Islamabad, June 1: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said polls should be held on time as neither the government nor the opposition are in favour of any delay in the upcoming general election.
Abbasi made a farewell address during the 14th National Assembly’s final session just hours before the end of five-year term of the parliament at midnight tonight.
Not even a day’s delay will be acceptable, he said referring to the election due to be held on July 25.
He said free and fair elections were necessary for the survival of democracy in the country.
Abbasi also said the democracy should continue at all costs as there was no alternative to democracy.
The current problems faced by Pakistan can only be resolved through a government which comes through the will of the people, said Abbasi.
He said timely holding of elections is a constitutional requirement and “we would not allow even a day’s delay in the conduct of polls”.
He also proposed national dialogue to define the relationship among institutions and forge consensus on critical issues.
The prime minister said economy of the country has been revamped and a growth rate of about six per cent has been achieved. He claimed Pakistan has become an investment destination for foreign and local investors adding radical tax reforms have been introduced while the energy crisis has been overcome due to prudent policies of his government.
