"The movement is not aimed against the government but against the current system," says MQM Cheif.
KARACHI:
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Minhajul Quran International (MQI) on Tuesday kicked off what they dubbed ‘save the country movement’ and vowed that the January 14 “million-man march” would be decisive for the country’s future.
With the launch of the movement, the MQM – a key ally – seems to be distancing itself from the government and supporting a movement led by religious scholar Tahirul Qadri, which calls for a change in the governing system.
Welcoming MQI chief Qadri – who made this debut visit to the MQM headquarters Nine-Zero – at a rally organised by the MQM at the Jinnah Ground, party chief Altaf Hussain said in a telephonic address, “No power in the world can now stop a revolution which would help rid the country of its corrupt leaders.”
However, the MQM chief made it clear that the movement was not aimed against the government but against the current system.
“The Safar-e-Inquilab will end when it has reached its destination. I appeal to all political and religious parties to step forward and save the country, snatch it from the corrupt and give rights to the poor,” Hussain said requesting the army to support it.
Calling Qadri his elder brother, Hussain said, “The public march is not aimed to derail the process of democracy or to delay elections. We want to save Pakistan, ensure electoral reforms and strengthen it.”
He stated that if anyone from the government wanted to negotiate on the long march, they could but the final decision would be taken by Qadri himself. Draped in black robes, Qadri was given a grand reception, showered with rose petals, and welcomed to the stage amidst an applauding audience rising to its feet.
Addressing the people from a separate bullet-proof glass enclosure made on the stage, Qadri said, “We are at a crucial juncture in history. Islamabad will become the largest Tahrir Square in the world. However, the protest will be peaceful. Not a single [drop of] blood would be shed. Not a single tree branch would be broken. Hundreds of thousands will prove that they are united and not violent.”
Discussing the highlights of his party’s manifesto, Qadri said that they want an Islamic state which strictly follows the Constitution. “There should be genuine democracy and rule of law. The Constitution states that sovereignty should be exercised as a sacred trust and it should be followed [steadfastly].”
The MQI chief said that he had invited all the parties to start a movement, but it was only Hussain who supported his cause.
“Altaf Hussain’s ideology of supporting the lower class is the same as ours,” Qadri stated. He added that although he had never met Hussain or visited the MQM headquarters before, the MQM’s support for the march was “overwhelming”.
“My aim is not to become a caretaker prime minster. However, I am raising voice for a caretaker government which is unbiased, reformed and totally honest.”
He asserted that this new movement was against corruption and feudalism, and seeks to bring the middle and lower class people in Parliament. “The movement is also against religious extremism”.
Regarding the changes his movement seeks to bring about, Qadri stated, “Taxpayers should sit in assemblies, and those with fake degrees and non-payers should land in prisons.” He said if recruitments in the army could take place on merit, why other civil departments couldn’t function in the same way.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (12)
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@Mr. Honest:
{Is it not the truth?}
Thats why no one has been able to offer a point wise direct rebuttal without invoking conspiracy theories or casting aspersions on his real intentions. All criticism is unfortunately tangential. I am neutral and trying to be honest.
I believe any long march at this stage so close to the elections will derail the democratic process and create total chaos.
On the other hand I am dead sure the next elections will not bring any significant change w.r.t more tax payers, more middle class MNA's, lesser fuedals, lesser hereditary candidates, lesser corrupt ministers, more public oriented policies, lesser self serving SRO's, more transparency, lesser nepotism and so on and so forth.
Of course there will be incremental improvement (hopefully) in above listed parameters but nothing spectacular. Maybe if we had 50 years at our disposal.
We want best of both worlds. Fully Independent democracy and the benefits of a pro public / incorruptible dictator like Mahatir of Malaysia or Lee Kwuan of Singapore.
So what to do? I am utterly confused.
Change can only be made by public through electoral process. These rallies and long marches are useless and wastage of time. Pakistan needs immediate elections. Otherwise democratic system in Pakistan will become weak. Tahir ul Qadri and MQM are trying to disturb democratic system in the country. Let people decide to choose their new government in the upcoming elections.
Egypt was a dictatorship. Pakistan is a budding democracy. MQM has been in power forever since its inception and only its followers can be fooled by the latest antics.
If TUQ or MQM has to protest then protest against TTP and terrorism not democracy.
MQM was part of all constitutional amendments including that where procedure for selection of interim government was decided. MQM and Q League are doing wrong. Both are sitting in cabinets since 13 years. What have they done for electoral reforms in these 13 years. They are playing very bad role and it wmay derail democracy in the country.
If Tahir is talking about the merit then why he has not included the agenda of doing away the quota system from the Federal and Provincial jobs and quota system from the educational institutions on which grounds MQM came into existence?
If MQM has forgotten its basic agenda, it is time for Qadri to take up and remind to MQM to come on its original stance.
Survival of Pakistan lies in getting rid off corrupt PMLn and PPP
Hail Qadri
We make you PM of Caretaker and will prolong it for years.
Now stop the march.
@Ch. Allah Daad: I find it disturbing that this so called religious scholar can play the role of spoiler within a few months of the planned elections. Why can't the authorities tell Tahirul Qadri that the country can't afford his type of chaos or anarchy. If he feels that this is the best way to do things, let him try doing this in Canada where he has adopted citizenship. We all know that nations run on laws a constitution and a system. He has not learned anything by living in Canada and adopting Canadian citizenship but he somehow thinks he has the right to fly back to Pakistan and cause chaos. I feel sorry for the people of the nation who are being deceived by Tahirul Qadri.
Who does not agree what he or MQM says but their strategy would bring only chaos and instability. Change of government through free and fair elections is the only way to change the country. It's a long process and would take many elections. Once voters felt that they have power to filter out bad representatives, they would start voting with responsibility. I think both British and Canadian governments award their citizenships without testing knowledge about democratic process.