“I am not refusing elections, my only dispute is regarding the dates,” he said in an interview with Hamid Mir on his show Capital Talk on Geo News. “Which political force is scared of elections? My only contention is that it’s too soon. The situation is not right — funds from friends and loan from the IMF are due, for which [the money lender’s] conditions are to be met.”

His comments came as the standoff between the government and judiciary continues over the election to the Punjab Assembly. The Supreme Court has fixed May 14 as the date for snap polls in the province.

On Friday, the apex court directed the State Bank of Pakistan to provide Rs21 billion worth of funds for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

When asked about concerns that the ruling coalition would delay elections beyond October, he said it was a “foolish thought”.

“Elections should be held as early as possible but on the same day and with an even playing field for all parties. For this purpose, all political parties should sit together and develop a consensus on a single date for the elections. Because you are unaware of the nefarious designs of our enemies.”