ISLAMABAD: Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s critical meetings with some coalition partners the day before, a decision on whether to hold an early election or take difficult economic steps is expected today (Tuesday).
On Monday, the premier met separately with MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to finalize one of these options. The country’s economic and political situation was discussed in these meetings with the heads of the allied parties, with the deteriorating economy and uncertain political scenario in mind.
PM Shehbaz Sharif met with allied parties to discuss the rupee’s depreciation against the dollar, the stock market’s bearish trend, the delay in the IMF deal, fixing petroleum product prices, and the general elections, according to the publication.
Given the country’s current situation, Maqbool of the MQM-P proposed an early election. He told Prime Minister Shehbaz that an early election is a solution to Pakistan’s current crisis.
He stated that a new mandate from the people should be obtained as any delay would be detrimental. He also stated that a census should be held in June rather than August, and that election reforms could be implemented within a week.
According to the MQM-P leader, if timely decisions are not made, the economic situation will worsen. He proposed legislation to extend the army chief’s tenure and defended Nasreen Jalil’s nomination as governor of Sindh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to hold consultations with coalition partners on the MQM-P’s proposals.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the support of allied political parties for the government’s reforms, describing their role as critical in national-interest decisions.
