With the army chief’s appointment settled and the transition completed, the next political battle is PTI’s attempt to dissolve assemblies. And with its majority pretty much secured in KP, it is in Punjab that a contest, if any, is to be expected.

PTI chief Imran Khan announced on November 26 that his party will exit all assemblies because he does not want to remain a part of the ‘corrupt’ system anymore. Fawad Chaudhry clarified soon after that this essentially meant that assemblies will be dissolved in the two provinces where PTI is in power.

Although very few actual proceedings have taken place, both sides have been regularly exchanging verbal barbs. Are both sides waiting to see who blinks first? Here are two statements that might offer a glimpse into the situation.

Bilawal thinks the resignations won’t come

Addressing PPP’s 55th foundation day in Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Imran Khan’s threat of resignation is a deceit.

“Mark my words, he will never resign,” Bilawal told the crowd.

His rationale is that the PTI did not stick to its resignations from the National Assembly. The PTI resigned right after its government was dismissed through a no-confidence vote.

“When their resignations were accepted by the speaker, they approached the court.” However, he added that if PTI does resign, PPP will be ready to compete.

You dared us to resign: Fawad

From the other side, Fawad Chaudhry said that the government had itself dared PTI to dissolve assemblies.

“Until a few weeks ago government ministers told us that if we wanted elections, we should dissolve KP and Punjab assemblies” Fawad told journalist Fereeha Idrees in a talk show on GNN.

“But now that we have announced it, they’re getting a heart attack,” he added.

Fawad said that the government had no legal option and they need to sit among themselves and decide what their version is supposed to be. He also said that at the base of it, the government is afraid of going in to elections.