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Swept by Tsunami: Sunni Tehreek contemplates joining PTI
Sunni Tehreek chief says decision to join PTI not yet final.
Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sarwat Ijaz Qadri says that his group is contemplating a move to join PTI.
MULTAN: Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, Chairman Sunni Tehreek (ST) said on Tuesday that his party was still contemplating joining the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and that the ST was yet to reach a consensus on the move.
“I cannot confirm as the executive council will decide but we will soon reach a positive decision and the nation will hear good news. We are pondering over all aspects for becoming the part of the movement lead by PTI,” he said.
Qadri was talking to the media in Multan after visiting Bahauddin Zakriyah’s shrine.
The ST chairman added that his party had also requested PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi to bless them with his generosity, leadership and guide the ST as part of an impending move to join the ‘tsunami’.
‘Sufism can save Pakistan’
Qadri said that only in Sufism lay Pakistan’s survival. He added that inter-faith harmony was imperative to save the nation from destruction.
He added that sectarianism, suicide attacks and bomb blasts were signs of extreme intolerance in society which could be cured through serenity, peace and love for all as taught by Islam.
“Extremism can only be controlled by propagating tolerance for every faith and religion in society according to Islam.”
Qadri said that funds collected from mausoleums and shrines of holy saints in the country were sufficient to run the country.
“The donations collected from these shrines are more than the demand of the budget of Pakistan. If these funds will be used properly and honestly, then they are sufficient to fulfill the needs of the people of Pakistan and if government cannot do it, then we can take up the challenge and prove ourselves.
He added that the democratic government should complete its tenure as it was in the interest of the country but the government should not take advantage of democracy and avoid actions which compel people to protest against them.
Talking about peace in Karachi, he said that criminals who had been arrested with evidence against them for being involved in target killings and other crimes, must be put behind bars.
“They should be given stern punishment, only then would peace prevail in Karachi,” he said, adding peace in Karachi was a victim of police and political reconciliation. While calling for Rangers to be allotted police powers in Karachi to maintain peace in Karachi, he said “I can only request the Supreme Court of Pakistan to announce punishment for all those criminals who were arrested for target killing, extortion, kidnapping and militancy in Karachi.”
Hamid Kazmi is innocent
Talking about Hamid Kazmi, Qadri said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had investigated Kazmi for two hours and found him to be innocent and not involved in any crime.
“He is innocent and should be freed after investigations,” adding that that if Moonis Elahi can be acquitted, then it was possible to free Kazmi too, who was never involved in any corruption and had been trapped and punished despite being innocent.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly mentioned Sunni Ittehad Council instead of Sunni Tehreek. The error has been rectified.
Reader Comments (63)
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An organisation with the “Sunni” in its name implies it is sectarian. If PTI is really a national party it should not have this bunch join-in. Sufism will not save the nation. And the nation is not worth saving, if it is not inclusive of Shias and other minoritiesRecommend
Religion and politics is the worst combination… pls stay awayRecommend
Tolerant? Like Mumtaz Qadri?
May be I am mixing names of organizations….but here is my second point: all these religion based political parties should be banned, just like BanglaDesh has banned Jamat-e-Islami.
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@ Dr Jamil Chaudhri:
Bravo!
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Well i don’t belive that the Write and Esp the Express Tribune Blog and web team are that much Un-informed that they don’t know the Difference between Sunni Tehreek & Sunni Ithead Council ,
Sarwat Ijaz Qadri is the President of Sunni Tehreek not Sunni Ithead Council ,& SIC is led by Haji Fazal Kareem
Sunni Tehreek is surely in SIC but as a party
Do the Correction Writer & Express Tribune Web Blog Team
PS : I am not a fan or Member of SIC , :) & i wrote a blog tribune team , u guys don’t want any piece on International Relations i think :)
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What about Sunni Tehreek?Recommend
Sufism and supporting Qadri an amazing approach only an moulvi can potray :)!
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Correct the Title write and express tribune
Its Not SIC chairman ,Sarwat ijaz is chairman of Sunni tehreek
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This is great if true.
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Recently, Shiite dominated party call as Wehdat-ul-Muslimeen has also announced the merger with PTI…so there is no sectarianism in that..its a national movement..and people from all different backgrounds are coming and joining PTI..Wake up PTI-haters!
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What about their support for Qadri? Hypocrites.
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PTI should not accept this bunch.
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LOL ~ Now supporters of Mumtaz Qadri will sit with Imran Khan. Shame!
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Tolerance and controlling extremism? What about Mumtaz Qadri?
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sunni tehreek is comprising of all notorious person of society in karachi and making karachi city traders life miserable by demanding exortion and other things
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@Asjad:
In truth a genuine Maulvi will not utter the nonsense that these sectarian charlatans, a la Qadri, habitually spew out to further their self interest and bamboozle publicum. This charleton smells Power and Fortune and he intends to grab the ‘bounty of God’ through this subterfuge (of joining a party which appears to be gaining traction).
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Well except for Mumtaz Qadri episode, Barelwis didn’t violate the law and are certainly more tolerant. But their politics is sectarian after all.
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bravo.that’s mean PTI’s chairman imran bhiya je going to give a place to persons who support salman taseers murder who take money from us and even cheat us whao , tahreek insaf?
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I think this can be a good move for both PTI and ST. ST has large following in Karachi and southern Punjab and in Sindh so it can boost the “tsunami” of imran khan further. PTI should take both Sunni Tehrik (ST) and Musharaf in its rank. Imran Khan is our NEXT PRIME MINISTER.
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@Balma:
Jamat e islami does not represent a particular sect you must first know about the ideology of JI and then make a comment here…
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PTI should steer clear of all parties who stand for a particular religion, or even a particular sect within a religion. We’ve had enough sectarianism in this country as is.
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You can not sideline anyone in Politics, You have to take everyone on-board and only than you can talk about one Pakistan. We all have reservations but we are all Pakistanis and if we don’t live together, understand each other and work together, than there would be no dialogues, no debates just killings like the LAL MASJID, BHUGTI and many others will be our fate.
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Can someone kindly clarify this, did the Sunni Ittehad Council support Mumtaz Qadri’s despicable actions? If they did, then they will ruin the PTI’s international credibility.
There support would be appreciated, but the PTI should take steps to absorb other minorities into their party and make it a truly nationalist party.
Religion doesn’t equal a nationality.
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Also, since people like these have destroyed our language and culture, we should write his name as Tharwat. Why not? When it is Allah-hafiz (instead of Khudahafiz), ahsan (instead of achhaa), ramdan (for ramzan), and thuma (for summaa aameen)…I propose we start mispronouncing these idiots names!Recommend
Right, a quick google search revealed that the STI supported Mumtaz Qadri.
I will be deeply disappointed if the PTI absorb this group. Politically, it makes sense to appease and gain the support of the Right Wing – but in the long term, the PTI will appear to have ‘approved’ of Taseer’s murderer.
And this is completely unacceptable on the basis of principle.
“In matters of style swim with the current, in matters of principle stand like a rock”.
Please do not abandon principles for political advantage.
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I am delighted because I don’t support imran
this lot will soon include all rif raf and a b grade team will be lead by captan but will never match A team of zardai and b team of Nawaz sharif
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How can I expect those to fix my country who are lost themselves? No, please stay away from politics.
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please don’t!
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another band joining and getting crowd for their concerts…;p :D
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@Kashif Iqbal:
“LOL ~ Now supporters of Mumtaz Qadri will sit with Imran Khan. Shame!”
They are already sitting with Imran Khan. PTI is a member of Pakistan Defence Council led by Hafiz Saeed.
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Imran Khan if somebody close to him is readying this seriously tell him not too let them in please :D
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Sunni Tehreek is a political organization founded in Pakistan in 1990 to promote the interests of Barelvi Muslims in conflicts against competing Deobandi and Wahhabi sect.
Sunni Tehreek arose as the primary opposition to the Deobandi Banuri Mosque, headed by Nizamuddin Shamzai. The Sunni Tehreek strongly opposed the giving of important religious posts to Deobandis. Its branch in Lahore publicly declared its opposition to the appointment of a Deobandi cleric as khateeb of Badshahi Mosque, and other similar appointments.
In April 2007 Sunni Tehreek workers opened gunfire on an Jamia Masjid Ahle Hadith Mosque in Tunisia. One worshipper was killed in the attack.
Good going PTI….
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@Dr Jamil Chaudri,
Imran Khan should allow everyone following him same as the great founding fathers of our nation, Hazrat Quaid-e-Azam Sahib did. Visit Nazria-e-Pakistan website and you’ll be surprised to find the names of the great Sufi scholars of the subcontinent as soldiers of Hazrat Quaid-e-Azam Sahib.
BTW, you cannot find a single non-sectarian person in Pakistan. Everyone is attached to a sect, group, organization or scholar.
PS: Let every Pakistani vote for PTI.
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I hope PTI would not support/endorse the likes of Mumtaz Qadri??Recommend
Sunni tehreek is part of Pakistani religious parties so if they will decide to join us then it will b a big boost for PTI . PTI has opened it’s doors for every one so other religious parties can also join it. it doesn’t means that after joining sunni tehreek PTI will b hijacked no not at all ,
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Imran Khan must stay away from likes of Sarwat Ejaz Qadri who openly advocates criminals like Malik Mumtaz Qadri…..These Mullahs have ruined our society and must be handled the way dangerous animals are dealt with in a zoo or circus. I wonder if Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was alive today…in Pakistan, he would have chased and played with leaders of SIC,ST,SSP and LeJ. Plus, Qadri and his associates are among those who have started a cold war and propaganda against Jawed Ahmed Ghamidi who in my opinion is the only sane scholar present in today’s Pakistan. These religious fanatics had earlier compelled Ghamidi to leave pakistan since his life was under threat by them. And if Imran Khan accepts friendship of Sarwat Ejaz Qadri then he would be in yet another quagmire since Ghamidi is a close friend of him too.
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@habib: are your saying that JI general secretary/office holders do consist of shia/barelwi!!
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If this happens, God forbid, I’ll withdraw my support from the PTI. Absolutely no alliance with any mullahs!
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I think these guys dont know that overall donations in Pakistan amount to 1%of GDP as careful estimates and 5%at best. Are they suggesting its enough to run the whole country? Do you folks know maths?
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Wow did he really say …” funds collected from mausoleums and shrines of holy saints in the country were sufficient to run the country.”
So much for their political acumen, they would be more baggage than asset.
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It is the same as Musharraf announcing his making an alliance with PTI which they have categorically refused. Now ST wants the same media hype by themselves trying to get in PTI.
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Plus bravo to ET for creating controversy by mentioning Sunni Ittehad instead of Sunni Tehreek.
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Imran has been against Armed wings of All Political Parties… for the same reason he despises MQM. Would the Sunni Tehrik give up their arms before joining PTI?
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I had similar concerns earlier. But, I heard IK’s view recently on the issue. As per his view, there are two ways to deal with these groups, isolate them and let things get worse; re-integrate them into the society at political / social / economic levels and not only we will contain them but also have the opportunity to change them. This is a bit painful but the safest approach in the long run. I agree with his perspective.
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“wahdatul muslimeen” a shiia party of karachi has just recently joined PTI. now its the turn of sunni tehreek of karachi to join pti. Imran khan is the only person who can bring both sunni & shia together. great news thumbs up.
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No alliance with sunni tehreek
they will create anarchy. I think pti will kindly refuse any alliance with them.
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@ummar:
It does not represent a particular sect … I believes in unity of ummah not in sects
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@ummar:
Yes indeed
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i am very happy today
Sunni tehreek is participating of Pakistani religious tehreek so if they will decide to join us then it will be a big boost for PTI . PTI has opened it’s doors for every one so other religious parties can also join it. it doesn’t means that after joining , i be holden sunni tehreek , not at all ,
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Politics + Religion = Disaster
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It is good for S.T. to join PTI. Bcoz PAKISTAN has different colours & cultures so ALL can be a part of tsunami as a PAKISTANI.
WE SHOULD WELCOME S.T. WARMLY.
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@Dr Jamil Chaudri:
If they join PTI, they are already surrendering “Sunni” or sectarian aspect. We should welcome it rather forcing them to maintain there separate sectarian identity
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@ihtisham
“wahdatul muslimeen” never joined PTI. Get your facts straight!
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it still say sunni ittehad under the pic
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one nation one country :
when every citizen get rid off from sectarian dress which he adorn one nation theory will rise high and high up to the sky:
May Allah Bless our nation to become one NATION a Tru Pakistani
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@Desert Sheikh:
Every INDIVUDUAL, irrespective of his creed, never mind denomination, should be welcomed by every POLITICAL party; but a religious party (avowedly founded to further the interests of a particular denomination) should not be permitted to join-in. This is tantamount to a merger: amerger of convenience. Mergers imply joint setting of agenda; and the Agenda of PTI coloured by this bunch would be the ruination of high potential PTI.
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During the period from after the First World War to the exit of the British, the genius of the Quaid was to bring a majority of Muslims to push for a Muslim Agenda, and this agenda was devoid of sectarianism, and this agenda was devoid of provincialism. The Quaid himself was a Gujarati, and was a Shia, but to this day he is honoured by the Baluch, the Kashmiris, the Pakhtoons, the Pubjabis, and the Sindhis; and that whether they are Shia or Sunni.
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But the situation is different today. Since deviousness gene has become dominant in the Pakistani population, and since the state is a victim of religious and military extremism, it would be better to keep political parties and religious groups separate. A good solution might well be to BAN the use of religious words in the names of Political Parties. PTI and PPP are already free of religious labels; Perhaps Muslim League could be persuaded to re-label itself as “Haqooq-i-Khalq” League, or some equally alluring, enticing, seducing, beguiling words.Recommend
It will be a big blow to PTI supporters, if ST joins…a lot of questions will be raised. IK needs to decide whom is trying to lead, moderates or fundamentalists.
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I say these religious parties have zero secular items in their agenda or they would have joined PPP in favourable times in past. Although now it’s getting clear that except PPP all these parties have one thing in common__ Military Favourites. If that’s true Khan Sahib will have his hands full of troubles for future true democracy in Pakistan where idealy all citizen should have equal rights to freely practice their beliefs. It’s time Tehrik-e-Insaf come forward and explain how it’s is going to accomplish that if it’s real goal is True Democracy in Pakistan.
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not a fan of PTI but seriously is anyone who is commenting here a muslim. If they give hate speeches you people who are supposedly educated have more hatred. Accusing someone only because their name implies ISLAM !!! how shameful is that. no doubt our worries never end as we are such god fearing nation.
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If these people join PTI, I’m gonna vote for Musharraf!! =/
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I dont think S.T would join PTI bcoz ST is structurally more organized and experienced party then PTI. ST has more workers than PTI.
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I am a big supporter of sunni ittihad council. I personally think imran khan will be more loyal to sahibzada haji fazle kareem sahib then nawaz sharif. I personally think its a excellent move and we should join them. Nawaz sharif has disrespected sahibzada sahib and sunni ittihad council in alot of ways.Recommend
i dont think this will ever happen, coz ST is much more larger party then PTI which is a seasonal party.
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