• MQM-P and PML-Q propose “minus one” formula, saying it will save PTI-led government from falling.
• Premier says government has decided against governor’s rule.
• “Only two federal ministers backed the idea of governor’s rule,” sources say.

ISLAMABAD: Prime minister on Friday refused to accept the “minus Imran Khan” policy proposed by MQM-P and PML-Q, with sources telling Geo News that the premier remarked that “this cannot happen in any scenario”.

Chairing the PTI’s political committee, PM Imran Khan said that the parties think this “minus one” formula will save the PTI-led government from falling. 

“Fortunately, they are requesting […] this will boost our morale,” the premier was qouted by sources. 

‘No governor’s rule in Sindh’

Talking about the governor’s rule in Sindh, the premier said the government has decided against it, sources told Geo News. However, they did confirm that the PTI had decided to move the Supreme Court against disgruntled members of their party.

Moreover, the prime minister vowed to battle the Opposition and was confident of the failure of the no-confidence motion against him.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had a day earlier proposed the premier take the step in order to stop “horse-trading” taking place at the Sindh House.

During the meeting, the majority of the participants opposed the move after the interior minister presented a summary in this regard.

“Only two federal ministers backed the idea,” sources said.

The PM, however, directed to deliberate further on the issue, saying the situation will deteriorate further by imposing the governor’s rule.

The Sindh House grabbed the spotlight after it came to light Thursday that around 24 PTI MNAs were residing at lodges in Islamabad — and some of them had publicly announced to go against the party.

Hours later, the prime minister called a meeting of the senior party leadership and directed National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser to approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the disgruntled members.

In a press conference after the meeting, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said all disgruntled PTI MPs who have sought refuge in Sindh House ahead of the no-confidence motion to return, assuring them that no action will be taken against them.

“I appeal all sellouts to comeback and fight according to the constitution,” he said.

The interior minister claimed that the political situation that was worsening a few days ago is now moving towards “stability.”

He further said that keeping in view the ongoing political situation in the country, a summary regarding the imposition of the governor’s rule in Sindh was presented to PM Imran Khan today but no decision has been taken yet on it.

The premier also directed the PTI leaders present in the meeting to ramp up the preparations for the March 27 rally — where the ruling party plans on gathering one million people, a day before the voting on the no-trust motion.

“All the lawmakers and party members should participate,” he said.

“No matter how much money they spend to remove me, I will fight them,” he said.