Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is leading a convoy of vehicles and supporters heading to Islamabad to push for early elections, protesting the government’s closure of rallies and the night raids by police to arrest his party leaders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration will conclude talks with the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday in Doha on bail, which could include a tough political decision to raise fuel prices. Without funding, Pakistan could fail for the second time in its history.
Former PM Khan Promises Peace in Islamabad (3:14 p.m.)
Imran Khan said he would come before the Parliament building in Islamabad to remove all obstacles. He told his followers that staying organized would be peaceful.
Foreign Minister Says Pakistan Has Great Business Power (2:42 p.m.)
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told a group of business leaders in Davos that Pakistan has great potential if the country takes the path of unity in the face of the Ukrainian war and climate change.
Khan Leads Rally at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Stronghold (1:57 p.m.)
Imran Khan is now leading a team from his party’s stronghold at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Exhibitions have begun in major Pakistani cities and all are expected to meet in Islamabad later in the day.
Government Says Reports Indicate Khan’s March to Incite Violence (11:52 a.m)
The Pakistani government says intelligence reports suggest it was full of weapons and that weapons would be used in the protest to create unrest. The raid on Lahore also led to the return of weapons to the residence of a Pakistani official in Tehreek-e-Insaf, small petrol minister Musadik Malik said in a press conference.
President Demands Joint Sitting Of Parliament (11:46 a.m)
President Arif Alvi has convened a parliamentary session on Thursday at 4pm, according to a statement from his office. No further details were provided. Senators and members of the National Assembly will discuss the current political situation, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s party spokesman.
Supreme Court Hear Cancellation of Khan’s Protests (11:00 a.m.)
The Supreme Court is hearing an appeal against the government’s decision to shut down Khan’s protest march and to close important roads and buildings in the capital Islamabad. It was not immediately clear when the court would issue the order.