The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) summoned an emergency meeting on Friday. The ruling coalition remained adamant that the National Assembly would not be dissolved and that the government would work to finish its term.
The decision of the ruling coalition follows Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi’s recommendation to Governor Balighur Rehman on Thursday night to dissolve the provincial parliament, fulfilling his commitment to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and opening the door for new elections.
The leaders in the meeting according to local media reports included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and Jamiat Ulema-e- Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman among others. Additionally, Nawaz Sharif has also been consulted.
The leaders of the ruling coalition have been summoned to an emergency meeting as soon as possible to establish the political course of action for the PDM.
If Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial assemblies are dissolved and early elections are called, the leadership will also decide how the parties would participate in them.
According to reports, the PDM leaders will also determine whether or not to pursue a legal dispute over the situation. Asif Ali Zardari has pushed for a “political solution” to the situation even while legal counsel is being sought.
