In January 2023 Imran Khan dissolved the two provincial assemblies his party controlled in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, in order to hold provincial elections, he judged he would win. He hoped this move would help build political momentum ahead of the national elections and prove the unpopularity of the ruling PDM coalition. The regional governors, who were chosen by the PDM government, did not set dates for the provincial elections, and the ECP did not start organising them saying they could not do so without the authorisation of the governors.
Despite the economic problems in Pakistan and his removal from office, Imran Khan still maintained popular appeal and a large, dedicated core of supporters. He held mass rallies in the months after his ousting and campaigned for early elections (elections were not due until October 2023). The PDM government refused to bring them forward. In October 2022 the Electoral Commission of Pakistan (ECP), disqualified Imran Khan from standing for election for five years because they said he had broken the law by selling gifts that he had received while prime minister. The ECP also barred Imran Khan from parliament, forcing him to vacate his seat in the National Assembly.
