PML-Q to steer clear of Qadri’s planned show

PML-Q sources claim party had previously shown support to build pressure on the government.

ISLAMABAD:

Days after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gave Dr Tahirul Qadri’s long march the thumbs down, Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid (PML-Q) announced that it would also not participate in the campaign.

“We have neither been invited nor have we given any such indication. We only support his (Qadri’s) agenda of electoral reforms” PML-Q Information Secretary Senator Kamil Ali Aga told The Express Tribune.

Earlier, PML-Q leaders had met Minhajul Quran International’s chief at his residence and pledged their support. However, PML-Q has suddenly reversed its decision.

“We believe that Dr Qadri’s demands to the Election Commission are within the constitution. Even our party has reservations about the Election Commission and feel that certain reforms are necessary,” Agha added.

However, the senator pointed out that his party did not agree with the course of action proposed by Dr Qadri to force the government to introduce these reforms.



PML-Q sources claimed that the party had previously shown support for the long march, expected on January 14, to build pressure on the government and force it to deliver on its unmet demands.

The PML-Q claims that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) failed to fulfil the promises it had made when it had joined the alliance.

Agha also rebuffed suggestions that the meeting held at the party chief Chaudhry Shujaat’s residence was convened to discuss the long march.

Shujaat had called a meeting of party’s lawmakers and 2008-elections’ ticket holders. The meeting approved an anti-Election Commission resolution.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.