Nawaz dismisses elections before 2018

E-Paper | March 17, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting demands by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for early polls, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that general elections will not be held before 2018.

The PTI has been holding countrywide anti-government demonstrations in protest of the government’s alleged corruption and rigging in the 2013 general elections. The opposition party has been demanding that Nawaz step down as the country’s prime minister, paving way for an ‘independent inquiry’ into electoral rigging and subsequent elections.

The prime minister’s statement comes as the PTI gears up again to hold what it promises as a landmark rally in the capital on Nov 30.

Also read: Govt looking to frustrate PTI’s Nov 30 show

In an official statement issued from the PM House in Islamabad today, Nawaz said that all political forces have stakes in the democratic system.

“We all know that loyalty to the constitution is an imperative for us, and it is no more an issue of choice,” he said.

“No system is perfect but constitution and parliamentary democracy are the only tools to remove imperfections in the existing system.”

The prime minister said that 2018 would be the year for Pakistanis to judge parties on the basis of their performance, and that they would have the chance to vote any party in or out.

Nawaz further vowed that his party would have achieved a prospering Pakistan when it enters election mode in 2018.

Pakistan

PM orders salaries for govt employees before Eid

Govt plans subsidised fuel scheme for bikes, rickshaws after price hike

FIA arrests suspect in massive immigration scam

Pashtunyar

Nov 22, 2014 07:04pm

Thats only reasonable! Imran has to wait for his turn!

Recommend 0

Mansoor

Nov 22, 2014 07:04pm

Mr Prime Minister you have every right to complete your term. You have the trust of millions of voters and despite being a PPP supporter, I will stand by you.

Recommend 0

ishtiaq nasim

Nov 22, 2014 07:09pm

Mr. PM what do you know about loyalty to constitution? You despise it because it is an hindrance in achieving your majesty's wishes and desires. You so blatantly flout it it day in day out that sometimes it boggles ones mind. Cease fooling people. You look fool when you attempt to fool people.

Recommend 0

I. Ahmed

Nov 22, 2014 07:18pm

Loyalty to the constitution? Really? I thought constitution was there for elections, setting up parliament and re-election only!!!

Recommend 0

Liaquat Ali

Nov 22, 2014 07:18pm

This guy will lead Pakistan to a ruinous state - he wont talk to PTI or address their legitimate issues. No Pakistani politician seems to learn from history. God help Pakistan!

Recommend 0

Raju

Nov 22, 2014 07:34pm

Excellent Mr. PM. You won enough votes and peoples confidence in last year's election to be in a government. IK should behave like a true sportsman and leader. He should have accepted his elections defeat gracefully and should work together for the benefit of Pakistan. I dont know what's wrong with him and his supporters

Recommend 0

jahangir Khan

Nov 22, 2014 07:38pm

Nawaz has done a big favour fro IK.If elections are held now then for sure big defeat in KPK for IK and with good development initiatives by Nawaz he would gain more seats than before. Nawaz has indeed done a great favour for IK. like MQM our IK should say to Nawaz 'Shukria'.

Recommend 0

khurram

Nov 22, 2014 07:41pm

PTI has transformed itself from democratic party to jokers party. They are offering nothing new to the people of Pakistan. This is only a ONE-MAN party i.e. Imran Khan. And he too doesn't know how to tolerate and how to accept defeats

Recommend 0

Shehz

Nov 22, 2014 07:43pm

Democracy means for the people, by the people. You were elected by the people true, but do you work for the people? Do you even listen to them? Do you even care what their lives are like under your tyranny? This, your tenure, is not democratic at all! You work to jeopardize and undermine other party's projects. Your goal is to gain credit for projects started by others. You rise above not by achievements, but by hurting provinces interests. You are not visionary nor do you possess leadership skills. Mr. PM, if you care about Pakistanis then either please resign, or rise above your personal goals and work in the best interest of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Salim Khan

Nov 22, 2014 07:48pm

But what about the rigging? So far all recounts of votes have created more and more doubts. If next elections are held with the same system, I am very confident to say that PPP will win. This process will go on and pmln and PPP will have turns until the Army takes over for its reasons. Doesn't it mean that democracy breeds dictatorship? Absolutely not, if the democracy is genuine. So Mr.prime minister first make yourself a legal and genuine PM and then talk about elections, democracy and Pakistan.

Recommend 0

M. Siddique

Nov 22, 2014 08:00pm

Can some one tell the PM that under the constitution early elections are allowed under certain circumstances? Let us not confuse hanging on to power no matter what with constitutional imperative. If situation calls for early election then not holding the election is violation of the constitution.

Recommend 0

pagrri Sanbhaal

Nov 22, 2014 08:03pm

You may dismiss elections even in 2018 but who will ask you when your time come.

Recommend 0

Faisal

Nov 22, 2014 08:03pm

If Nawaz really wants to inject his party and wishes to run the rein of the Pakistan, then he must declare his assets and bring his 'cream and butter' wealth back to Pakistan. Meet imran in the container and record a new era for 'new Pakistan

Recommend 0

Sher

Nov 22, 2014 08:08pm

Then you have to meet the demands of PTI to verify the elections, what is then problem?

Recommend 0

Sher

Nov 22, 2014 08:10pm

PTI is NOT asking to change the democratic system, but you and Zardari feel that democratic system only if Nawaz Sharif and Zardari is in power, sorry, masses didn't vote for both, they want change and you have to agree for Judicial Commission and verification of rigging allegations.

Recommend 0

Iqbal Khan

Nov 22, 2014 08:14pm

this system suits these corrupt status quo parties and it is conceived pmln needs to complete this tenure to give protection to their money laundering and corruption they did since their party was created. They better know this is their last chance to rule. Just give some examples that how this party serves the interests of elite and industrialists: the sugar prices came down in international market and the govt allowed import of that with 20% duty plus say 2% refining charges still that price come up to Rs.44 per kg in retail. What the PM did to call a committee how to compensate sugar producers instead to give relief to consumers; and the price of petroleum decreased massively in international market and pmln takes that to its credit to make political score

Recommend 0

Nov 22, 2014 08:20pm

Loyalty to constitution, my God!

Recommend 0

Shuaib Bhat

Nov 22, 2014 08:24pm

His aims are long term. He wants to end loadshedding and bump up economic growth. All the ney sayers just wait and see. It isn't Nawaz Sharif, it's PRIME MINISTER Nawaz Sharif. He is determined to turn Pakistan around and his policies clearly indicate it.

Recommend 0

Sher Kha

Nov 22, 2014 08:24pm

Yeah! one answer to every mess, this so called democracy.

Recommend 0

Brad

Nov 22, 2014 08:41pm

Since you have become such a devout follower of the law and constitution, why not give your nation an account of the huge wealth you and your family have accumulated. The best sermon is the one that was practiced, not preached.

Recommend 0

Mohammad Iqbal

Nov 22, 2014 08:56pm

It appears Nawaz got NOC from forces to be . He took almost 100 days to say this ( PTI's 100 days of street power display)

Recommend 0

Damned

Nov 22, 2014 08:58pm

Yeah right! Keep on using the constitution to justify your stay in power. Where is the constitution when mismanagement, corruption, unjustified tax hikes, VIP protocols and nepotism plague the this monarchy-inspired government? A typical statement of unabashed opportune by his royal highness.

Recommend 0

mak

Nov 22, 2014 09:03pm

In your dreams ..

Recommend 0

One Nation

Nov 22, 2014 09:22pm

Dream on Mr. PM, Dream on ... Your badshahat is not going to survive that long and it never has in the past.

Recommend 0

Sallu

Nov 22, 2014 09:40pm

By 2018 Pakistan will be bankrupt economically. PIA is falling apart, Pakistan Steel is shut down, Railways barely in existence. There are no big projects ongoing or planned that can change the economy. Where are people going to seek employment? Just improving motorways and introducing new buses does not improve the country economically. NS can turn things around. After all his own business empire is flourishing. He know how to be a successful businessman. If he applies the same principle for Pakistan, things will improve. But alas he is more concerned about robbing the country.

Recommend 0

Jawad

Nov 22, 2014 09:44pm

If it was upto him he would never do elections and name it sharifs dynasty. But alas --- Zardari will not let it happen.

Recommend 0

SamKelly

Nov 22, 2014 09:45pm

One wonders if Nawaz Sharif was not a politican but a king of Pakistan and was ruling us for the past 20 years and still ruling till 2014, doing corruption, money laundring making raiwind halls, doing business with people tax money. So one wonders who would have been us to dare to challenge him and stop him and wanted democracy in Pakistan and to throw him off his throne and brought the right man to rule us and lead us. We would never have been able to fight his army of police and thiefs and gangsters and thugs cause we fear them as we fear them now. So right now it is democracy in Pakistan, yet we still can't change these corrupt politicans as our rulers. God knows who will rule us in 2018, have mercy on us.

Recommend 0

Reader

Nov 22, 2014 10:00pm

PM actually meant that most political parties have a stake in embazzling the country funds instead of saying stakes in democratic system. These guys don't know the meaning of "democracy"

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Nov 22, 2014 10:01pm

Good to hear clarity on the part of Govt. Mr PM, stay focused on delivering, hold LG elections, and let Dharnas stew in their own juices. IK has no job, is too bored, and needs to stay busy providing daily comic relief!

Recommend 0

Pakistani

Nov 22, 2014 10:02pm

Thank you sir for clarifying. Please also state if they would be held after 2018?

Recommend 0

captain

Nov 22, 2014 10:04pm

I'm sorry PM, this is no longer in your control. Wether you like it or not, you will be out of office very soon...2018 is way too far! Signs of your downfall are all over the country!

Recommend 0

jameel

Nov 22, 2014 10:09pm

Just like you won in 2008 in punjab and did so amazing that you doubled your votes in 2013...now with all your hard work you will triple your votes in 2018...we salute your Mr Nawaz you are such a role model for all of us ;)

Recommend 0

Abdul Manan

Nov 22, 2014 10:10pm

best answer for all trouble maker

Recommend 0

Lucky Star

Nov 22, 2014 10:10pm

Agreed with NS's stance. IK should stop agitating against Pakistan and go to NA to do his part, because, you are no better than the messiahs of the past. Instead of making promises of plucking stars from the sky,help the people of KP witout accusing and begging for more money from the center.

Recommend 0

uzair aftab qureshi

Nov 22, 2014 10:31pm

The way nawaz sharif's popularity is decreasing day by day, I would not be surprised if elections would be held by May next year.

Recommend 0

Mustafa J.

Nov 22, 2014 10:35pm

I would have loved to see Nawaz Sharif go but Constitution and Laws are much more important than Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan or anyone in Pakistan. The people including government and armed forces of Pakistan must insure that constitution and laws of Pakistan prevail all the time.

Recommend 0

Zainul Abiden

Nov 22, 2014 10:37pm

The snooze is getting tighter around Nawaz Sharif neck. He will be out and punished for the crime against humanity in Pakistan.

Recommend 0

MSAlvi

Nov 22, 2014 10:55pm

Nawaz, we are still awaiting to see you say at least one thing sensible - just one thing. But, perhaps, you have to be reborn to do that.

Recommend 0

Patriotic

Nov 22, 2014 10:56pm

More in hope than expectation

Recommend 0

Usman Ahmad

Nov 22, 2014 11:26pm

What a corrupt man.I have never seen a thief like him any where else in the world.

Recommend 0

Sahil

Nov 22, 2014 11:26pm

NS and status quo dream, election will be in 2015 inshallah, as Pak economy is full sunk under this system

Recommend 0

Bania(USA) VS Mullah(KSA)

Nov 22, 2014 11:27pm

I think Imran Khan should take the help of India and topple the government, like Mujib did in Bangladesh, we Indians support Azadi(Mukti bahini) Imran Khan at least he wouldn't rise the Kashmir issue. I think Imran Khan should become ally of India. Welcome Imran Join India we both can do naya Pakistan and bring tabdili in Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Khanm

Nov 22, 2014 11:32pm

The respect of the constitution should be practice first and then preached. It seems like the the country is full of preachers with out any credibility.

Recommend 0

Lahore wala

Nov 22, 2014 11:46pm

That will give him enough time to wipe the treasury. The exchequer. All together now. Get your loans, your prime lands, your prime plots. Then sell, sell sell and abscond.

Recommend 0

Common man

Nov 22, 2014 11:52pm

Do your work in the best interest of Pakistan and deal with all terrorists equally.

Recommend 0

Common man

Nov 22, 2014 11:54pm

@ishtiaq nasim We Pakistani love his approach for development of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Salim A

Nov 22, 2014 11:55pm

As much as I dislike Nawaz Sharif, I agree with his position that elections should be held as scheduled in 2018. The only way IK can remove the Sharif govt. is to bring a no confidence vote to the floor. IK does not have the votes. He will have to respect the mandate from elections and wait his turn and try again. Every govt., no matter how bad should be allowed their five years. Street agitation helps anarchy, not democracy.

Recommend 0

Tamza

Nov 22, 2014 11:57pm

".... loyalty to the constitution is an imperative for us, and it is no more an issue of choice,” he said. WHICH constitution my dear sir? That which you can play with? Or the one that you will answer to and where it wont matter how many umrah's and hajj's you may have done. There is the LETTER of the law/ constitution, and there is the SPIRIT; you may have passed one, but badly failing the other.

Recommend 0

Parvez

Nov 23, 2014 12:00am

Well it looks like Uncle Sam has whispered in his ear.

Recommend 0

Common man

Nov 23, 2014 12:04am

@khurram Don't say anything wrong for PTI. It is such a great Democratic Party that Ik fail to find any person in his party to arrange his jalsa and ultimately took control of his jalsa by himself. Just imagine if you elect him as PM he will not find any capable and honest person for any ministry. He will hold all ministries with him. Since he is super hero he will run the country as a pure super honest democratic shanshah. Since there will be no minister so there will be no corruption. Since he is inspired from modi he will order modi to send some musher from his team free of cost. Consider the savings he could perform for SKH

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Nov 23, 2014 12:22am

Nawaz Sharif ! First clean your front & backyard if you wish to continue as PM. Remove ALL your relatives from Cabinet in Federal & Provincial Govt. Are you competent ? Why no appointment of independent Election Commissioner for more than a year. Why no competent person appointed in State Corporations for more than 18 months. You are taking loans from Chinese at very high interest rates ; Why ? All projects with foreign loans must be discussed & approved in Assembly. You are a failure in doing anything good for poor people.

Recommend 0

Sunny

Nov 23, 2014 12:24am

The same nation is now want your resignation. I know your reply by calling handful of supporters vs your 16 million votes. Dear Mr. PM can you gether even half of your voters to the capital, it sounds rediculous isn't it? Then how come you keep insulting us.

Recommend 0

excalibur

Nov 23, 2014 12:36am

A Parliament based upon a bogus mandate ha no legal or moral justification to govern even or a day By 2018 the country would have gone long back

Recommend 0

Shakil Khan

Nov 23, 2014 12:38am

are rigged elections part of constitution too? in any democracy elections can be held anytime! days are gone when you win by hook or crook and then stuck to power to ruin the country.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Nov 23, 2014 12:42am

Elections will happen before 2018 and every dollar will be accounted too. No escape to Saud ka Arabia this time.

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Nov 23, 2014 12:45am

@Liaquat Ali What "PTI's legitimate issue"??? Topple the democratically elected govt??? Give me a break!!!

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Nov 23, 2014 12:46am

@Salim Khan He is a legal PM, albeit, in PTI's views, only legal PM is IK, who InshaAllah will have to WAIT for 2018 -- if his anxiety is driven by his age factor, NS has nothing to do with that -- he needs to see a doctor for that!

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Nov 23, 2014 12:49am

@Faisal "Meet Imran khan in the container???" just to give more fodder to Container Khan for his daily comicals??? Has IK not said that he DOES NOT want to meet with PM -- as if its beneath His Bigness??? IK only wants his "middle class educated deputies" like Tareen, SMQ, Kasuri, Swati, to do the menial job of negotiating with govt.

Recommend 0

Real Truth

Nov 23, 2014 12:51am

@Sher Kha Nope, in IK's and perhaps your view, the cure for this mess is to CREATE MORE MESS!!! Well, forget it, Umpire is not going to show up, and hopefully, IK will soon accept this.

Recommend 0

ash_insafians

Nov 23, 2014 12:52am

Nawaz' loyality to constitution?? yes we can laugh.

Recommend 0

Salman Ahmed

Nov 23, 2014 01:01am

PMLn all the way. Keep up the good work. let haters hate for they are running scared cause of all the good work you are doing.

Recommend 0

Mustafa J.

Nov 23, 2014 01:06am

@M. Siddique: Who should interpret the constitution and laws of Pakistan and decide that new election should be held now? Is it me or you or Mr. Imran Khan or Mr. Nawaz Sharif? None of us. The only authority to decide this is the Supreme Court of Pakistan and so far no one has made a formal request to Supreme Court to order a new election. Should Pakistan abide by constitution and laws of Pakistan or yield to threats. slogans, demonstrations, protests, sit-ins, Dharnas, crowd of thousands of supporters of Mr. Imran Khan to make decision for 180 Million Pakistanis? Is Pakistan becoming a true Banana Republic?

Recommend 0

deendyal lulla

Nov 23, 2014 01:14am

Nawaz is the new Zardari.

Recommend 0

irfan

Nov 23, 2014 02:07am

Living in a fool's paradise.

Recommend 0

Qamar

Nov 23, 2014 02:51am

Constitution also guarantees free and fair elections. Why can't NS ensure compliance with that part of constitution?

Recommend 0

Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Nov 23, 2014 04:28am

Be transparent. Declare your total wealth and how you got it. Let the nation decide if you and Zardari have amassed wealth by lawful means!

Recommend 0

Hugh Slaman

Nov 23, 2014 05:29am

Where does the Contitution bar midterm elections from being held? They are in line with the Constitution! Why hasn't the Constitution been followed in the actual running of these elections? The elections were a bad joke, since not only was the Constitution not followed, all the evidence points to systematic and massive rigging. If this fake PM had any sense of self-respect, he would step down to allow electoral reforms and genuine elections.

Recommend 0

Lucky Star

Nov 23, 2014 06:11am

@Liaquat Ali What make you believe that; to me it is the IK who can ruin Pakistan because his nonsense foreign polices.

Recommend 0

sam

Nov 23, 2014 06:24am

@Pashtunyar BrOther This ain't musical chair that wait for your turn its war between right and wrong. If elections were rigged then impartial investigation should be undertaken and aggrieved party should granted with justice. Sooner or later fair elections shall be conducted and we all will wholeheartedly welcome the winner.

Recommend 0

basit

Nov 23, 2014 06:29am

@Shuaib Bhat I had a hysteria attack after reading your comment I don't know why.

Recommend 0

raza

Nov 23, 2014 07:20am

Not to worry US Ambassador has met IK yesterday and they must have hatched a plan for the future.

Recommend 0

malick

Nov 23, 2014 08:30am

My not dear PM what your constitution says about, rigged PM, rigged election, justice and lies. PTI is asking for justice, provide justice and be seated for your term. What your constitution says about model town shaheeds is it no justice. Honorable Hamid Khan your minister has resigned why yourself and your shehnaz should not resign. Does the constitution of state allowed rigging in election. Does Pakistan need a rigged PM.

Recommend 0

Rajab Ali

Nov 23, 2014 12:00pm

@ishtiaq nasim So true. NS has yet to learn the art of fooling people!

Recommend 0

Branded Content

K&N’s SmartCooking Recipes: Mortadella Bread Omelette

A hearty bread omelette filled with mortadella, chicken, vegetables and melted mozzarella for a satisfying savoury bite.

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.