What happened: Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s crucial discussions with several coalition members a day before, a decision on whether to hold an early election or take harsh economic moves is expected today (May 17). A day before: On May 16, the premier had separate meetings with MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to explore which of these possibilities to choose. According to The News, the economic and political state of the country was discussed in these meetings with the chiefs of allied parties, with the failing economy and uncertain political picture in mind. PM Shehbaz Sharif discussed the rupee’s depreciation versus the dollar, the stock market’s bearish trend, the delay in the IMF deal, fixing petroleum product pricing, and the general elections with allied parties. MQM in favour of elections: Given the country’s current condition, Maqbool of the MQM-P urged an early election. He advised Prime Minister Shehbaz that the solution to Pakistan’s current difficulties is an early election.