Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that an extension in the incumbent government’s tenure would set a “bad precedent” for the future of democracy.

“It is essential for us to go for election on time. If you [the government] say there is an emergency, it will mean you are confessing that you could not do anything in the last 15 months,” he said at Asma Shirazi’s show Faisla Aap Ka on Aaj News.

For him, the interim government’s tenure would continue its term if elections were delayed in the country. “Interim set up continues till an elected prime minister takes the oath. This set up does not require an extension.”

While referring to the May 9 riots, Abbasi said that the perpetrators of such acts should be prosecuted under the Constitution and the law. But he said that this should not be used as an excuse to delay elections.

The next agreement with International Monetary Fund would be “stricter” than the current deal. “Whoever gets elected in the upcoming election, will need to quickly act to secure a better deal with the IMF.”

He called for a grand dialogue that would include all political parties, judiciary, and the establishment.

“The IMF and other lending institutions urge that we should get our house in order because the progress on these agreements is not possible unless all political stakeholders are on the same page,” Abbasi said.

The PML-N leader said that coalition partners engage in talks on a routine, however, he stressed the need for making a broader consensus on political and economic issues.

He expected Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan before the elections. While referring to initiating grand dialogue, Abbasi said that Sharif’s presence in the country would have more impact on the political development initiated by the party after his approval.

He also denied having any disagreement with the party leadership. “In politics, there are no disagreements. You express your views.”