D-Day: Big announcements for fresh elections or long march likely today

D-Day in Pakistani politics today as the political crisis in the country has reached its peak and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is under pressure on important economic decisions, is likely to deliver an important address to the nation.

To avoid paying the political price, the coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) planned to seek approval from the National Security Committee (NSC) for important economic decisions. In case of failure, the premier is likely to announce the dissolution of the assemblies today.

On the other hand, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan will announce a long march towards Islamabad in his address to an important public meeting in Multan today.

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According to News360 sources, PM Sharif is reluctant to take important political decisions in view of possible public reaction and political implications despite receiving the green signal from the allies. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is likely to address the nation.

Rumours are being circulated that the premier will announce the dissolution of the assemblies in his address to the nation today. The statement came from the PML-N Senior Vice-President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has strengthened the rumour.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said in an interview on Samaa TV program Nadeem Malik Live that if there is no support for economic decisions, then the allies should leave the government and go home.

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On the other hand, PPP senior leader Syed Khursheed Shah told journalists that the coalition parties are ready for the elections. He was of the view that the withdrawal from further ruling the country will remove the burden on their shoulders.

Following the statements by key coalition leaders, there is a strong possibility that PM Shehbaz Sharif will announce the dissolution of the assemblies today.

Sources told News360 that consultations and interviews are being held in Islamabad for the caretaker prime minister and several economists have been interviewed for the top slot.

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On the other hand, it is being speculated that instead of dissolving the assemblies, the premier would announce an increase in the prices of petroleum products and electricity following the federal government’s promise to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sources added that the coalition government, fearing the political implications of difficult economic decisions, wants the National Security Committee to approve the tough decisions and guarantee a 1.5-year term. Yesterday, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Syed Khursheed Shah also openly expressed their desires.

Meanwhile, former premier Imran Khan will address a public meeting in Multan today in which he could announce the date of the long march towards Islamabad today.

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Political analysts said that in the current scenario, both decisions of PM Sharif whether it is the dissolution of the assemblies or withdrawing subsidies on petroleum products will go in the favour of Imran Khan.

Imran Khan will interpret the government’s announcement to dissolve the assemblies as his political victory and will do his best to take credit for the decision before the nationals.

In another case, if the prime minister announces the withdrawal of subsidies on petroleum products and electricity, the decision will also give a political benefit to Imran Khan, who will be able to take full advantage of the sentiments of the people against the present government.

On the other hand, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce its decision on the PTI’s petition today regarding the disqualification of 25 dissident lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Lahore High Court (LHC) will hear the PTI’s petition seeking annulment of the election of Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz.

The ECP’s verdict will decide the fate of CM Hamza Shahbaz’s government in Punjab today.