Coalition govt decides to complete term: Sources

The coalition government under PM Shahbaz Sharif has decided to remain in office until August 2023, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

The development took place during a meeting of the coalition parties, where the country’s political situation was discussed thoroughly. The meeting was held under the chair of PM Shahbaz Sharif.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Khawaja Asif, and Marriyum Aurangzeb attended the meeting.

The meeting agreed that the government would complete its constitutional term to bring the country out of the economic mess.

According to sources, the allies of the PML-N assured PM Shehbaz Sharif that they are with the party and would support all its decisions. They also urged the PM to act immediately to stabilize the country’s economy.

Officials, who were present at the meeting, confirmed that the coalition partners advised the economic team to take immediate steps to stabilize the rupee. They also suggested finalizing the IMF program.

The newly elected government is under immense pressure owing to a worse economic situation as the dollar continues to surpass the rupee daily, while PTI Chairman Imran Khan has repeatedly demanded early polls.

On Tuesday, the SC decided that the votes of defying members of the Parliament (MPs), cast against their parliamentary party’s instructions, cannot be counted.

While no member of the PTI voted for Shehbaz in the election of the Prime Minister, many party members had voted for Hamza Shahbaz in the Punjab chief minister election — leaving his fate at risk.