ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "astonished" by the reaction of the joint opposition, including the leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), to his decision to call early elections.
"I am astounded by the PDM's reaction to our call for general elections. They've been sobbing uncontrollably about how our government has failed and lost the people's trust "He posted on his official Twitter account.
His remarks come as the opposition slammed the government for dissolving assemblies and calling early elections after a no-confidence motion to oust the Prime Minister was rejected by the National Assembly Deputy Speaker. "So, what's the big deal about elections now? Democrats turn to the people for help "The premier continued.
In a follow up tweet, he urged opposition parties to accept his decision to hold snap elections "rather than being part of a foreign conspiracy for regime change; and indulging in blatant buying of loyalties, thereby destroying our nation's moral fibre?"
In response to Khan's remarks, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated: "Your coup attempt will be a failure. We demanded early elections, not you. Our long-stated goal has been no confidence, electoral reform, and early free and fair elections."
Imran's government minister taunts opposition in a few moments, adopts 'captain's plan'
Imran's govt swung into action before voting on no-confidence motion, made this big announcement