Islamabad

Opposition parties in Pakistan have moved a no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly.

Opposition parties, including Pakistan Muslim League -- Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema Islam -- Fazl (JUI-F), and other members have joined hands to oust Imran Khan, dissolve the assemblies, and hold early elections.

"This government has inflicted unprecedented damage on the country's economy during its almost four years in power. Inflation has touched historic highs.. the lives of masses have been made miserable by the selected prime minister," said PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif.

Former President and Chairman of Pakistan People Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari, while addressing a joint press conference of opposition parties, said Pakistan is in a state of severe crisis which can only be tackled through a joint effort from all democratic representatives.

The no-confidence motion requires at least 172 votes in a House of 343 members to oust the government. Zardari said that the opposition parties have already gathered support or more than the required number.

"Not only opposition but the ruling PTI lawmakers are also fed up with their government because they have to contest elections and go back to their constituencies," he said.

Sources said that representatives of opposition parties have submitted the no-confidence motion to Additional Secretary Muhammad Mushtaq with signatures of at least 86 members.

While the opposition parties are confident that they have the required numbers to turn the tables of the government, Imran Khan seems confident that this attempt to oust him will fail.

There are 162 opposition MPs in the National Assembly but senior leaders claim that they have gained the support of many others from the government benches and that the total number of votes in support of the no-confidence motion would be at least 180.

The government has started to reach out to the allies to ensure they stand behind him against the opposition's political attack.