Tahirul Qadri prepares for evening prayers in break in negotiations as Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira and Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed look on. PHOTO: AFP
Ashraf signed on the Islamabad declaration with the agreed terms. President Asif Ali Zardari also approved the document.
Qadri and Naek then read out the terms of the Islamabad Long March Declaration in Urdu and in English respectively. It states that assemblies will be dissolved at any time before March 16, 2013 and elections will be held within 90 days thereafter.
The terms agreed to unanimously include a provision of 30 days for pre-clearance and scrutiny of nomination papers by the Election Commission per Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.
The treasury benches will submit two names for the caretaker prime minister who will be honest and impartial candidates for the post. Further deliberations on the composition of the Election Commission will be held on January 27, 2013 in Lahore.
It was also agreed to implement electoral reforms as contained within the Constitution and Supreme Court order of June 8, 2012.
The terms agreed to also ensured the end of the long march and sit in and an amnesty for long march participants.
Earlier in the evening, after an agreement was reached between the government's delegation and Qadri, three of the members returned to prime minister house to have the document signed.
"Just give them some space, Khurshid Shah, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Mushahid Hussain are going to prime minister house to have it [agreement] signed by all the leaders. They will be right back with the signed document and then the Islamabad declaration will be read out."
Qadri had accepted the government's request for negotiations with talks beginning at 3:45pm.
The committee was headed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain includes Farooq Sattar, Afrasiyab Khattak and Khurshid Shah.
The government ordered the deputy commissioner Islamabad to ask Qadri for more time to respond to his demands.
An hour before the government announced the decision to form a committee, the Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chairman had given a final deadline for his demands to be fulfilled.
The deadline ended at 3pm Thursday. Rangers were deployed around the Parliament House and President House to heighten the security.
Qadri asked President Asif Ali Zardari to send a delegation to hold talks over his demands or “lose the last chance of saving peace”. “We have already given too many chances to law, to democracy and to peace”.
Qadri also announced that he will end the sit-in in Islamabad by Thursday night.
He criticised the government for not sympathising with the women and children present at the long march. “I had asked the women to not participate, but they insisted and debated with us. They have come here on their own will.”
Qadri's protest rally, which began from Lahore on January 13, has threatened to destabilise the nuclear-armed country as it inches towards what would be the first democratic transition of power between two civilian governments at elections due by May this year.
The government has not announced any date for polls other than saying that parliament will disband in mid-March to make way for a caretaker government and elections within 60 days under the constitution.
Qadri wants parliament dissolved now and a caretaker government set up in consultation with the military and judiciary to implement key reforms such as setting up a new election commission and banning corrupt candidates.
Full text of the declaration can be found here.
(With additional input from AFP)
Correction: In an earlier version of the article, 'Thursday' was mistakenly written as 'Wednesday'. The error is regretted.
COMMENTS (101)
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Tahir ul Qadri criminal who lie to Canadian authorities to get asylum is good example of how to live lavish life without working at the expense of his brainless retarded followers. Pakistan situation will not improve until majority of people get some common sense by not following Qadri like criminals.
@Josephine Baker, Atlanta Georgia USA: This long march was not about differentiating between men or women or children or old-aged of the country, this is about the whole nation. Both men and women participated with equal spirits and enthusiasm for the change and struggle but as woman and children social part is considered as weak in the country's society, their voice, spirits and enthusiasm were more highlighted than the other participants. A point should be kept is that when it comes to revolution, it is indeed that people of all social-parts come on over, get their faiths united and struggle for their best, whether they are male or female, young or old.
Hello all brother's, I gone through all brothers view's. Qadri has done something and revolution cannot be brought by sitting at home and critisizing others. We all know the current situation of the country and we are looking at others to come and solve the circumstances but this is not possible unless every Pakistani participate as per his own approach. At last I will all the best to All the Pakistani and to Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan need to a march to the Capital to show the politicians they are sick and tired of the way this country is heading. This weekend we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King day a man who sacrificed much for civil rights. People went on a march which shook the consciousness of a nation to the way people of color were treated. There are parallels to this although the conditions may not be the same I am convinced they are worse in Pakistan. Not only are the citizens treated with disrespect but minorities, women and children are also suffering as the nation looks on. Please remember the people who marched with Dr. King were beaten, hosed down with high pressure of water hoses and dogs were unleashed. People were severely hurt and killed in the process I do not see the people of Pakistan that willing to sacrifice for change. I see a lot of hot talk and little action. I see no serious intent to try to convince people to get involved in the process. I see people of Pakistan blame India..USA for the ills that seems to be a pattern of the fabric of the country. Change for the better of the nation is NOT an adventure, You can now decide if you want the situation to remain the same but then all your rights of blaming others is revoked for eternity. The men of Pakistan seem to be lacking in testosterone. So far they have been neutered useless and have not been able to be the protectors of their families, Can the women of Pakistan rise to show the men how it is done. It would not be the first time that women have been the instigators of change and the strides that Pakistani women are making is clearly leaving their weak male counterparts in the dust!
Anyone understanding the sensitivity of the country’s present pass, given the spike in terrorism and the tensions on the Line of Control would need their head examined if they continued insisting on a long march that runs security and other risks. But that is precisely what demagogue Qadri is stubbornly persisted with. The reports in the media point to the problems the march could encounter along the way and in Islamabad, including reported attempts by the federal government to deny entry to the marchers in the absence of an NOC from the local administration and the Punjab government’s leaning on transporters not to lend themselves to this quixotic adventure that could set off new ripples of instability through the sinews of the country. Pray that wisdom dawns and nothing untoward happened on January 14, but kept your powder dry.
Wow! Magnifico! Congratulations to every Pakistani who was distressed by the terrorism, poverty and all of the problems concerning to the government. Hats off to TuQ and his protestors who have emerged the real meaning and identity of Pakistani nation infront of the whole World and made our spirits and the struggle for rights, which were drowned by mourns, enlightened! I don't know what's really behind TuQ 's plans, but he is a great man, a great nationalist. I just believe on what I saw, and that is TuQ and the protestors have saved us from the upcoming glooms. I can't believe that there are still some orthodox illusions in some of the Pakistanis (esp. those merchants who were "strained" away from their businesses because of long march), if they had been suffering from distresses provided by gov they should wait for the revolution. Talking about participation of PTI in long march, I think Imran Khan had stepped for a nice idea. I also found it cruel about not participating in long march but it is good because if PTI joined the long march our "dear" government and election commitee would never let PTI to participate in these elections on the name of constitution and democratic beliefs, and so we'd to unwillingly vote for the criminals. Anyways, I'm darn happy and salute to the long march participators and their leader.
if some is sincer with pakistan can do the right things at right times, if Qadri can pressurized with holding any seat, why seat holders can not do the right things for his own country, actually most the politicans are not sincer with his own country,
Qadri Sahib and the brave fellow citizens of Pakistan you have shaken the nations conscience. This nation will remember your sacrifice, your fortitude and the principles for which you took this cause. You have only and I repeat only stood up for respect for respect for the constitution and the rule of law and cleanse this country of corrupt power grabbers.
Thank you for empowering the people. Allah may bless you and all those who have taken up this nation's cause.
Only a heartless, cold and dazed person can disagree with TUQ. A normal human with all 5 senses working would have a tear in the eye and a prayer in the heart at this profound courage!!! God Bless the Brave, God Bless Pakistan
Really a hero, all Pakistanis (except for politically connected ones of course) and coming generations are in debt of his heroic efforts.
net loooser =>imran khan
@Khalid: "I dont understand why Indians do their best to find faults in Pakistan+Pakistanis+Jinnah."
I was not finding fault with either Pakistanis or Jinnah or saying that the constitution cannot be changed. My point was simple : if the person who is respected most by most Pakistanis would not qualify under certain sections of clause 62 and 63 - will those very same clauses not keep out someone else who maybe equally good as Jinnah and equally non-compliant with those very same clauses?
It is your constitution and your choice but I was just asking you to think about it.
WOW-Joining hands with Yazeed what a success.
TUQ is just trying to secure a GRACEFUL EXIT
Wow wow wow! I have no words to praise the inteligence people at ET possess! If anyone of you really knew the agenda of TUQ you would have surely known that most of his demands were met. His agenda was to introduce a free fair election by making implement the article 62 63 of constitution which states the disqualification of those participants who are tax thief, corrupt, fake degrees, not honest and trustworthy etc. He had made the government accept his demands to 90% extent! He deserves respect not your inteligence. And if you can't simply face the truth kindly atleast respect the courage, patience and patriotism of those women and men who fought for this with TUQ over 5 tough days! REVOLUTION doesn't just mean to ovethrow the government. It would have not benefited thecountry at all as anarachy would have taken place or martial-law would have been implemented. As election on the corner it was the best way to ensure free and fair electins to get rid of corrupt culprits in the next elections!
@gp65
I dont understand why Indians do their best to find faults in Pakistan+Pakistanis+Jinnah. Pakistan constitution was written when 20+ years have been passed after the death of Jinnah. By the way constitution is not like Ten Commandments which cannot be changed or should not be changed. It is not the book from the heavens. Anyway your point is not relevant to the news.
So TUQ has held the government to ransom, and won.
I'm glad Imran Khan did not join this joker.
what a shame? that people sitting in cold were betrayed.. as it didn't achieve any worth while goal..but only positive was that every one was safe and election will take place as per schedule..people trying to derail democracy failed.
its formation of Dr. Tahir ul Zardari. stay united PTI Family.
@Sami: I did not know , we are nuclear armed country. Thanks for your information.
Mentality of most people
If dharna would have ended in army take over: it was scripted by army else if bloodshed : it was for zardari for longer term else people are fool that they registered their complaints and they did demonstration peacefully and ended in peace as well
In the end Qadri did mukmuka with same corrupt people he was denouncing and probably took lots of cash to go away.
Alright. All's well that ends well. Thank God at last the government accepted it, whether for the good of Qadri, or the good of Pakistan or the good for their own selves. I know we cannot easily disretain and stop talking about the statements told, the statements said and the statements followed. But at last it is assured, though not fully, that these elections will not be powered with black-politics, or corruption, or whatever. The nation and the protestors have indeed marked a milestone of peace and revolution with such unity, faith and discipline which can never ever be outlooked. Yeah there are still mysteries and detection about the whole episode but I hope this time there would be no problemo :)
TuQ: Mubarak ho!!! Mubarak ho!!! I don't know what we gained through all this but nevertheless Mubarak ho! =D
The only part I liked "Shaitan Malik".:-)
feeling bad for the qadri supporters .. :(
Messenger might be tainted but his message was good!
@Alina: just flights? How about people getting ill because of the cold?
Why would any decent person want to help raise Pakistan from the depths of darkness? This is a so called nation mired in corruption, violence and laziness. The citizens have ZERO courage for change they are satisfied with the status quo so they can keep complaining and using the blame game for their ineptitude life style. They are so used to blaming the rest of the world for all that is wrong in the country so much so they have accepted it as a living fact. The politicians are a true mirror reflections of the everyday people lazy, corrupt, clueless and not courageous for a significant change. Change and a better nation are NOT buzz words it is hard work, sacrifice and strong will qualities of which everyday citizens seem NOT to possess..
"[We've] given too many chances to law, to democracy and to peace”. Who is the good Maulana to come tell us we're not deserving of peace, democracy and law? Ship him back home.
I could hear the balloon popping with a big noise.
Am i reading stuff like those of international hatred material from west
"has threatened to destabilise the nuclear-armed country"
Whats this?????
@Umais:
Article 62 and 63 were introduced by the usurper Gen Zia, but since you seem to be interested in the Constitution please read Article 6 also. Shall we apply this now?
6.High treason. [4A][(1) Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.] (2) Any person aiding or abetting [4B][or collaborating] the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason. [4C][(2A) An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court.]
The govenments in Pakistan, sadly, never seem to learn from mistakes committed time and again in our past political history: Appeasing the Mullah will never be conducive for putting the country on a moderate path in accordance with ideals envisaged by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan Movement. The today's drama will only help to perpetuate our cultural of political short-sightedness.
So did he achieve the goal of the march? or he got claustrophobic.
Ha. Haa. .. Haaaa....... What a flop drama......,!!! A big joke with the poor people came for long march, hoping for some real change.
Thank God for a powerful peaceful protest ending without derailing democracy and bloodshed. Power of the people coming together for the good of the country is starting to work. Much more work ahead to kick out the illiterate and bring the honest hardworking to lead Pakistan.
will Rehman Malik still bother to enlighten the nation where TUQ got the funding from?
Well done, Qadri!
@Alina: It is a drama but there is more at stake here than people's delayed flights. The majority of our population can't even afford to fly.
@Umais: "constitution of pakistan artticle 62: todays politician : Do they qualify?
constitution of pakistan article 62 politicians of todays age cant be elected by it, read it
[63A]
" Do read it and tell me if Jinnah would have qualified.
Imran Khan wanted change... Why didn't he participate in the long march? Respects to Tahir ul Qadri and his followers for all there efforts. We need a change just like Libya or Egypt
Mission a success. May this draft be put forward to CJ and ECP as guidelines from the nation vs ruling parties declaration and Fakhrudeen G Ebrahim may follow it in letter and spirit.
Agreement with Yazeedi forces done
@khan: "Here we go again! Why does Pakistan’s nuclear capability come into all reports?"
You can read "nuclear armed" and "first democratic transition of power between two civilian governments at elections" in the same line. Whenever you see the word "nuclear-armed" there is Army's input there and if you see "nuclear power" there is more of civilian govt.'s input there. Even in a recent statement on LOC clashes, Ms. Khar used the word "nuclear armed" to please the army. Army still has its ambitions. That Qadri has failed does not mean that army will stop trying. They shall try other strategies. However, Pakistanis are very much determined to see the first Civilian to Civilian transfer of power and this is the only hope.
Qadri says: “I had asked the women to not participate, but they insisted and debated with us. They have come here on their own will.”
He asked all participants, including woman and children to take oath on Quran that they shall stay and not leave the protests. Had he been so considerate, he could have asked them to leave even after the protest reached Islamabad.
Shouldn't let them go so easily. These lunatics should be accountable for all the chaos created which resulted in instability. Also need to get to the root of his agenda, looks like foreign country intelligence agencies are involved in sponsoring this act.
I hope this dharma ends peacefully. Chaudhry Shujaat also held talks with Akbar Bugti and Lal Masjid clerics and both end in failure.
constitution of pakistan artticle 62: todays politician : Do they qualify?
constitution of pakistan article 62 politicians of todays age cant be elected by it, read it
[63A] [62. Qualifications for membership of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament): (1) A person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) unless- (a) he is a citizen of Pakistan; (b) he is, in the case of the National Assembly, not less than twenty -five years of age and is enroled as a voter in any electoral roll in- (i) any part of Pakistan, for election to a general seat or a seat reserved for non-Muslims; and (ii) any area in a Province from which she seeks membership for election to a seat reserved for women.
(c) he is, in the case of Senate, not less than thirty years of age and is enrolled as a voter in any area in a Province or, as the case may be, the Federal Capital or the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, from where he seeks membership; strong text(d) he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions; (e) he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practises obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins ; (f) he is sagacious, righteous and non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law; (g) he has not, after the establishment of Pakistan, worked against the integrity of the country or opposed the ideology of Pakistan.
The Govt. is saying that it's illegal what Qadri is demanding. However, the Govt. itself is illegal because of NRO. The whole system is corrupt to the core. It is highly unlikely, that things could change positively (problems be resolved) by this system. Revolutions may come if we can getrid first of this corrupt setup. Common people, seeing the corruption at its highest level, besides various other miseries, do talk of revolutions as the need of the hour. I believe this is where Qadri is standing.
I think personally they should stop all this drama. There are people out there being delayed for the flights.
Unbelievable! Just last week in the aftermath of so many Shia deaths, no one from the upper echelons of government was bothered to go there and speak to the relatives of the victims. . But someone comes from Canada out of the blue, leads a million man long march (which begs the question, Where did he get so many people from?) and the government is in a tizzy and negotiating with him?!
In this country this is the only democratic way of getting some reforms. Way to go people in the sit-in. Good going TUQ.
@Ahmad Hassan Awan:
I salute you and your comment.....
Shame on PTI. Imran i do not want to vote to you. I am a member of PTI since 1997 but you have proved yourself SLOW. No timing in your politics. IK U have strengthened the hands of Zardaris and Bloody Sharifs. You could not raise on the occasion. Why Ik why. Please do not get yourself influenced by the Hashmi,Mukhdoom and Tareens. All of these faces were not in your party fold when you managed to address the largest rally till that time in recent past. I respect Dr. Tahir ul Qadri. Hazart Hussain (AS) fought on his own you too remained alone. Well done Tahir ul Qadri. Pakistanis do not deserve good Government.
We must appreciate the sacrifice by women and children and their perseverance in the cold out there. Their persistence there for more than four days, shows how frustrated the people have become with the ever growing problems the present Government has been unable to solve. At the very minimum a caretaker should have been nominated to takeover when the Government’s term ends in March.
@ifti:
Very well put.
Few months ago our people wanted Revolution. They wanted to get rid of the curropt people. Now when it might happen, all Pakistanis are scared. Pakistanis are with time the most confused nation. We are not sure wht we really want. You want progress and peace at any cost or do you want the current Democratic system to prevail at any cost. Its true that Democratic progress could never take place in Pakistan but to be honest most of the time (like now) there is a reason for tht. In any case Pakistan can any a leader in Khakis, shalwar kameez, I dont care. The main point is that we progress and our able to get rid of our problems.......our problem is not DEMOCRACY our problem is Curruption.....simple
Dialogue before me is not only view able but also listenable mind you Qadrri, it is not a matter of your own will now, there must be a mic.
People sitting outside in the rain, in the chill with their few month old babies while this baigharat munafiq is sitting in a warm cozy Boom proof container?
Qadri Sb you should be OUT OF THE BOX With Innocent people
And Why TUQ family members are not part of the long march and why are they not sitting in freezing cold with the people.
All i can say that, Qadri Sb and poeple out there are the ones Who dare to come out, not like us who give reasons and justfications instead of action.
Literally just think how many of us thought and commented on the cause that was behind ...
Grow up ... that's the best chance at least to trigger some movement and motivation..
Pakistan is not ready for revolutions. They just happy with sitting at home and voting for corrupt people. I dont agree with you complerely TUQ because you dont give your people a solution. If elections are free and fair who do you suggest everybody should vote for? They should vote for honest people and that is no political party except PTI. But elections are fair you will see the jahil people voting for the same rubbish
Dear Readers Qadri is a human ... like other humans he may be wrong...but What he is saying is the problem of All Nation....
Let him and his supporters stay there for another cold and damp night in Islamabad. I am sure he himself may not come his senses but his murideen will certainly see the writing on the wall.
This puppet show has failed miserably and Qadri should leave for his newly acquired homeland ,Canada, by the first available flight.
I have felt that they all are corrupts, they all takecare of their own interest, nobody takecare of issues related to poor people of pakistan. Either government nor opposition do any thing or give any solution to solve these public isuess in last five years especilly government who are in power, they all come together to save constitution but actualy under this umbrella they protect their own interest, they are old playyers and they know the gaps of constitutions and they use it to play with pakistan people. I agree the way Qadri adopt is not adequate but he has addressed the real issues which public faces.
I am sorry but as much as I agree with points brought forward by Qadri, I find it hard to follow him...how can you show that you feel what the common man is feeling when you give big speeches from behind a bullet proof glass, in an anti bomb heated container?
Bubble popped..... revolution does'nt come while sitting in a box..... one has to stand up and Lead..... i wonder why people follow this man who talks no sense.... his only tool is to flare up people emotions by use of religion..... he z a fake and peaple should understand that. Check his history before you follow him, he z also corrupt in some other sense.
Here we go again! Why does Pakistan's nuclear capability come into all reports?
NAB Chairman's outburst in the SC today is exactly what Qadri has been saying that the Govt is not implementing SC orders and the country has drifted into anarchy. Now all Pakistanis should come out on to the streets to join hands with Qadri. It's now or never. Don't think too long.
@Sonia: Yes
One more deadline.
Good move by Government.
Don't you mean Thursday 3pm?
What i will say about it, its a pre-planned drama which is being played. Where are Nation Agendas and way to get out the hindrance / difficulties which are being faced by the Nation.
wednesday or thursday?
"ISLAMABAD: The government, responding to Dr Tahirul Qadri’s 90 minutes deadline, constituted a committee to hold talks with him on Wednesday, reported Express News." "Qadri also announced that he will end the sit-in in Islamabad by Wednesday night." @ET "Thursday" not "Wednesday", if I am right.
Wednesday nahi THURSDAY!
Dear today is thursday not Wednesday:)
I can see Qadri loosing the game which is not good.. Agression is the only option left for him.. Govt should avoid clashes, as it will be prove more bad for the govt. In case the clash start it will become bigger and bigger in the whole country.
People living abroad on dual nationality are not familiar with the changing realities of Pakistan. Now Qadri will realize he misunderstood Pakistani society and Politics and has done a blunder.
The times of extra-constitutional adventures have gone in Pakistan no genius political force will support any thing that is out of constitution.
But why does he wants to have discussion with ex-PM or ex-president or ex-ministers ?
Trying to put blame on others for his own failing emenating from a false sense of grandeur and feeling of being the messiah. Shame on you Mr Cheat. Go back to your masters and dont play with the emotions of each and everyone of us whos is fed up with the corrupt government and equally morally bankrupt establishment. Leave us alone.
He is trying to secure a graceful exit.Government should be magnanimous and send delegation.It will be a face saving exit for Mr.Qadri.
What sort updates are u giving? Wed,3 p.m. is over. Then why are u updating it now.
90 minutes, 900 minutes or 9000 minutes. This govt is corrupt and will not listen anything. They are twisted tails and no matter how much efforts we make, they will never get better. My advice is that we have patiently waited 4.75 years now wait for more weeks and VOTE SENSIBLY.
“We have already given too many chances to law, to democracy and to peace”. Basically, TUQ just confessed he is a thug who wants to break the law, wants the government destabalised, and just indirectly encouraged all his blind followers to break the peace.
Qadri’s protest rally, which began from Lahore on January 13, has threatened to destabilise the nuclear-armed country ....................
am I reading an american newspaper? "nuclear-armed country" really?
If he were sitting amongst the people instead of in a heated bullet proof container...........it would have have been more effective.
ahaha, its quite funny watching this man twist himself into knots because nobody gives a damn.
Mullah Qadri's last stunt !!!!
Qadri, "If you don't meet our demands in 90 minutes... then be warned... we shall... give you another 90 minutes!" shocked gasp from crowd
Qadri shb, Please close your shop there and let people go to thier homes.
He wants Chaos and nothing else.
" has threatened to destabilise the nuclear-armed country " ... the reason for mentioning the A-bomb ?
come'n Qadri sb... stop making fun of yourself....
Dear Mr TUQ ! i agree like many people what you said in your speeches but the truth is , it is not going to make any difference . Our nation is in deep crap. It is just terrible seeing women and kids in cold rain . Please go home . we do not deserve good leaders . It is "like people, like leaders "
He is seeking face saving.He should be tried for many reasons.Let him not run away.
Nothing is going to happen in 90-minutes. It is time for Qardri to get cat out of his hat. Regardless of ones apprehension about his agenda he has at least high lighted issues that are dear to a commoner - an eye opener for politicians.
Wednesday??