Pakistan to go to the polls after PM Khan foils sacking attempt

Policemen patrol near the Parliament House building in Islamabad on April 3, 2022.

Pakistan will go to the polls to elect a new government within three months after Prime Minister Imran Khan foiled an attempt to boot him from office Sunday by getting the president to dissolve the national assembly.

On a day of high drama, the assembly deputy speaker refused to accept a motion of no confidence in the government, as Khan appeared on TV to say there had been "foreign interference" in Pakistan's democratic institutions.

"I have sent advice to the president to dissolve the assemblies. We will go to the public and hold elections, and let the nation decide," he said.

The presidency -- a largely ceremonial office -- acceded hours later.