This photo released by the Minhajul Quran shows Tahirul Qadri in a meeting with PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and deputy prime minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi on Friday. PHOTO: COURTESY MQI/FILE
A surprise appearance by real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in Saturday’s talks between the government and Minhajul-Quran chief Tahirul Qadri threatened to derail the negotiation efforts.
Following his appearance, Qadri refused to even sit down with the Chaudhrys and alleged that the government intended to use Riaz to suggest that he had been bought.
The Chaudhrys rushed to defend Riaz, saying the businessman played a crucial role in building consensus among coalition parties regarding Qadri’s demands.
Riaz himself maintained that he came on behalf of the Pakistani people to prevent loss of life if Qadri pressed ahead with his march.
He agreed to leave the premises if his presence was objectionable, and promptly did following a brief talk with the media.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2013.
COMMENTS (2)
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 Chaudhrys rushed to defend Riaz, saying the businessman played a crucial role in buying consensus among coalition parties regarding Qadri’s demands.
Who they are trying to fool? Malik Riaz leaving the premises does not mean that he was out of the deal. All the concerned parties have access to cell technology, I believe.