Tahirul Qadri decides against contesting 2018 polls

His two sons not to partake in coming elections also, leaving PAT confused

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri, known for his anti-PML-N government demonstrations, has decided not to contest the 2018 general elections. His two sons will also not take part in the democratic exercise.

While all political parties of the country are busy preparing for the elections, scheduled for July 25, and awarding tickets to the candidates, Qadri, the firebrand cleric who staged many protest rallies and sit-ins over the Model Town incident and to topple the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, has decided against going into the election mode.

His PAT party could not yet decide whether it would contest the elections or not.

Despite several ongoing references against his political opponent deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in the accountability court, Qadri maintains that free and fair elections cannot be held without accountability and reforms.



Tahirul Qadri, who is also a Candaian national, has contested one election in the past despite possessing dual nationalities.

Meanwhile, confused about taking part in the election, 200 PAT candidates have obtained nomination forms as independent candidates for the national and provincial seats across the country.

According to the Awami Tehreek leaders, tickets will be issued once the party’s general council decides to take part in the elections. A senior PAT leader told Express News that the party would make final decision regarding partaking the poll after Eid. However, it is confirmed that the party would not boycott the elections, he added.

“Like-minded parties sharing same visions will be supported in case the party does not nominate its candidates for the elections.”