It is extremely difficult for PTI to embark on a ship where the MQM is already onboard, says Naeemul Haq. PHOTO: FILE
Despite showing initial support for Dr Tahirul Qadri’s calls for change, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has decided against joining the Minhajul Quran chief’s bandwagon after the party’s rival Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) extended all-out support for the latter’s January 14 long march.
Qadri’s aims to make the federal capital Pakistan’s ‘Tahrir Square’ will now rest on his own followers, MQM and moral support from the Chaudhrys of Gujrat.
In his first reaction to Qadri’s December 23 rally, Imran endorsed the former’s stance. Since then, however, the PTI chairman has gradually distanced himself from the Minhajul Quran chief. Though Qadri’s demands for installing an impartial interim set-up is completely in line with PTI’s policy, Imran’s political rivalry with MQM reportedly compelled him to decide against joining the January 14 march.
“At this stage, the long march will undermine the upcoming general elections,” said PTI Central Vice President Naeemul Haq while admitting lower ranks in Minhajul Quran’s leadership invited the party to participate in the march.
“It is extremely difficult for PTI to embark on a ship where the MQM is already onboard,” he added.
Acknowledging similarities between the ideologies of PTI and Qadri, Haq voiced concern, however, as to why Minhajul Quran opted for the long march. He said PTI believes in forging consensus over the interim set-up rather than demonstrations.
When contacted, Minhajul Quran information secretary Qazi Faiz was unsure about any possible meeting between Imran and Qadri this week.
“We formally invited all political parties for this march. We also welcome PTI’s top leadership to join hands with Dr Qadri,” Faiz added.
Meanwhile, a close associate of the PTI chairman told The Express Tribune that the party’s top leadership will discuss Qadri’s long march in a meeting scheduled for Sunday in Islamabad. PTI leader Jahangir Tareen will also brief the party leadership on President Asif Ali Zardari’s appointment of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional leader Ahmed Mehmood as the Governor of Punjab.
“The politics of south Punjab and interior of Sindh will remain a prime focus,” a PTI leader told The Express Tribune.
According to the PTI official, Imran Khan is unhappy with the party’s information secretary as well and looking towards replacing him. When asked if any such move was being considered, PTI Information Secretary Shafqat Mehmood categorically denied it.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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What is a big crime by calling for the electrol system to improve, this another words mean to get rid of the loop holes where the corrupt poltiical elites cut their ways through to the parliament. This wil greatly benefit PTI and other new parties, it will also benefit those patriotic youths who want to join politics or stand as independant. But its a shame how many Pakistanis are falling for the PPP, PML N propaganda to defend the system and by using personal attacks against Dr Tahir ul Qadri it exposes them as why attack a person personally, why not disuss about the electrol system. I am sure whole Pakistan wants a better electrol system, so please CHANGE the system before the election, its ridiculous to believe we should change it after the elections, its a trick. We want neutral caretake government, not caretaker chosen by PPP and PML N , how will that be neutral? May Allah protect our blessed Pakistan. We love you
If I were Imran Khan I would join the march simply because if he doesn't then a lot of his supports will. The reason he gained this mass support was because people wanted change, they wanted a new leader and he promised that but since then he's been quite. But one thing is for sure, if Dr. Qadri is successful in his plans, and he doesn't run for elections, that will mean only one winner and that is PTI. With all corrupt leadership out of the way, a neutral caretaker with electoral reforms can only help a party like PTI in elections.
i am sure he will be back Canada with all his mess intentions.
I could not understand Imran Khan's policy in not joining the long march with the right cause of Dr Tahirul Quadri. What type of nonsence is this if MGM has joined the long march PTI will not join. This shows the PTI is not mature enough to take the right decision. Dr Quadri has made it very clear that he invited all parties to take part in long march and so far only MQM has responded to take part in long march. We as a Pakistani must do right things and support educated and honest persons for next election.Our electral systems is made by corrupt politicians so that only corrupt one is elected. Dr Quadri is doing right thing we all must support to get rid of Jagirdari and corrupt systems from Pakistan. I am surprised to hear that if MQM is joining the Long March then PTI will not join.
@Sedqal: You are right on the money. TQ is nothing but the old alliance of Gen Mush in his absence. Same old Mush coalition parties and slogans without the military uniform but a new garb. All rightwing opportunists who have no hope in the next elections are joining hands and it would be foolish for PTI to join hands with Mush's partners. How could IK stand with a party he was calling terrorists and traitors with proofs?
I think TUQ has committed a political suicide already by diluting his political identity due to alliance with MQM and PMLQ. PTI does not belong to the mix.
PTI is finished in long run if it joins TuQ, every single accusation of being an establishment's stooge will gain legitimacy. I am pretty sure after MQM and PMLQ, APML (Musharraf) will soon be joining TuQ too.
Malik sb, I also agree with you that imran should not follow party politics, however the blessing in disguise here could be that through this he can avoid an association with the establishment and clarify that he is not their poster boy in the upcoming elections.
Hopefully, the people of this country will continue to see change through Imran and not through the constructed viewpoint of the establishment (i.e. Qadri and his pals).
Imran Khan should follow his heart not party politics. I am a pti supporter and will join protests till goals have been achieved.