PTI unlikely to jump on the Qadri bandwagon
It is extremely difficult for PTI to embark on a ship where the MQM is already onboard, says Naeemul Haq.
It is extremely difficult for PTI to embark on a ship where the MQM is already onboard, says Naeemul Haq. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
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.
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.