ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary Information Ahsan Iqbal Friday urged the government to announce date of next general elections at earliest as, according to him, it is imperative to counter various conspiracies being hatched in the country.

Addressing a press conference, Ahsan Iqbal criticised Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran chief Dr Tahirul Qadri for trying to sabotage the election process by demanding reforms in the constitutional system of the country.

Flanked by former Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Rabia Zia and former ambassador BA Malik, he said Dr Qadri has spent over a billion rupees in an advertisement campaign to hold the Lahore rally on Dec 23.

Apparently referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, Iqbal said, “Two leaders of foreign nationality have joined hands for so called reforms….but both cannot even become members of the Parliament.”

The PML-N leader said Dr Qadri should participate in elections. “People of the country clearly understand purpose of reform demands at a time when the elections are around.”

He said country needs clear mandate and a “hung parliament” will not serve the purpose.

Iqbal said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif will unveil party’s manifesto in a convention due to held on Jan 5 in which a clear roadmap for ending loadshedding and revival of economy would be presented before the countrymen.

He welcomed the statement of Chief Election Commissioner for ensuring free fair and transparent elections.

Former ambassador BA Malik, on the occasion, announced to join the PML-N and parting his 40 years association with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

He criticised the speeches of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivered on Dec 27 in Larkana. The nation should have been told about the government’s performance during the last five years, he said.

Both the leaders should have presented roadmap for ending loadshedding and improving law and order situation, Malik added.