Leader of Pakistan likely to be forced out of office

Besieged by the opposition and abandoned by coalition partners, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is battling for his political survival after the opposition called another no-confidence vote, which could take place as early as Sunday.

The opposition accuses Khan of economic mismanagement and claims he is unfit for the role of prime minister. A parliament session which was to debate his role was adjourned on Thursday within minutes of opening and without any explanation.

Lawmakers were reportedly planning to reconvene Sunday for a debate and vote on Khan – which could now be a formality since a series of defections appear to have given Khan’s political opponents the 172 votes in the 342seat house needed to push him out.