Tahirul Qadri acknowledges supporters at Minar-e-Pakistan. PHOTO: NNI
LAHORE:
The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) and Minhajul Quran International (MQI) have decided to join forces and agreed on Thursday to hold the promised “million-man march” jointly to press for a neutral caretaker set-up and free, fair and transparent elections.
Although the MQM has agreed to Dr Tahirul Qadri’s stance of carrying out the long march, the final decision in this regard will be taken in their next meeting which is scheduled to be held on Saturday in Karachi.
MQM’s high-level delegation, led by Farooq Sattar met with MQI founder Qadri at his office and both leaders contemplated on the prospects of staging a long march on January 14.
Those who attended the meeting said that Qadri will visit MQM’s headquarters in Karachi on Saturday to deliberate over the execution of the long march plan, and discuss further options available if the government responds to their demands by January 10.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Farooq Sattar said that both the leaders have agreed that the upcoming general elections should be on time and should be free from corruption. In order to achieve this target, Sattar said, both parties want to see a neutral caretaker set-up which should be impartial and autonomous, one that the nation trusts.
Qadri endorsed Sattar’s point of view, and said the two parties will continue consulting each other regarding the January 14 march. The long march would be a joint venture between MQM and his party, Qadri said, and that it would bring in electoral reforms.
Sattar from Lahore Airport
Earlier, speaking to the media at the Allama Iqbal Airport, Sattar alleged that Secretary Election Commission was biased and wanted to destroy the peaceful atmosphere of Karachi.
He said that the election commission’s secretary was being partial and wanted to change MQM’s mandate in Karachi. Sattar demanded that the chief election commissioner (CEC) should investigate the attitude of the ECP secretary and remove him from his position.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2012.
COMMENTS (33)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
The streategic assets of Pakistan are now streategic assets of some one else . Who is paying them to attack on anti Taliban forces in Pakistan to increase their hold in Afghanistan . Perhaps they are Afghani Taliban . Both of them want to cover entire region under the grip of shariya law .
Long Live Altaf Hussain Long Live Tahir Ul Qadri Sahab :))
We want change! InshAllah Pakistan is with Dr.Saab
Ishq-e-Mamnoon Part II
We Are With Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.
Long march once in a while is good for democracy. It helps keep rulers on their toes. As Thomas Jefferson use to say, revolts are manure for the tree of democracy. People should be able to vent their frustration with government.
when PTI will join this musharraf lover group
This is all fraud. He should first elaborate to the people what changes he wants in the election rules and what are his future plans. Only then people will consider to cooperate with him. He has completely failed in politics and went to Canada and settled there. He should explain how he will solve the problems of the country with which it is confrontrg now.
Dr TQ , go ahead and you will get sure success . You have entered in Pak politics at a very right time . Most of the PTI workers and supporters are eagerly waiting for an option to leave the party as now they have revealded that IK is also a jehadee like Taliban and through his support they can enter in Islamabad . All anti Taliban people will now join your party .
Dr.TQ May Allah success you in your ambition. Every one eggs will be in your basket soon those who are against with your agenda. Go ahead a huge general mass who not giving their comments are with you and monitoring the views of your oppositions. The ruling politicians have only lame excuses only. Their criticism are showing that they are too much afraid with your clear cut agenda.
MQM may not y be part of this conspiracy against the democracy as they have public backing and they use to claim that they are pro democrats. Tahir Qadiry has no background. And is playing game against democratic setup in Pakistan. Though I am could be agree with any one that democracy has failed solving the basic issues of the public of Pakistan but even than its better than any undemocratic system.
Seriously MQM protesting against the government? Prime example of the kettle calling the pot black.
Remained or forced to confine itself to Karachi and Hyderabad, MQM has no other choice but to join ruling coalition out of political necessity.
Fact is a fact-Dr TQ is tellling the facts as they are TODAY. He has a FULL understanding of the scale of the problem that faces Pakistan. He has laid it out on the table in a comprehensive way. No confusion but the politicians are trying to create typical panic. Pakistan is at the cross road of being changed or the same old faces for next 5 years (until Nothing is Left)
It's always funny when someone in the government joins a protest against the government, effectively protesting against themselves. Surely these dimwits can't see beyond their noses.
Allama Tahir ul Haq Qadri wants to reform electioneering process which is ofcuourse important but on the other hand MQM is only party which is opposing delimitation and voter verification in Karachi, so how come MQM and Allama sb match in their philosophy and secondly MQM is key party in this Allied government for last five years. Isn't it quite weird govt doing long march against itself?
Long march by only party enjoying government power since 1997. what a joke!
It is now or never, get these corrupt parties out or lose Pakistan,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Speechless!!! Is any one in Minhaj talking to Dr Qadri? Minhaj is heading for same fate as that of PAT in 1988, this time even more immaturely. Dr. Qadri will again waste his 22 years of post-PAT era's effort by siding with MQM. Dr. Qadri please do not disappoint people who have a soft corner for you by siding with MQM.
I could not understand MQM stance after remaining as an essential part of Govt for last 5 years and enjoying all perks and privileges, how come they can take million march against their ownseleves as MQM is still part of govt. Failed governance share should be shared by all partners of this allied govt including MQM.Dont they? Accountability and justice for all.
Blackmailers and cheaters hand-in-hand!
Long march by a party who is in power since 1997. What a joke!
there goes my vote for the mqm !
God Bless You , Long Live " Qadri Sahib ,,
The million march to Islamabad should be via Lahore. Kill two birds with one shot.
What is this march about? against government policies? But MQM is already in Government.
Get ready Sharif Brothers, it is payback time! Run to LHC or SC for a stay order.
Birds of a feather ...
We must join Qadri Sahib to get rid off corrupt PMLN and PPP.