Abbasi made this remark while talking to the media just a few hours before the ECP announced its verdict on the Toshakhana reference filed against Imran. "Competition in politics should be on the ground," he told the media.
Later, during an appearance on a talk show hosted by journalist Shahzeb Khanzada, he said that he was 'not happy' with the decision to disqualify Imran Khan. He explained that it is inappropriate to feel happy about the concealment of lies and corruption by someone who was then prime minister .
"One thing has been brought to light however, the person who used to accuse others of corruption has been declared corrupt himself, and that too in a unanimous decision by the Election Commission," he said.
He also lamented that the Supreme Court assumed the role of a trial court for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif during the Panama Case, and disqualified him for life. "The real test is for the Supreme Court," he said.