The past few weeks have been more than a little exciting. With the government and the opposition locking horns over the no-confidence motion that has been moved against Prime Minister Imran Khan, political temperatures continue to rise in the country. Long-time rivals in opposition parties have come together in a bid to remove the prime minister. As it is in such times, there is little certainty left. Government allies, too, have joined the talks with the opposition, leaving the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in a tough spot.

Many argue against the timing of the move by the opposition. With the general elections so close, some say that the move will be exploited by the PTI – if they lose, they become political martyrs, this close to completing their term; if they survive, it strengthens their resolve and gives them some momentum. Be that as it may, the motion has no doubt left PTI in a precarious situation given rumours of allies abandoning ship and defections from within the party. That the prime minister is meeting disgruntled party leaders and allies (most of whom he had avoided in the recent past) is being seen as a signal of change in his attitude and tactics following the no-confidence motion.

There are far more substantial debates that have risen out of the ongoing political turmoil. The issue of defection, or floor-crossing as is alternatively known; the motive(s) behind selecting or abandoning political loyalties at such a time; as well as how this shapes political narratives and the people’s trust in democracy in a set-up like ours.

This week, the Special Report looks into the no-confidence motion and how it drives debate surrounding major political themes that continue to shape Pakistan’s politics.