The move in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, is part of a bid to force early general elections.
The former prime minister's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won 15 of 20 assembly seats in the Punjab province, which local media suggests was a consequence of economic hardships felt by the country.
Pakistan is the world's biggest importer of tea — known locally as "chai" — with the latest government figures showing it pays over $515 million a year to bring in the commodity.
Imran Khan, facing a no-confidence vote in Parliament, claims "funding was being channelled into Pakistan from abroad" but "we will not compromise on national interests".
Opposition leaders say Prime Minister Imran Khan has lost public support as he struggles with high inflation, a rising current account deficit and depleting foreign reserves.
A new law allows the State Bank of Pakistan to say no if Islamabad comes asking for funds.
The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged economies globally, but Pakistan has been on the receiving end of a boom that could continue until the end of this year.
Pakistan could face a balance of payments issue after clearing the next Saudi installment in January.
Regressive policies, too much debt and a failure to collect tax have hampered Pakistan’s growth prospects and the situation isn't getting better.
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