Thousands gear up for ‘inquilab’ at Jinnah Ground

Supporters of MQM and Minhaj-ul-Quran International come together .

KARACHI:

Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI) Chief Tahirul Qadri might be expecting Islamabad to turn into a ‘peaceful’ Tahrir Square on Jan 14 - but on Tuesday, Jinnah Ground proved that a rally hosted by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement can match most revolutionary movements.  

‘Inquilab’ was the theme of the day as supporters of both the parties chanted the word while welcoming a new union. To them, it meant the beginning of a revolution which would bring an end to their problems. “Whoever has come into power [in Pakistan] has never done anything for the people. We are not even provided basic necessities, such as electricity, water or gas. This is the time to wake up,” said Mehboob Ali, a participant who had brought his entire family to the event.



The rally held on the first day of the year was a curtain-raiser to the “million-man march” to Islamabad and marked the official launch of “Safar-e-Inqilab-e-Pakistan” (Journey to Pakistan’s Revolution).  For a change, it was only the green national flags which were seen fluttering in the air at an MQM events.

Thousands of men and women held up posters of Altaf and Qadri, swaying to the upbeat song ‘Inquilabi Saathyon, agay Barho agay Barho’ (march on, march on).

Though majority of the people were from the MQM, Qardri’s supporters also turned up in large numbers - some of them who just showed up to catch a glimpse of their leader. “I have heard several of his sermons and I am so happy that he is right in front of me,” said an elderly woman, Afshan. She was standing beside a group of burqa-clad women, wearing scarves made out of the national flags and shouting ‘Inquilab chahiyeh, Inquilab chahiyeh’ (We want revolution).

As both leaders extended support to each other, their party workers also showed the same friendly spirit. “I never thought that MQM would support a religious party like ours, but I am glad it has. Our leader [Qadri] chose MQM to be its ally and it must be a right decision,” said Bashir Khan, a resident of Korangi.

Men and women had come prepared for the chilly evening by wearing warm clothes. They had also brought cash and gold jewelry to be given as donations being collected for the long march. Shamim Khalil, putting her gold bangles in the red collection boxes, said, “We will not only give our vote, but we will also give ‘note’ [money]. To bring an honest government into power, we can even give our lives.”

While congratulating the nation on the beginning of a new year, Mohsin, a supporter of the MQM said that his entire family was going to be part of the long March. “All my relatives from Karachi are going to be in the capital next week. Only disciplined parties can bring revolution, and this will be proven soon.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2013.