ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government will not accept dictation or blackmailing of anyone to announce the next general elections.

Speaking on the floor of National Assembly on Thursday, he made it clear that the government will complete its constitutional tenure and the decision to announce next elections will be taken by the parliament. He said we came to power with two objectives, which include ensuring transparent and credible elections and revamping the economy.

He said we are striving hard to strengthen the economy to put the country on a path of development and progress. The Prime Minister said that the House should now decide whether we will have to put the country on a path of development through hard work or allow the armed gangs to make it hostage.

He said Imran Khan and his cronies had done nothing except promoting the culture of hurling abuse and intolerance. He said, on Wednesday, they put trees and public property in Islamabad on fire, which is very unfortunate.

Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the personnel of law enforcement agencies, including Islamabad Police, Rangers, FC, traffic police, district administration and other institutions for ensuring law and order in the federal capital and protecting lives and properties of the people. He announced a package for the martyred policeman in Lahore and other police officials, who got injured during PTI’s long march.

Condemning the life imprisonment to Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik by the Indian court, Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that the people of Pakistan will continue their support for the release of the Kashmiri leader and the freedom of Kashmir as per UN Resolutions.