Syed Raza Hassan & Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters – Pakistan’s next prime minster will be nominated on Sunday. The incumbent Imran Khan was defeated in a confidence vote by parliament. It marks the end of nearly four years at power for this cricket legend.

Khan had held on to his position for more than a week even after the united opposition attempted to get rid of him. He was able, however, to delay the no-confidence vote.

However, the Supreme Court directed parliament to meet and vote. Khan’s government was disbanded at the end of the 13-hour-long session. This included lengthy speeches and delays by members from Khan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

According to two anonymous sources, the vote was carried out after Khan met the army chief General Qamar Javed Bjwa. This followed criticisms of the delays in the parliamentary process.

For almost 75 years, the military has controlled nuclear-armed 220 million-strong country.

The opposition parties managed to get 174 votes from the 342-member House for the motion of no confidence, which gave them the majority that they required.

On Monday, Parliament will meet to elect the new prime minister. On Sunday, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is 11:00 am (0600 GMT).

Khan hasn’t spoken publicly about Khan’s ouster. However, Khan called for protests before and after the vote.

He said, “I will struggle,” in a speech to the nation Friday.

“I tell all of my supporters across Pakistan, on Sunday, after Isha (evening) prayers,  you all have to come out of your homes and protest peacefully against this imported government that is trying to come to power.”

‘NEW DAWN’

Shehbaz Sharif was the frontrunner for Pakistan’s next prime Minister. He said Khan’s departure would be a chance to start anew.

A new dawn is now… Sharif (70), said that this alliance will rebuildPakistan on Sunday.

Sharif is the younger brother to three-time prime ministerNawaz Sharif. He was chief minister for many years in Punjab and has an excellent reputation as an administrator.

The first task for him will be to restore relations with both the United States’ powerful military, key ally and to tend to the economy.

Khan’s conservative policies were viewed favorably by the military when Khan won his election. However, that support began to wane after a disagreement over Khan’s appointment as military intelligence chief. Economic troubles also led to the highest interest rate increase in many decades.

Khan was an antagonist of the United States during his tenure. He had welcomed the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan last year, and he has been accused of conspiring with the United States to overthrow him. Washington refuted the allegation.