Tahirul Qadri in a meeting with PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and deputy prime minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. PHOTO: COURTESY MQI
LAHORE: After being exhorted for days, and a long march looming, the government finally sent its emissaries to hold talks with Mihajul Qural International chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in Lahore on Friday, Express News reported.
Deputy prime minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain met with Qadri at his Lahore residence.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Shujaat said that after being empowered by parties part of the ruling coalition, they had started the process of negotiation. “We have met with them, and these negotiations will continue, and hopefully some positive outcome will come of this.”
Asked about whether the talks would help offset the January 14 march, Shujaat said that it was not the focus of their talks.
At this Qadri made it clear that their march will go ahead as planned. “Do not derive any meaning that their visit would have any affect on the January 14 march. Forget about cancelling the march, it will not even be postponed.”
Deputy prime minister Pervez Elahi said that “long marches have happened before, the point is to find an amicable solution and we hope to work towards that.” He added that they have started negotiations and the process will continue.
Qadri summed it up that even with the long march, the solution to his demands would have been found through negotiations, and this is the beginning of that process. The MQI chief added that he will unveil his charter of demands on Saturday.
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@grain of truth: good point but i guess ur still a bit of short of facts. he is saying there is no point taking part in elections if 80% of election commission made of political parties. And yes it is true that 4 out of 5 election commission votes appointed by provincial govts (in other words ruling parties). There is no country with this system, in UK election commission has nothing to with politics. they civil servants. On other hand in Bangladesh election is also made up of non-political parties.
I guess if you pakistanis didn't understand this for last 60 years, you are probably not going to understand it now either. so good luck, keep on living in ur sht hoe. it might be comfy for u but one day it will bite you.
Go for it march. He is a show man nothing more and nothing less. If he wanted to change Pakistan why not participate in the elections and share his platform with like minded people. All he wants his attention
why is the govt negotiating with this unelected fellow who suddenly appeared out of nowhere some weeks back ?!!! What a country.
That's Politics Mr. Qadri!
The people in Pakistani politics are far better 'politicians' that TuQ!
'Asked about whether the talks would help offset the January 14 march, Shujaat said that it was not the focus of their talks.'
This is of course the best political tactic which they could use. TuQ is having no idea that how these people would simply outplay him with their soft power and it would be difficult to encounter for an ever-infant political player, TuQ!
Won't be surprised if this drama march gets wrapped up before the 14th.
"At this Qadri made it clear that their march will go ahead as planned. “Do not derive any meaning that their visit would have any affect on the January 14 march. Forget about cancelling the march, it will not even be postponed.” Haven't we heard it all before?
Just another stunt under the geopolitical game.
It is meant to give us a sense of accomplishment and hope, that after the elections, a 'change' will come about.
Feed us drama. We love drama.