Qadri backs off from contesting polls

Lashes out at election commission, describes it as ‘blind, deaf and dumb’.

RAWALPINDI: The rhetorical slogans of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief, Dr Tahirul Qadri, came to naught on Sunday when he announced that his party will not participate in the forthcoming elections.

The firebrand cleric made the announcement while addressing his supporters at a public rally here at Liaqat Bagh.

“Go and make preparations for sit-ins across the country on the election day,” he told his supporters, asking them to raise awareness about the ‘corrupt’ election process.

“We will stage peaceful ‘change the system sit-ins’” on the election day to register our protest against the monopolistic political system,” he said. He also lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP),describing it as unconstitutional.

The PAT chief also came down hard on the judiciary saying it should have taken suo motu notice of the violation of the constitution while constituting the ECP.

Vision for Pakistan

Explaining his vision for a “better and peaceful Pakistan”, Qadri said he wanted to eliminate extremism and terrorism and promote a culture of love, moderation, peace and tolerance in the country.

Dr Qadri said that he wanted to introduce a new model of government which, according to him, would be a blend of presidential and parliamentary systems.

He said that each division of the country should be made a province.

The PAT chief said there should be uniformed education system in the country, while women should have equal rights.

He also called for land reform saying “No one will possess land exceeding 50 acres”. He also advocated house for every family, job for every youth, empowerment of local government, setting up of courts at union council level, high courts at district level, appointment of SHOs through voting and a proper procedure for casting votes is my vision for a developed and prosperous Pakistan,” he said.

Dr Qadri said that corrupt politicians were raising fingers at the expenses incur on public gatherings of the PAT, but let me tell them “I am honest and that is why people trust me”.

Thoroughfares, businesses remain shut

Roads, streets and business centres near the public gathering of the PAT wore a deserted look and residents preferred to stay home. Traffic was diverted to alternative routes due to which residents faced immense difficulties.

Murree Road near Marrir Chowk and Sixth Road flyover, Raja Bazaar and Kutchhery Road were closed to traffic, causing worst traffic jams on the alternative routes.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2013.