"What a sad night for democracy!"
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has become the first PM of the country to be removed by a no-trust vote.
Khan, who stayed defiant “till the last ball”, was ousted well after midnight, after high drama in the Pakistan assembly throughout the day.
The last-minute vote took place after midnight on April 10, 2022, after opposition parties brought a motion against Khan in his ability to lead the country.
174 members participated in the vote in the 342-strong house voting in favour of the outcome.
The result was announced by PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq who was chairing the session after Asad Qaiser, an ally of Khan had resigned as the speaker in parliament.
People across the country are largely heartbroken over the turn of events and Pakistani celebrities also held similar emotions.
Yumna Zaidi took to her Instagram Story and wrote: “If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill, your following is now even stronger.”
Zara Noor Abbas reposted a Tweet from Faisal Javed Khan which read: “Just saw off Prime Minister Imran Khan from Prime Minister House.
“He walked out gracefully and didn’t bow down. He has lifted the entire Nation.
“Feeling proud of being a Pakistani and blessed to have a leader like him. Pakistan Khan – Imran Khan.”
Just saw off Prime Minister Imran Khan from Prime Minister House. He walked out gracefully and didn't bow down. He has lifted the entire Nation. Feeling proud to be a Pakistani and blessed to have a leader like him. Pakistan Khan – Imran Khan
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) April 9, 2022
Alongside the tweet, Zara added: “He fought and fought hard! And he did not back down! And that’s what a true leader is.”
Humaima Malick simply wrote: “It’s a dark day!”
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.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJPHgSM0YT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sadia Ghaffar also took to her Instagram Story and said: “What a sad night for democracy!
“You were the best thing that happened to Pakistan.”
YouTubers Zaid Ali and Shahveer Jafry also expressed their support for Imran Khan.
In a Tweet, Zaid Ali wrote: “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 where he fought till his last breath. He is an example of a true champion and leader. Well played, Captain.”
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 where he fought til his last breathe. He is an example of a true champion and leader. Well played, Captain. ??
— Zaid Ali (@Za1d) April 9, 2022
Shahveer Jafry added: “Khan fought alone. I salute him and thank him for that, he tried his best to save his country.”
The new prime minister of Pakistan will be appointed on April 11, 2022, by the assembly.
The newly appointed PM will hold the post until October 2023, which is when the next election will be held.
A tweet from opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif said the country and parliament were “finally freed from a serious crisis”.
Imran Khan, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, was elected as the prime minister of Pakistan in 2018 with a promise to address corruption and improve the economy.
However, the country got tangled in a major financial crisis and the pledges were not met.
Reports say that Imran Khan had the support of the Pakistan army to come into power but now it looks like the army is no longer in his favour as he tried to fight for his political career.
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