Tahirul Qadri threatens march towards PM house. PHOTO: SHAHBAZ MALIK
Qadri said peaceful workers were being arrested and tortured under an 'undemocratic' PML-N government. “If I am killed upon my arrival, my workers should remain calm,” he added.
As Rawalpindi prepares for Qadri, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed in the city and public gatherings have been banned until 12pm June 24, Express News reported on Sunday.
Qadri is due to arrive at Benazir Bhutto International Airport at 7:30am on June 23.
Pillion riding has also been banned in the city and mobile services may be suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi tomorrow, according to sources.
Speaking to Express News, PAT leader Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi said that the imposition of section 144 will not stop PAT supporters from receiving their leader upon arrival.
"Our organisation team in Rawalpindi-Islamabad were coordinating with the district police officer (DPO) and district coordination officer (DCO) to make arrangements for Qadri’s reception," Dr Abbasi stated.
"We attempted to organise the reception in a manner that did not trouble anyone," he said, adding that the police invited 12 of their workers last night under the ruse of finalising said arrangements and arrested them instead.
He claimed that over 500 party supporters have been arrested from various parts of the country.
Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed also spoke to Express News and claimed the police were raiding houses of PAT workers. “Whenever the government says they will give freehand to organise a protest, it means they will create hindrances," Rasheed said, adding that he will give more details in a press conference at Islamabad Press Club at 6pm today.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Punjab chapter president Ejaz Chaudhry claimed that the government wishes to repeat the events of the Model Town tragedy. He told Express News that the two Sharif brothers - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif - had a hand in creating disturbance.
'Police harassing PAT workers'
Express News screengrab of Hasan Mohiuddin Qadri and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi.
In a joint press conference with Qadri’s son Hasan Mohiuddin Qadri, Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid (PML-Q) Punjab president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi accused police of harassing PAT workers and leaders.
“We strongly condemn these actions; by taking such steps, government is creating chaos and lawlessness,” Elahi said, adding that the state should act sensibly and let PAT supporters welcome their leader.
“Arresting supporters will not weaken this movement but only strengthen it,” Elahi said.
Hasan also addressed the media and said that their supporters are peaceful and that going to Islamabad to welcome their leader is not an illegal act in itself.
“Our mission is peaceful; we don’t believe in disrupting law and order,” he said.
PTI's stance
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan extended support for Qadri’s march and said that his party will stand by him. However, he clarified that his party has no plans of forming an alliance.
“It is unfair to arrest Pakistan Awami Tehreek workers and the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to resign immediately over Lahore clashes,” he added.
Security arrangements
Strict security will be in place at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Monday.
Passenger vehicles will be banned from the airport and army troops will be deployed to avoid any untoward incident.
Containers have already been placed outside the airport as a measure to restrict movement.
Express News screengrab of containers outside Benazir Bhutto International.
Airport road will remain closed to traffic and public transport to the airport will also be suspended.
Two choppers will monitor Qadri's arrival and 10,000 security personnel will be deployed on route from the airport to Gujjar Khan.
Media coverage will also be restricted.
COMMENTS (67)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1725460230-0/Untitled-design-(1)1725460230-0-165x106.webp "article")
We are awaiting it anxiously.Do it on top most priority to get rid the nation of the corrupt and the most worst democratic system than dictatorship.....
All the forces under command of anti Democratic forces are gathering together to uproot Democratic Set up and bring back some form of set up that will work under the controlled of Army.
Just go back and never return. This country had enough of military rule, let democracy take root in this country. Enough of madness of 67 years.
we dont need u
I am very surprised media is giving so much live coverage to a foreign national.
I am PTI fan , but seriously TUQ go home i.e CANADA you are not pakistani . dont try to topple a democratic government although this democracy is feet-less but let them deliver whatever good they are trying !!
@Enemy of MUNAFIQs: you are also enemy of common sense. Tell me who elects this government of by the family........for the family....... People of Pakistan and you think you are wiser.
The only good thing about him is that he resembles Nasiruddin shah...
@Ch. Allah Daad:
What about NS when his goons attach SC. was that law abiding act. Did he answers to the allegation what Bob woodrow made against NS. Can he tell the nation how he money launder the country's money to different parts of the world to buy businesses there. Was it law abiding? I can go on and on his crimes are so many he is only fit in jail.
@a:
TUQ has given all the answers to your questions and much more. If you are interested you can listen to his interviews.
The military brass has decided to form a National unity Government, but is not sure if the ensamble will accept Sharif as the head of the transitionary civilian Government?
Rex Minor
@Wassim Akhbar: Punjabi govt., punjabi military, punjabi Supreme Court, punjabi PCB, punjabi election commission, God bless Punjabistan.
Qadri was at best a nuisance that could be dealt with........now due to PML-N's blundering Qadri has acquired the mantle of the ' wronged ' and the dimensions of a formidable adversary............PML-N has shot itself in the foot.
@salman: @salman: actually they are trying to protect poor people of Pakistan from opportunists politicians like Qadri, Imran, Sheikh Rashid and Ch brothers who are desperately looking for more and more human blood for their politics. So you are right
"I can see pmln are nervous. I just hope they display better sense then they did in model town."
Allah bless Pakistan. Allah save Pakistan from Tahir ul Qadri, Imran Khan and their mentors.
@Hashim Raza: Who you are to label others dishonest, ruthless, brutal, inhuman - I'm sure you are dishonest, ruthless, brutal, inhuman who is doing his best to destablize our Pakistan with purpose...
@Wassim Akhbar: Shame for you who is using this forum of Express Tribune to promote lingual differences. Media should also play positive role in this regard. I request Express Tribune to please don't publish such comments that have hate for any part of my country. ET should show the social responsibility here.
I never take this man serious. He will do politics of agitation for few days then he will return to his country Canada.
AoA,
what a shameful nation we are. even non Muslim are better than Pakistani nation.
PAT should be vigilant. The sacked Gullu Sanaullah is famous for nursing banned outfits from southern Punjab. He and his masters won't behave responsible.
@Muhammad: @Ali:
Only a fool and blind would deny that the country is already under Marshal law, two third has been commandeered by the army in khaki, and the Punjab has become the private Estate of Sharifs and his cronies, who recently received the blessings from the Modi Sarkar when he was given the tributes from Pakistan on his coronation.
Rex Minor
@Wassim Akhbar:
Actually to be precise its Kashmiri establishment which is ruling over all of us including over Punjabis. Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif Kashmiris should be sent to fight on Kashmir front instead of being allowed to kill innocent Punjabis to protect their fascist rule.
So much for democracy and so called democratic government in Pakistan, and then they wonder why some Bonaparte waiting the wings takes over with the barrel of gun. When this so called elected government become police state and killing it's own people for political gatherings then it is time to get rid of this fascist government and opt for mid term elections. Old habits seldom go away and the Sharif family is showing their true colors, after all they were the creation of dictator General Zia.
PML - N WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY DEMOCRACY ! Please do define the new definition of democracy enabling us to amend our dictionaries. I have A guess - Govt. for the FAMILY, By the FAMILY, For the FAMILY.
@Rehan: He should come back and tried for inciting the miscreants who attacked the policemen:
@Pakk: It's Pakistanis like you that give us a bad name. Why do we want an Egypt type result with a corrupt army ruling us?!?!
@Naheed: Why should we allow him to go back up Canada? We have to stop this practice of "leaders" in London , Canada on controlling the streets of Pakistan in mafia style?
He should be tried for incitement and money laundering.
Another demagogue enters the fray of Pakistani politics. Disrupt democracy and Pakistan constitutionalism will be on the throes of death. Is that what you want?
Soooo much is being spent on Qadri's security. This is another significant drain on the country's resources. The extent of security shows the level of nuisance value that Qadri is generating.
''Quadry is doing his work . He is giving a plateform to all anti govr. Forces . But govt. Knows that it is due to on going operation most of the supporters of terrorism will use this plateform. That is why they should be handled with iron hand .
why they allow him in pakistan he is greatest cartoon of east.
Let the workers of his party to receive him and organize a jalsa instead of provocation.
@Wassim Akhbar: "please save Pakistan from the punjabi establishment."
You racist. Stop hating on Punjabis.
Qadri Sahib, please hold only peaceful jalsas, no need for marches. The best way to make your point is to remain peaceful and hold massive rallies with at least two million attending. Should you take law into your hand and goad your supporters to become violent and upset the cart, Pakistan shall never forgive you for contributing to its problems, and then the Government would be justified in taking action against you and your workers/supporters, as per the law of the land. So desist and do not create any law and order problems.
Mr Tahir-al-Canady should go back to his adopted country. If he is so sincere about Pakistan why then he seeked asylum in a foriegn country? He is ano good trouble maker playing with sentiments of simpletons who are willing to due for their religion at his call so that he can go back and enjoy his palatial life style in his Canadian ranch! He is paving the way for a martial law. Shame on him.
@pakistani: PML(N) is not in panic nor its afraid of this person but it surely is afraid of dark forces who have organized his arrival to derail democracy. Everybody knows that this person has no support in public but his mission is very suspecious.
@Pakk: epytian revolution #1 or #2?
He is coming to fill in his empty pockets. No shame at all, what happened to his previous march to Islamabad, made an agreement with government and went back to Canada. Such a failure last time, why one should support him.
I presume it is a common phenomenon in Pakistan for people to be living from decades in England, Canada, US etc and organizing and running political parties in Pakistan. They, on chosen moments, kindly descend from their restful abodes, flushed with luxurious comforts of the world, as saviors of poor and suffering people of Pakistan. And it is a sight to see how the masses gather to celebrate their precious appearances and bow in gratefulness for their guidance. These are the leaders who have no idea how a common man lives his life every day and what all he faces for his survival. And people have no idea from where the huge funds are available to them to uproot governments.
@pakistani: sometimes over confidence proved expensive PML n is doing right in stopping this man who 'es only motive is to bring chaos in the country on the name of 'change'.
@Wassim Akhbar:
The Punjabi civil and military alliance Government has still the British crimes code 144 from the colonial days, which is illegal in democracies!
Rex Minor
@Wassim Akhbar: he will create chaos for few days, when gets bored of it, will fly back to canada via London. Ask him to take you with him if he fails to protect you from Punjabi Establishment. Hope you will be safer in Canada.
Tahir ur KEJRIWAL . Media's Superhero.
Qadri is the last hope of political dwarfs like Pervez Elahi and Sheikh Rasheed. Nation has rejected them now they seek short ways to return to politics by using Qadri. He will only be used for anarchy. Canadian citizen is gonna decide our fate?
**Shareefs treat Pakistan like they have inheirited as personal property from their father. They treat Pakistani civilians as animals who they can shoot when they want.
Army should protect Pakistan from Shareef brothers.**
@Multani: Who are you to ask Dr. Qadri to not come back to pakistan? Don't agree with his policies, fine but you have no right to ask someone who is a born Pakistani, has served Pakistan by teaching Law at Punjab University, built an orphanage home and given 100+ books related to matters of terrorism, peace in Islam and portrayed a moderate version of the religion to not come here. It is his country as much as yours. There are hundreds of thousands of overseas Pakistanis who help develop this economy and are keeping it alive. You cannot and should not differentiate between the two and split the nation especially when the constitution does not.
How shameless and self-centered can a man possible be? This is like spitting in the face of Pakistan and its people! We're in middle of a WAR! We do NOT need this political instability! Shame on all the political parties for doing this and the media for not calling them out on it!!!
@wassim akhbar What are you talking about?!
@Ali:
Its n league which is killing innocent people in broad day light and to undermining the military operation in Waziristan. N league was not in favour of this action against terrorists to start with and gave terrorists months to strengthen themselves and cause great harm to Pakistan including Karachi airport attack. N League just thinks of its electoral support which comes from among extremists. That is why they need to rig the elections too as general public were not behind them.
@Abdul Karim:
Are you referring to Shehbaz Sharif and Ch Nisar secretly meeting with Army chief in the middle of the night?
Please go back to your country Canada. Why are you coming to my country Pakistan??
March for what? what is the objective of the march? why is he always so ambiguous. He tells us of his means but doesnt tell us his objectives.
Its like hes saying ill do it cause i can
Politicians backed by Establishment are in full action to destabilize the country.
Quadri you are our only hope please save Pakistan from the punjabi establishment.
I can see pmln are nervous. I just hope they display better sense then they did in model town.
Fascist government totally afraid of Qadri. So much for its claim that it’s an elected government and has democratic support. If it has the support of public then what is it so afraid of? This seems to give credence to accusations that elections were rigged and people are not behind this government, hence it has to resort to foul tactics.
But would they accept it.? No, never, ...innocent Qadri supporters are above any law.
I personally feel two apprehensions behind the whole story; firstly there may be some threats or planned terrorist activities known to the Government or due to fact that retaliation in response to an operation may come up in twin cities and because of this security has been tightened and Section 144 has been imposed, a positive perspective of Government action.
Secondly, a negative and most commonly perceived, all this is been done intentionally by the Government to create a mess and provoke PAT followers to protest or rather react violently. PAT leaders have been arrested to with intention to stop PAT followers/leaders to arrange an organized/large reception.
Anyhow in both situations, there is lack of intellectual coordination and handling towards this matter. We as a society, in whole, are people of violence, agitation, aggression, dishonesty and intolerance. Pakistani leaders need to show more tolerance, more coordination, more nationalism and above all being Muslims we need to be more humane.
BUT Alas, May be Pakistani people deserve this because of our own deeds and that's why we are ruled by ignorant, extremists and self centered people with personal objectives and who are not patriots, a basic condition for serving ones country.
May Allah Almighty help us to stand up and get rid of dishonest, ruthless, brutal, inhuman and ignorant rules. Ameen
Whats the need? You wanna come, your are more than welcome, just come on your on from airport to home, the rest jalsa you can do nearby your home or in a ground. Why disturb the whole city's traffic ? :S
Please go back to Canada. Pakistan does not need you. Please don't come here. Please.
Pmln has seriously lost d plot!