ISLAMABAD: Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser resigned and asked PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq to the chair to hold a vote on the no-confidence motion.

Hours before the Supreme Court’s deadline for the vote of no-confidence motion was to expire, Qaiser took hold of his seat and chaired the session.

“I am liable to the Constitution and the most important demand of the oath is to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan,” said Qaiser while addressing the assembly.

The former speaker said that the Cabinet had shared the supposed “threat letter” with him and urged MPs to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“I can no longer remain on the seat of the speaker and I resign,” said Qaiser. He also shared that he accepts the Supreme Court’s decision on the and asked former speaker Ayaz Sadiq to run the session.

“Ayaz Sadiq is requested to come and complete the legal procedure [on the no-confidence motion],” said Qaiser.