaqat Abbasi said that if the government has the power to impeach Alvi, then it should be used, but the government does not have the numbers for this.

18 more MPs needed for impeachment

Analyst Rana Tariq told that there are 442 MPs in both houses. There are 342 members in one house and 100 in the other. Two-thirds, that is, 295 MPs are needed to remove the President. The government has 174 and 70 members in both houses respectively. If you add the support of 33 dissidents of PTI, then there are only 277. Still, 18 votes remain short.

Shahbaz Sarkar trying to complete the term

Political analyst Rehan Sheikh says that the Shahbaz government is trying hard to complete its term. At the same time, there is pressure on the government for early elections. Imran got huge public support after he was ousted from power. He has also called for another long march. In these circumstances, talks of impeachment are mere political rhetoric, nothing more.

Also Read: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said, most of the people of the world are happy by ignoring Imran Khan