Editorial note: Constitutional explainer based on the official text reviewed on 22 July 2026. This is civic information, not legal advice.
What is a vote of no confidence?
A vote of no confidence is the constitutional procedure through which the National Assembly may determine that the prime minister no longer commands the support required to remain in office.
The Article 95 thresholds
- A resolution must be moved by not less than 20 per cent of the total membership of the National Assembly.
- It cannot be voted on before three days have passed or later than seven days after it is moved.
- It cannot be moved while the Assembly is considering demands for grants in the annual budget process.
- To pass, it requires a majority of the total membership of the National Assembly—not merely a majority of members present and voting.
What happens if it passes?
The prime minister ceases to hold office. The National Assembly then elects a successor under the applicable constitutional and parliamentary procedure; a successful no-confidence vote does not automatically require a general election.
The 2022 precedent
On 10 April 2022, the National Assembly passed a no-confidence resolution against Prime Minister Imran Khan. It was the first time a Pakistani prime minister was removed through a successful vote under Article 95. Shehbaz Sharif was subsequently elected prime minister.
Connection with Article 63-A
A confidence or no-confidence vote is one of the specified matters in Article 63-A. Party direction and defection questions therefore may arise, but the precise consequence depends on the constitutional text and operative judicial interpretation at the relevant time.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. If you spot an error, please use our corrections process.
