Tahirul Qadri talks with media representatives after submitting a petition in the Supreme Court in Islamabad on February 7, 2013. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
“I respect the Supreme Court's decision but if I travel with a Pakistani passport then I will have to wait for months to get any visa,” Qadri told the media while referring to the apex court's objection over his dual nationality.
He further said, “Dual nationality doesn’t stop one from casting a vote.” He also complained that the Supreme Court did not allow him to present arguments on his right to file a petition.
He said, “There is a difference between ‘elector and elected’. The constitution allows dual nationals to vote, hence, I can cast my vote. It bans people with dual nationality from contesting elections.”
Later during the day, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif blamed President Asif Ali Zardari of supporting Qadri. He said, “The attorney general’s support for Qadri is a clear indication of Zardari’s support."
The attorney general had advised the bench to focus on the petition instead of Qadri's character during the February 13 hearing.
During that hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry dismissed Qadri's petition stating that he had failed to make a case for exercising discretionary jurisdiction by the court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.
Qadri later complained that the court did not allow him to speak on his petition and instead continued to grill him on his dual nationality.
Qadri had filed the petition seeking dissolution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on February 7. He claimed that mandatory hearing was not held before the chief election commissioner and other members of the ECP were appointed.
COMMENTS (71)
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Tahir-ul-Qadri is fooling and deceiving the nation because when he is not ready to quit Canadian nationality then how can he be sincere,honest and loyal for/with Pakistan?Unless he quits Canadian nationality his loyalty with Pakistan shall be suspecious.....
Its funny to comments about the nationality of Mr. Qadri, Mr. Qadri is son of Pakistan soil and if has any good vision which provide us healthy Pakistan to modify our EC rules. In my pinion no harm to do it.
When we follow the compel rules and regulations of others why not our mine.
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri - Press conference ( Supreme Court's Judgment ) - 14-Feb-2013
@Inderjit Sahota:
Trusted for what? Pakistan constitution trusts him or any other dual national to still be considered a Pakistan citizen, why won’t you or the Chaudhary court?
@Munna:
"Really? You cant even give up a canadian passport for Paksitan? Sharam se doob maro :)"\
Actually he doesn't are about Canada or Canadian citizenship. He just doesn't want to lose the free welfare benefits that the Canadian taxpayers are giving him. You can't blame him for that.
We already have so much fuss going on in Pakistan and we didn't want Qadri now, he should be back to Canada the place he is the citizen of..
@Umer:
It does not alter the fact he has sworn oath of allegiance to british queen. How can he be trusted. This man is a carpet bagger. Tomorrow he might be an Indian.
//“If I travel with a Pakistani passport then I will have to wait for months to get any visa,” Qadri told the media while referring to the apex court’s objection over his dual nationality.// OMG!!!! He actually said this??? Lala Gee... Where is @Lala Gee??? Surely he can dredge up something which shows Indian passport is as bad >grin<
No Pakistani will opt or apply for nationality of any country other than Pakistan if he gets uninterrupted supply of electricity, gas, water, free education and medical facilities for children up to sixteen (and up to Ninteen if they are in full time education) and 60-plus senior citizens, providing homes, state pension for all 60-plus persons, allowances and all benefits for jobless and job seeking persons and on top of this security of life is guaranteed by the government. Men (and women) get life only once whether you spend it tension-free peacefully or in neck-deep problems where a person leaves home for work in the morning there is no certainty of his returning home in the evening. If the government provides all these facilities and basic amenities to the citizens of Pakistan, I am sure more than sixty percent Pakistanis with dual nationality will renounce it and return to their motherland.
he is froad i m talking about Qadry sahab because first he was in favour of supereeme court and now he is against supereeme court
TUQ's efforts did bring some changes... Election commission's recent proposals are evident on the fact.... As far as his petition is concerned, CJ should have listened to the substance of the matter instead of ridiculing him.... TUQ indeed went against the winds and kept his movemnt peaceful, which we all know is not humanly possible, keeping in view our political history. i believe if you are criticizing TUQ, you must also appreciate all the plus points of his movement.... i dont think, it ends here...... few episodes are yet to be seen.... Let us not jump to the conclusion.... one last thing, the way TUQ was ridiculed by the media, institutions and political parties , I think Qadri has good intentions........ i never observed unanimity in all these three entities in the past... This guy is upto something and i hope that its good for Paksitaan. There is something very very fishy in the coming elections.....
" ... Finally he said that Canadian nationality is better than Pakistani ... "
Even the greatest champions of Islam find it difficult to give up travelling documents issued by Kuffar Nizams.
@Munna: sour grapes buddy. it easier to say for you. I assume you only have a green passport.
@Singh: "Pakistani Passport on National & International media, And no body taking him to court for that matter of fact. Most nation will not allow its citizen to shame their national symbol." That's simply untrue. I could desecrate an American flag on the steps of a government building that has a police station across the street from it. I might find myself on the receiving end of hostility from some people but I wouldn't end up in a courtroom for it. It falls under freedom of expression.
Wise decision! I would have done the same.
".....but if I travel with a Pakistani passport then I will have to wait for months to get any visa,” Qadri told the media ...."
Not to mention full body searches at the immigration and insulting glance/fear-for-life of the fellow non-pakistani passport holders at the airport!
Go Qadri Go, Ab khatm hua tera show, Container me tu ja so, Tu Canada ja k ab ro, Go Qadri Go!!!
What Qadri said is also correct. The Green Passport is one of the most hated and dreaded document in the world. Even Muslim Countries dislike and mistreat us. We need to see the ground realities rather than pour scorn in every word someone says. Even Imran Khan`s children study and live in UK rather than here in Pakistan.
Am not a supporter of Qadri, but there are some good things in it as well. For example, his fatwa against suicide bombing and so on.
Another pawn of behind-the-curtain establishment is dead before it could inflict harm to the political system of Pakistan.
Media should avoid giving importance to shaky character people like TUQ.
@qzj00: In fact white Canadians are outraged at this guy who says he became a Canadian citizen to use or rather abuse health benefits and a passport - not because he wants to work as part of Canadian society. Tahirul Qadri is supoosed to be on state khayrat since he has no job and pays no taxes in Canada. He prefers to live on the tax dollars of working Canadian citizens - this is the real reason he swore allegiance to the Queen and became a Canadian citizen. No one cares if he wants to shame himself in Canada like many other migrants but why does anyone in Pakistan give any importance to a man with such a character?
How long he keeps his Canadian passport may not be up to him! Canada may strip Qadri of his citizenship because of his obvious bogus claim for asylum in Canada (being on the run from persecution in Pakistan)!!!
FAKE MAN.............??????
@Careless Whispers:
Giving up Canadian PP also means losing social security benefits….. clever :)
The guy spent millions on the long-march; I don't think he cares about a few hundered dollars -a-month of benefits (if these even exist for him). However, since he himself has said that the Canadian Citizenship (and the Passport) is ONLY for reasons of convenience, I suspect the Candian Government will not look at it very kindly! Dhobi ka Kutta, Ghar Ka Na Ghaat Ka.
@Tony Singh: Either make me a PM of Pakistan or I move back to Canada
This is how a great Islamic Nuclear Strategic nation should be. They have had so many "suitcase Prime Ministers" earlier too - why not another one ?
If United States and Canada were to open free visas and asylum to Pakistanis, this great nation will depopulate within a month. What will happen to US and Canada later on; that will be another story; for another time :)
A. The matter can simply be resolved by someone other than Mr. TUQ himself bringing the petition to the court. Someone without a dual nationality.
B. We should amend the constitution to ensure dual nationals have limited role in Pakistan. Any person, who has taken an oath to uphold the constitution and laws and benefits of another country, over and above that of Pakistan, should have his rights limited in Pakistan, if not completely revoked.
Those who truly love Pakistan must live and fight in Pakistan. However, if for any personal or other reasons one wishes to live abroad, you are more than welcome to do so. If you still love Pakistan, as claimed by many dual nationals, nothing will hold you back from investing your time or money in Pakistan to improve the lot of the nation.
Ad hominem, supreme level. I am no fan of TUQ however, he blasted the whole myth of supreme reasoning by top jurists yesterday. Even,people with Hub e Ali or Buz e Maavyia must acknowledge TUQ reasoning. After all courts only acknowledges the reason.
@Basit: very true.IT should start from the top but look at the present scenario including Tahir ul qadri,Altaf Hussian on the political side and Haaqani on diplomatic side.do we need such people as leader or ambassador. are there no other Pakistani capable of such talent to represent us holding green passport.the fault lies with us ,we follow,promote and vote them to power.Believe me the same scenario is going to be repeated again fair or unfair election is beside the point. Honestly Punjab being bigger province must take the lead and discard heir achy politic once for all.
@Khan of Cape Town: There is no doubt about his claims, we do face problems, but, in any case, it doesn't mean that we get rid of this green document which is our national identity.
Hi Friend I am not Pakistani but well wisher of Pakistani populace. It is disgrace that one person degrading you National symbol i.e. Pakistani Passport on National & International media, And no body taking him to court for that matter of fact. Most nation will not allow its citizen to shame their national symbol. No matter what he say or his cause is but spewing venom & utter non sense about National Passport is sheer ugliness & bankruptcy of thinking. Just think A person don't want to loose his visa free travel then how he can sacrifice his life for nation. Beware of these kind leader who are ready to send others for battle from their secure container. Think rational not with emotion. ET.........
Qadri's monkeys are quite funny to read.
lol
Hello the balloon is burst. What a shame. There goes the claim of his love for Pakistan. Ankhe kholo vultures are all around.
this guy was born in pakistan,brought up,educated,lived and worked in pakistan almost all but 6 years of his life,dosn't all these things make him a pakistani?pakistan's constitution allows its citizens to take duel nationality.almost all pakistani's living abroad take foreign nationalities just for convenience,it makes it easier to live or travel around.overseas pakistani's are as patriot and faithful as any one can be.taking a oath of allegiance is mere a formality to get the passport.why make big fuss about taking a foreign nationality? ours every thing is foreign!democracy,police systems,parliament,this very judiciary is 110 percent based on uk system,military training and set up,formal language is english,our formal or business dress is foreign,list goes on and on.
"Either make me a PM of Pakistan or I move back to Canada"
Ohoooo....hadd ho gyi hai Yaarrrrr………
When the “Constitution of Pakistan”, which is Much More Supreme than the “Supreme Court” and “CJ” itself, allows anyone to have dual nationality then who are we (rather I should say “WHO THE HELL ARE WE”) to ask any dual national to quit other nationality to prove his loyalty with Pakistan. When the “Wisdom” of “Supreme Constitution” doesn’t say that dual nationality divides the loyalty of one to ones’s country then who are we, the honourable SC or CJ to ask a dual national that due to your dual nationality it seems that your loyalty has been divided or you seem more loyal to one country and not to another…..what this CJ is considering him self above the “Supreme Constitution” and making joke of it…..
“SUPREME CONSTITUTION” is always much more Supreme than “Supreme Court” and “Chief Justice” or anyone else……
If TUQ gives how will reform the Canadian society after setting our society and pillars of government in the right directions… Man on a mission…
Don’t get serious I am just joking!
well.. TUQ if you get cought in UK/CANADA or any other country for any Drama act.. you will be represented as Pakistani from your Dear Queen Elizabeth. Canada will not accept you as dearest Canadian Citizen but a Poor Pakistan and you are shamed for Being a Pakistani. Why dont you bring people from Canada to give Dharna, instead using innocent people of Pakistan. Pack you bags and get lost.
His excellency LORD Nazir of British Parliament visits Pakistan regulary, takes part in discussions on tv, gets VIP treatment especially when visiting Riawind. Comments requested from some above who are critizing Dr. Qadri.
I disagree with Tahirul Qadri sahib on almost everything he stands for but it is shame to see him being ridiculed by the SC. Justice might have done with his “motive” but obviously not with his appeal. If it’s not illegal to have dual citizenship, SC has no right to malign him for that. Pakistani society will keep on suffering from same chaos and uncertainty till the establishment, politician and Mullas are not forced to stay in their domain and will be equally punished for any transgression.
"Do as I say, Don't do as I do". Great principled man.
Thre is no evidence that anyone with dual natoonality has done any harm to Pakistan All terrorists, separatist ,law breakers, marshal law administrators dictators and enemy agents have been Pakistani passport holders
Wasn't he ready to die for Pakistan? Which is what he said before launching his container march? Lets solve his problems once and for all and rescind his pakistani nationality.
No wonder it was a tough decision for Qadri "not giving up his Canadian Citizenship", but on the other hand he was quite eligible for the task he was filing a petition. everyone knows there are cracks in the system and how a large number of people play with it. whatsoever, the buzz qadri got was not due to his personality but for the things he was talking.
“I respect the Supreme Court’s decision but if I travel with a Pakistani passport then I will have to wait for months to get any visa,” Dr.Qadri
If a green passport is a hurdle and a Canadian passport a blessing for getting you visas of other countries then with due respect Sir, I think you don’t even deserve to call yourself a true Pakistani. Rather than keeping multiple of those things we Pakistanis need to work hard to make the “Green” passport worthy of equal respect as of any other passport of the world.
“I respect the Supreme Court’s decision but if I travel with a Pakistani passport then I will have to wait for months to get any visa,” Qadri told the media while referring to the apex court’s objection over his dual nationality...........................and this man wants to change the fate of his mother country......simply astounding !
Well the mask is off now.
he is canadian not a pakistani so left him as he is more liar than any other pollitician at this level of pollitics.
My sincere advise to TUQ: Please book your ticket and go back to Canada.
Ufff Quadri - just disappear/ disintegrate/ disembark ... be off with you now .
Wait & see.
I dont trust qadri, but he should have been given an opportunity to present his case.
@Saleem Unfortunately his chosen land doesnt need its institutions rocked. They work perfectly. It's land of the pure that needs its institutions rocked. But I know everything is perfect here just like Canada, and Pakistan needs no savior, especially a born and bred Canadian like TUQ. Our institutions are perfect. Whose he to tell us what to do, I'll save you a response and write it for you.
Qadris statement is 100% constituonal.
Qadri is nothing but a two faced snake!
He played with emotions of simple and ordinary people of Pakistan by exploiting his religious credentials and through emotional speeches..........but he will never give up canadian citizenship by falling prey to emotions.
What a shame! a person who claims to bring a change in pakistan is too embarrassed of being a pakistani himself. What change would you bring when you are already enslaved!
@Saleem: Finally he said that Canadian nationality is better than Pakistani
And we all know that he is absolutely correct.
The question is why is the PTI not taking up the issue of CEC composition with the courts? They did unequivocally support TUQ's stand and stated that they are not happy with the members of the CEC. Are they scared of being snubbed and losing support.
Jurrat o Bahadri - Tahir ul Qadri
You will win against all these yellow journalism, political and judicial system.
all famous persoanlities from pakistan travel to whole world without any problem.actually qadri is mentally ill.he claims that he has been sent on earth for special purpose.upon his birth there was a shining star on sky and her mother got BASHARAT for his birth.
Really? You cant even give up a canadian passport for Paksitan? Sharam se doob maro :)
Please Go back to Canada and also take those Politicians with you who fool people in the name of Islam, Including Molana Diesel....
Qadri is right. Pakistani passport is a curse and a shame for travellers, and he does not want to be identified as a pakistani. He is better off as a candian. Besides, in pakistan, at the drop of a hat, peoples passports are revoked and they are put debarred from leaving the country.Qadri's freedom cannot be taken away.
I think our self appointed Shaykh-ul-Islam/Professor/Doctor/LegalExpert now ought to return to his residence in Toronto and do his good deeds there instead of inflicting them on us.
Finally he said that Canadian nationality is better than Pakistani .... then what was all the fuss that he was Pakistani first? He needs to go back to his chosen land and dare to rock institutions over there rather than ripping apart Pakistani institutions.
I noticed that Imran Khan, Edhi sahib, many journalists traveled around the world with Pakistani passports. They never complained about the visa issues. Mr. Qadri is fooling no one but himself.
Giving up Canadian PP also means losing social security benefits..... clever :)
Canadian nationality is not the issue. Qadri is a Pakistani citizen under the constitution which the SC is refusing to accept. I suspect SC is aware there are irregularities in formation of election commission and therefore does not want to take the case.
Now no question remains about where his unwavering loyalty resides.