Will not opt for early elections, govt to complete term: PML-N's Abbasi

Published July 18, 2022
In this file photo, former prime minister and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi addresses a press conference on March 29, 2022 in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV
In this file photo, former prime minister and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi addresses a press conference on March 29, 2022 in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV

Former prime minister and senior PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday asserted that the current coalition government would complete its term and "remain in power till Aug 17, 2023."

He made these remarks in Samaa TV programme Nadeem Malik Live, a day after his party was outclassed by the PTI on 15 out of 20 seats in the by-elections in Punjab, thus triggering debate whether the government would be able to continue or opt for early elections.

Speaking in the show today, Abbasi dismissed the possibility of the country heading into early elections, saying the incumbent government was "10 times better" than the PTI on all fronts.

He said the government took difficult decisions to save the economy.

"Imran's policies destroyed our budgetary policies and we will have to keep paying its price," he told the interviewer.

He said the "havoc caused by Imran" was not ordinary.

The ex-PM said there were several reasons for the surging dollar rate and the tumbling stock market.

"The dollar is gaining strength against all currencies worldwide, while the stocks swing owing to internal political situation in the country," he added.

Abbasi admitted that political instability was a major factor in dwindling economy.

The PTI emerged victorious against the PML-N in the by-elections on Sunday by winning at least 15 of the 20 seats that got vacated after the disqualification of PTI members who had voted for Hamza Shehbaz for Punjab chief minister’s office.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.