Bharat Express

Shehbaz Sharif

The prime minister said that Pakistan government is compelled to enter into a new IMF deal for the purpose of stability.

The oath-taking ceremony comes days after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party agreed on a power-sharing deal to form a coalition government.

Shehbaaz Sharif was told at the time, weeks before he became prime minister, that in order to seal the IMF agreement and keep the nation from going into default, he would have to increase fuel prices.

Supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan have protested against the outcome and demanded his release.

His challenger Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) too has filed his papers, setting the stage for Sunday's election, expected to be a one-sided one.

As Pakistan grapples with the highest inflation rate in Asia, substantial debt burdens, and the imperative of securing another bailout from the IMF, the military is consolidating its influence.

On the other hand, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested the commission to send him a questionnaire so that he could come before it with preparation.

Pakistan's constitution mandates that elections be held within 60 days of the National Assembly completing its term.

The insecurity in Pakistan has also put US on high alert.

The government has announced that assemblies will be dissolved three days ahead of its mandated period, following which elections are to be held within 90 days.