Ignoring Imran Khan’s threats, coalition govt decides to complete term: sources

ISLAMABAD: The coalition government has decided to take tough decisions to revive the economy and complete its constitutional term, sources told Geo News.

The important decision was taken after consultations among the heads of the coalition parties last night amid pressure from the PTI to announce early elections.

On Sunday, Imran Khan announced that he is coming to Islamabad on May 25 to seek an election date and dissolution of the National Assembly and gave a message to the country's military and asked it to adhere to its promise of "neutrality."

The government, which took charge last month after ousting Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion, was in a fix amid a worsening economic situation due to rising fears that the country might go bankrupt if the $6 billion loan programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not revived immediately.

The Fund has demanded the government remove subsidies on petroleum products which will increase inflation and the ruling parties were having parleys on the matter because it has a high political cost.

“The ruling collation government has finally decided to complete its constitutional term and take the necessary steps needed to stabilise the economy. It was the outcome of a consultative process among the heads of the coalition parties,” said the sources.

“It was also agreed that the government will take tough decisions regarding subsidies on petroleum products. A wrong example will be set if the government is removed by long marches,” the government sources said.

The government finalised the strategy after a meeting of an “important personality” with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

The PPP supremo met with the “important personality” recently, the sources revealed, adding that following the meeting, the PPP leader met with Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman. Subsequently, the ruling government announced that it would complete its term and will take difficult decisions to uplift the economy.

PML-N was ready to hold early elections in the country until two days back, the sources said, adding that the party changed its mind after the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari.

PTI Azadi March

The government sources said that the law will come into action if the PTI’s sit-in paralyses the government and the system. As per the sources, the government will facilitate Imran Khan if he returns after holding a public gathering in the federal capital.