Imran Khan is gearing up to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies where his party is in power. This is how he wants to pressure the federal government into holding early general elections. For its part, however, the government seems determined to extend the term of the assemblies.

This was revealed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, a key PML-N leader, while speaking to journalist Asma Shirazi on her show “Faisla Aap Ka” Wednesday night.

“Not only will the National Assembly complete its term but the government should also get more time,” Dar said. “I will talk about the extension of the assembly tenure in August,” he added, referring to the month when the NA’s five-year term would reach completion.

Earlier today, PTI chief Imran Khan said that he would announce the date to dissolve the two assemblies on December 17.