Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday underlined the need to introduce constitutional reforms in the parliament to protect the sanctity of vote and strengthen the democracy in the country.

“It was our national agenda and all political stakeholders should join the government in this cause,” he said while talking to a private news channel.

He supported the idea of inter-institution dialogue, being suggested by Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, to empower the democratic system. Iqbal, however, said his party did not need political support of PPP in the current political scenario, as "the people of Pakistan have shown trust in the PML-N leadership".

The PML-N's government had given up to the mark performance in four years, he said. Economic revival, foreign investment under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, controlling power shortage and maintaining law and order across the country were amongst the top achievements of the incumbent government, he claimed.

He said Pakistan was moving forward on the path of development and prosperity and every year of the current government's performance was better than the previous one.

Iqbal said that PTI had faced repeated defeats from his party in local bodies and other elections. "After realising that they were unable to defeat the PML-N in politics, the PTI initiated an organised campaign against the government," he alleged.

The PTI attempted to create misunderstanding between the government and the state institutions, the interior minister remarked.

The recent political crisis has caused huge loss to stock exchange of the country, he said, adding that PTI Chief Imran Khan and Sheikh Rashid were responsible for this.

Ahsan Iqbal said though his party leadership complied with the court orders in Panama Papers case, however, questions have been raised about the decision by the people of the country and international media as well.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he said, had led the movement for restoration of judiciary and his party had rendered sacrifices. The minister said the country was facing internal and external threats as anti-Pakistan elements want to destabilise the country.

We had to close every door that could lead to confrontation, he added.

He expressed trust in the Supreme Court and said the PML-N had filed an appeal to constitute a larger bench. Former premier Nawaz Sharif had presented himself for accountability before the apex court despite having the right of immunity, he said.

Ahsan Iqbal said there could be an international agenda behind disqualification of Nawaz Sharif to sabotage the CPEC project. He said the current political crisis could benefit Imran Khan but not the country. Pakistan needs internal stability, he maintained.

Talking about the performance of his ministry, the minister said he would continue the good performance of interior ministry that was made during the period of Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan.

The implementation of National Action Plan (NAP), he said, would continue to control terrorism and extremism. "The coordination among the provinces in this regard would be enhanced."