‘Save the state, not politics’: Qadri returns, in style
Influential religious scholar Tahirul Qadri set a three-week deadline on Sunday for the Pakistan Peoples Party-led coalition government to introduce election reforms or else face a “million-man march” on January 14.
“Elections without reforms will be meaningless and people will reject results if they are held under the existing system,” Tahirul Qadri, who heads the broad-based Islamic organisation Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI), told his much-publicised “Save the State, not Politics” rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
“I give the government a deadline of three weeks to establish an honest and independent body that will introduce electoral reforms and pave the way for free and fair elections,” said Qadri, who returned to the country after a five-year stay in Britain. “If that does not happen by January 10, millions of people will march on Islamabad on January 14 to protest the total collapse of system,” he added.
Qadri said if constitutional requirements were not fulfilled and all stakeholders, not just the two powerful parties (Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), were not taken on board on a new interim set-up, he would reject the elections and would not let the lawmakers elected through “unconstitutional elections” sit in Parliament.
Although Qadri did not spell out his own election agenda, he promised to give a tough time to the government before the elections, insisting that his struggle involved “improvement and not end” of politics and elections in the country.
During his two-and-a-half hour speech, the MQI chief lamented “rampant violation of the Constitution”, saying that Articles 3, 9, 37, 38, 38 (D), 38 (E), 218(3) — all election-related laws – were being violated with impunity.
“I ask the Supreme Court, armed forces and the chief election commissioner (CEC) whether these constitutional provisions are being honoured and, if not, how would the upcoming elections be fair and constitutional?” Criticising the Election Commission of Pakistan, Qadri also raised serious doubts over the impartiality of the body, claiming that the CEC had no staff to ensure free and fair elections. “The CEC is just like a surgeon with no instrument in the operation theatre,” he added.
Ensuring his support to the country’s judiciary, he said Pakistanis wanted to see the implementation of the apex court’s rulings which were being flouted. He appreciated the fact the country’s top court had started to maintain accountability of the Balochistan and Sindh governments with respect to the worsening law and order.
He lamented the current scenario where, according to him, the government refuses to pay heed to the common man, who, in turn, was bartering his respect, conscience, vote and belief for food.
Qadri said “dirty politics” and frequent military interference have put the very state of Pakistan at risk. In his view, rule of law and transparent elections were necessary to thwart another dictatorship. “For the progress of any country, political and electoral systems must be changed.”
If voted to power, Qadri pledged, he would ensure provision of food, shelter, cloths, free and equal education, healthcare facilities, equal employment opportunities for all and speedy justice.
He urged the government to ensure equal distribution of agricultural land among the poor, elimination of terrorism, elimination of drone attacks, equal protection of Muslims and non-Muslims and a debt-free country.
Qadri termed Pakistan an “exporter of terrorism” and said the country has been made vulnerable due to the menace. He alleged that the government has failed to maintain peace in Karachi, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan has become a “laughing stock” the world over.
A 50-strong delegation of the Muttahida Quami Movement, under the leadership of its Coordination Committee’s deputy convener Farooq Sattar, also attended the rally to express solidarity with Qadri.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2012.
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@qzj00:
Watch this one as well. This will make you understand about how propaganda are done. And Najam Sethi admits it in his show and he apologies.
http://www.nizambadlo.com/english/tid/19858/Aapas-ki-baat-on-Geo-news-%E2%80%93-Tahir-ul-Qadri-%E2%80%93-26th-December-2012.html
Watch this please, I will get back to you with the second link tomorrow insha'Allah (PART 1)
http://www.nizambadlo.com/english/tid/19411/Waqt-News-Clarification-on-propaganda-Two-Faces-on-blasphemy-Law.html
In Bolta Pakistan program of Aaj TV, when I heard Mushtaq Minhas telling the audience that how Dr. Tahir was given an assignment by the ISI to blackmail Sheikh Rashid I called some friends and got that story confirmed. Yes, Sheikh Rasheed had a mistress in Bhara Kahu area of Islamabad, and Sheikh Rasheed was compromised by Musharraf by using Tahir ul Qadri. Tahir ul Qadri staged a big media stunt by putting his hand on the Shiekh’s mistress and promising her to get her the justice. Sheikh Rasheed joined the Musharraf, and well that lady was nowhere to be seen till this date. Najam Sethi and Muneeb also ran a youtube video of Dr. Tahir in which he has been caught lying about blasphemy law and was giving contradictory statements. Mushtaq Minhas has called him “Chabee Wala Baba”, a toy Santa, may be. This whole episode has agencies written all over it. All this sudden emergence of a new leader, grand public gathering, massive spending, coordinated media campaign, postponement of elections, ouster of two big parties, and that old promise of accountability.
Most people are for the next elections on time. However, with the current scale of killings and attacks on the political meetings of ANP and PPP, how the free and fair elections are possible? While there is no problem with the rightwing parties the secular and nationalists are targeted daily and would not be able to launch election campaigns. The frequency of the attacks on popularly elected nationalist leaders shows that the fanatic extremist terrorists are desperate and do not see much hope to dislodge the ruling coalition via elections. One can only hope that elections are on time and the deep state could control its non state strategic assets.
@Mujeeb Ullah I finally managed to see the video depicting Dr. Qadri's eebuttal to the falsehoods attributed to him through Europeen TV. I will like to believe his words that he had no part in the passing of this law by General Zia. However, I still do have problem with his statements in Urdu in front of his followers, where he categorically states:
I want to bring it to the record that the blasphemy law, 295-C was made solely due to my efforts. I was the one who got this law made. During Gen Zia's regime in 1985, after the completion of my arguments in the court of law . . . some people told Gen Zia that due to MY SOLID arguments the court had decided to announce the implementation of the law and that the said announcement is going to be made very shortly. Thus they advised Gen Zia that if the law is implemented through the order of the court, then you will not get the credit. They said since you are going to announce the Hadood Ordinance, include the Blasphemy law in that ordinance as an Act of Parliamemt so that you may get the credit of serving the Faith. Then Gen Zia announced the court's decision as an Act of Parliament. So, it was in this way, that the blasphemy law was made. In a nutshell, I want to tell you that it was ME, & only ME, through whom, Allah got the Blasphemy law, 295-C, made. There is NO contribution of anyone else, whatsoever, in this regard.
Isn't Dr. Qadri playing with words when he tries to pacify western audience by saying that he disagrees with the PROCEDURAL aspects of the law and then in front of the local audience he takes full credit or it?
I have seen the video depicting Dr. Qadri's eebuttal to the falsehoods attributed to him through Danish TV. I will like to believe his words that he had np part in the passing of this law by General Zia. However, I still do have problem with his statements in Urdu in front of his followers, where he categorically states:
I want to bring it to the record that the blasphemy law, 295-C was made solely due to my efforts. I was the one who got this law made. During Gen Zia's regime in 1985, after the completion of my arguments in the court of law . . . some people told Gen Zia that due to MY SOLID arguments the court had decided to announce the implementation of the law and that the said announcement is going to be made very shortly. Thus they advised Gen Zia that if the law is implemented through the order of the court, then you will not get the credit. They said since you are going to announce the Hadood Ordinance, include the Blasphemy law in that ordinance as an Act of Parliamemt so that you may get the credit of serving the Faith. Then Gen Zia announced the court's decision as an Act of Parliament. So, it was in this way, that the blasphemy law was made. In a nutshell, I want to tell you that it was ME, & only ME, through whom, Allah got the Blasphemy law, 295-C, made. There is NO contribution of anyone else, whatsoever, in this regard.
Isn't Dr. Qadri playing with words when he tries to pacify western audience by saying that he disagrees with the PROCEDURAL aspects of the law and then in front of the local audience he takes full credit or it?
A Canadian national and an English national have joined forces to save the country !!! Wow !!!
@Mujeeb Ullah: @Bashy Quraishy
He has answered this propaganda against him in 2 of his interviews asking this and he cleared it. I didn’t needed it as I saw them myself.
It will be helpful if you can provide a link to these 2 interviews.
@Mujeeb Ullah: @qzj00
I fully agree with you about not spreading false propaganda. However, I also belive that as a muslim it is also our duty to clarify any false issues. I will, therefore, request you to share some details about your statement:
I am sure you did not find that something was added to the video. More likely, you found that something was taken out. But what was it that was taken out and how did it modify the final outcome? I am sure many people will be happy if you can share with us as to what is actually the case?
@qzj00: I am not a follower of Tahir Qadri. But brother, as a fellow Muslim, we are not advised to believe and then specially shouldn't spread false propaganda until the complete thing is known. I also was shocked when I saw it initially and then when I did a research on it, I found that due to the good editing and the video cutting timings, this looks real but this is actually not the case. I personally differ with his Aqeedah as his stand on Mumtaz Qadri as according to Tahir Qadri, Mumtaz Qadri has no right to kill anyone like this under blasphemy law. I have my reservation on this and many other Barelvi issues. But I would suggest this is a very big sin if you spread propaganda against any Muslim or even Non-Muslim brother and sisters. We are not suppose to do it against him as he is one of the most prominent Islamic figure in both, Islamic and Western world. The Grand Mufti of Al Azhar recommended his conference and all. Therefore, we as a Muslim should not criticize such a personality.
@Abdul Wahab:
Explain this please: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvvypu_maulana-tahirul-qadri-caught-red-handed-telling-the-most-blunt-lies-in-the-history-of-mankind_news#.UNdWPo7VkyE
For people who is asking where he has been for all these years. Well, I would like to tell you that he has been working and serving his years for Islam. Look at his Fatwa against terrorism which is a course book in Al Azhar University, Egypt. He was one of the nominee for Nobel Peace Prize 2012. His organization in UK by the name Al Hidayah which is spreading Islamic Teachings in that country. Look at his work in Australia, US, Denmark and other Islamic countries. His work in the western world after 9/11 don't have an example. He is a greater leader who has been leader organization around 90 countries spreading the true message of Islam.
Unfortunately, people with less knowledge start criticizing him without no reason. Look at what he has done to save Islam.
@hasan: . . . . or the GHQ !
@Ghulam Rasool:
If he can get the IMF off the nation's back, what is stopping him from getting this done? This one single action will be proof enough of his love for Pakistan . . . . and he will not need any jalsas or public rallys or a march to Islamamabad (which is another saving of crores of Ruppees).
Anexus of forces against the on time elections is being formed.Ghost of Zia behind the scenes can be seen.MQM wants to repeat Musharraf.Ik is becoming afraid again. Why the the hidden forces always come out against parties which people tend to support?Short cuts will lead us nowhere. Democractic way is long and painful but thats the only way.
@cyrus His speech will only effect the most blind of followers. Sadly, there are still some people around hear who get dazed by religious clerics.
@Falcon In the current context though, what will his arrival achieve? *Another target for the Taliban. He fled the country because he feared for his life, why return now when the Taliban are still going strong? *Political gain. He might want to capitalize on his religious popularity and get himself a NA seat. Because lets be realistic, he has got no chance of changing the system with the cards he has.
"Save the state, not politics": Qadri returns, in style by Rana Tanveer (Published: December 24, 2012) is a timely reminder that politics in Pakistan has reached such a low point that a man of Qadri's dubious record, Canadian nationality and a cultivated personality cult is now threatening the government. I saw at first hand how, Mr. Qadri sat on a Danish TV in May 2012 and lied through his teeth about the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan. He claimed that he had nothing to do with it. When the TV station played an earlier video of him addressing a gathering of Pakistanis in Urdu and where he took all the credit for the formulation and instigation of the law, he pleaded innocence. When the TV host pressed him to explain, why in Urdu tape he has suggested death for Muslims and non-Muslims for Blasphemy, he countered; You have misunderstood me. The man is a charlatan, an egomaniac and has nothing to offer to the Pakistani people. His support comes from those who are religiously exploitable and he misuses Islam to get his political come back.
Imran Khan has failed. That is why Tahir ul Qadri is invited by some hidden forces in Pakistan. In recent by-elections, PML(N) won with great margins. Establishment does not like it. That is why establishment's next card is Tahir ul qadri.
A new donkey of establishment in the market.
Please its not about whether he was abroad or not ,nor even abut some hidden hand that is promoting Imran Khan or such ,the very presence of MQM tells you what exactly?It tells you its all about political "Damadol", and along with that just look at some of the statements this so called champion of Islam has made in the past.Its sad to see even educated people making absolutely ridiculous statements .What hope does a nation have when millions endorse people such Tahir Ul Qadri , Altaf Hussain or even the Shareef brothers .I don't expect this country to come out of the whole that it dug itself in.and it was not because of a certain person or government the problem lies within us .
Despite all these dramas staged by establishment, my vote is for Nawaz Sharif. Allah bless Pakistan. Allah bless Nawaz Sharif.
Why is a Canadian citizen so much worried about Pakistan? Where was during last 5 years? He is just fulfilling the agenda of those hands who launched Imran Khan one year back. They want to derail democracy in Pakistan. Tahir ul Qadri's party has no member in National Assembly and all the provincial assemblies but he wants the role in present system. If he thinks that public is with him, he should contest elections and come in parliament. This is not the right way to destabilize the system by doing public gatherings managed by establishment.
Tahir-ul-qadri was criticizing government and system and MQM was sitting on the stage who is ally of government. Very bad. Tahir-ul-qadri can bring no change by joining hands with those who have done massive bloodshed in Karachi during last many years. Allah save Pakistan from these killers.
It was a great drama organized by establishment. All pro-establishment parties (MQM, PTI and Q League) are playing their roles. In the last by-elections, establishment could not get the desired results. Almost all seats were won by PML(N). That is why Tahir ul qadri is launched. All people know that Imran Khan has failed so one more card is thrown with the same slogan of "change". Public should reject PTI, Tahir ul Qadri, MQM and Q League.
Who is Tahir ul qadri? Where was he during last 5 years? He was never in contact with public during last 5 years. Then who planned and staged this drama in Lahore? These are the same hidden hands who launched Imran Khan one year ago. But Imran has failed so now they have thrown one more card. Pakistani public should remain aware of such dramas. First Tahir ul qadri should leave Canadian citizenship. Then he should come in public and contest elections. If he wins elections then he should bring his policies. This is the wrong way to do the things by doing jalsa after spending lavish life in Canada for 5 years.
Is there any possibility of election in Pakistan without eliminating militants. Will they allow election to be held under the present constitution of the country . Only Shariya will be acceptable to all of them and their supporters in Pakistan .
Those commenting on "Sheikul Islam" speech should keep following points in mind:- 1. First ever in history of Pakistan such challenging speech has been delivered to a sitting government. Without assurance from strong stake holders it was impossible. 2. In whole speech he was very cautious to blame military brass and judiciary. 3. His whole fiery speech was directed towards PP and PML (N). 4. Establishment favourites like PTI, MQM and Ch brothers immediately gave their positive nod on the speech. 5. Just a day earlier statement of COAS appeared in ET indicating willingness of military brass to have dialogue with Talibans and "Sheikul Islam" also mentioned the same.
To me following scenario is likely to emerge. As the time of care taker government is approaching he will become a strong pressure group to influence the selection of interim government. After having established the interim government, on the "genuine points" raised by him elections will be delayed in the name of reforms. Gradually in interim government favourites of establishment will be included. This is the long standing wish of few stake holders of Pakistan and fortunately they have chosen a very right time and also hired a right man for the right job. Will it be good for Pakistan or not one has to wait how things unfold during next few weeks.
Establishment needed Tahir-ul-qadri because Imran did not give desired results. This is very tragic role of establishment. Tahir-ul-qadri's speech was just a wastage of time.
@Falcon: I am impressed to read your comments, they are very insightful. But, if you have seen him in one of his recent interviews with DAWN, he cleared it. Please watch and comment. Watch It
After failure of Imran Khan, ESTABLISHMENT is using Tahir ul Qadri. His speech was just a WISH LIST.
@etribune: Qadri returned from Canada, not Britain. Check your facts
@Maria: if someone is helping in getting rid of these two parties and government we shouldn't care where he is from i.e Canadian or paki!
He is a hypocrite of the worst kind. Too bad his video is blocked in pakistan where he is caught telling the western media something and the pakistani media something else entirely. Thank God most of us are sane enough to see he is a fraud.
@Malik: Wat so ever . it was way better than current 5 years .
P.S I am not a fan of Dictatorship
@PakPower: A typical pakistani mentality, nourishing on conspiracy theories. Forget about how he managed this gathering. Think what he said and its effects, although i have reservations about what he said and the way he wants to do it.
"who returned to the country after a five-year stay in Britain."
Was he on Hajj in UK or what? Looks more like a showman politician from the picture than a true religious leader.
MQM folks showing up in a rally where change in status quo is being proposed sounds like an oddity though. Dr. Qadri seems like a sincere person. But for him to pull it off, he needs to do at least four things: Firstly, give up Canadian citizenship and move back to Pakistan. Secondly, associate less with people of status quo. Thirdly, criticize military establishment where due. Fourthly, propose concrete reforms (being vague will dilute his cause)
@PakPower: I am not a Qadri supporter as such. However, to your question, he is one of the people on top of TTP hit list because he has vehemently opposed TTP's brutality on scholarly grounds. He had to leave the country like Ghamidi because of death threats. Whatever people think of him, he is a strong anti-TTP symbol and his arrival is a good omen for Pakistan. This will accelerate consolidation of political power against TTP. As for your argument on why didn't he give his money to charity, I think we all need to realize that the country can not be run on charity money. It needs sincere and capable people in politics, that's the only solution forward and therefore, one of the best forms of charity at this time in Pakistan is putting financial resources behind political reform.
Some years ago Mr Qadri took to having shots fired at his house in a vain effort to gain media attention and public sympathy. His appearance from nowhere and the massive publicity behind his arrival suggests some powerfully forces have decided to bankroll him
The only reason I wouldn't have any problem with Tahirul Qadri running all this campaign is his presence during The Amman Message and few other scholars from India and Pakistan were also present over there.People in Pakistan definitely need to read the grand declaration in order to create an atmosphere of harmony in their country.
Apart from that,I don't find him trustworthy.Humanitarian work by Minhajul Quran,KKF,Edhi,SKMH etc... should indeed be appreciated despite political differences but one can always wonder why he showed up just few months prior to the elections.
@ Ghulam Rasool Can you please stop using capital "H" for "He" "His and "Him" in the middle of sentences that refer to Dr. Qadri. We usually use such syntax for the Almighty and your conduct might be taken as an unintentional, mild blasphemy... what sayeth thou?
Please go back to Canada.
@Ghulam Rasool: Show me the money to pay off IMF.
@Ghulam Rasool If he is so concerned about the riyasat then why didn't he give all this money to the needy? Why was this money used for publicity? @Jibran Exactly. Your prove my point. By the way, I am not a supporter of the N-league which your comment seems to presume. @Maria Juxtapose it with [sic] "Mera jeena yahan marna yahan. Iss mulk se barri koi cheez nhi." And you can almost tell that this guy is not sincere. Even if he were so concerned with the state of the country then why didn't he come back a little earlier.
We have seen this day because PTI did not perform well. If Tsunami had not been crashed before take off, the hidden hands would not have needed this man.
@Malik: As we all know from inside our hearts that He is not against democracy - we should restrain from spreading baseless propaganda. He is a democratic Man. He teaches the values of Politics and Democracy in the light of Quran and Hadith. Please stop making assumptions, according to your low standard thinking.
@PakPower: Bro, now this is RIDICULOUS! He cleared about where the money is coming from in the very beginning of his speech. Now as a fellow Muslim, we shouldn't think negatively or doubt this until you have some proves - which is not possible. I am telling you, Wallahee that if He wants, by just one press conference and request of Him, his followers from around the world can contribute to pay off the IMF loan for Pakistan. He is not very rich Himself, but WE ARE.
Shameful.
Who is he again?
Great leader, follow him please.
@PakPower: What a time to return Qadri sahab!! We never saw you all these past 5 years and right at the chiming of election bells you pop in!
Maulvi Nawaz Sharif did the same last time. He and his brother was merrily spending lavish life in the Saudi Palaces and British Mansions. And just before the elections, they landed as if they were the divine saviors. Why can't Tahirul Qadri do the same.
Allah-Hu-Akbar! This peaceful rally was a great success. The CHANGE is coming! We are with you Dr. Tahir Ul Qadri! People like Imran Khan and Altaf Hussain are with you.. the whole nation is with you. I knew that it was possible to bring some radical changes, this would by your blessed hands.
What a time to return Qadri sahab!! We never saw you all these past 5 years and right at the chiming of election bells you pop in!
On another note, what I find weird is that how did you pay for this jalsa? The organization charges must be huge alone, add to it all the banners, LCD advertisements and not to mention the prime-time TV commercials. What do you get? A million dollar jalsa!!! The irony!
Legend.
'Riyasat' without 'Siyasat' is very much like, what we have suffered in 1999 - 2008 !