March may be halted four kilometres away from its intended destination. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
As Dr Tahirul Qadri’s rally approached Islamabad on Sunday afternoon, the government dropped the idea of stopping the march from entering the federal capital, and made arrangements to halt it at Jinnah Avenue’s Blue Area - four kilometres from where the procession intended to halt.
The latter decision was made by the government to afford a safe distance from the Parliament House and the Presidency. However, Minhajul Quran International (MQI) officials insisted that they will enter the Constitution Avenue – the haven of government offices in Islamabad, sealed by a boundary of cargo containers.
“We will hold our sit-in there,” said an MQI Islamabad chapter official.
The paramilitary troops of Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) would watch the police contingents’ back before army would come in if required, said a senior police officer.
The MQI officials said they would remain peaceful but their strategy could change according to the development taking place. “We fear that the government would use force. In that case, we would have to review our strategy,” said an MQI official.
Long march organisers said they had arranged for their own security protocols for the sit-in, with over 5,000 volunteers performing security duties. In response to Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s personal criticism of Dr Qadri, MQI Islamabad President Abrar Raza told The Express Tribune that a case will be filed against the minister in case of any mishap.
Malik lashes out
Malik, who hit Qadri below the belt with some undiplomatic comments on Sunday, announced Rs5 million for anyone who could provide the government with evidence of “sources of MQI’s funding”.
Malik in a sarcastic tone called Qadri a “Pope”. “Qadri looks like a Pope. The government will expose his white lies,” Malik said.
“I will resign if Qadri proves his allegations against me,” Malik said. Qadri had alleged that Malik had planted explosive material and put acid containers in the procession’s path.
Cellular services will remain suspended
Officials associated with the Crisis Management Cell told The Express Tribune that the cellular phones’ services will remain suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from today (Monday) afternoon till tomorrow. The decision has been taken in view of security threats related to the long march.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2013.
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I've worked in the organisation's finance department so I know where the money comes from. it comes from the pockets of ordinary people who give out of their goodwill for charitable causes. Now please send me the Rs 5 million. The real question Mr Rehman Malik, is where do the public funds of the government go if we are not seeing any improvements in the lives of the poorer classes in Pakistan? The depravity of this corrupt government has fallen so low, as expressed by the Interior Minister's remarks, that they should just pack their bags and go. Leave the doors open though for the marching millions who are coming round for dinner tonight.