Model Town JIT a travesty of justice: Qadri

PAT chief arrives in Lahore, says JIT with Shahbaz Sharif in power is not acceptable

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri on Thursday said that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe the Model Town incident gave the killers involved a "clean slate" instead of holding them responsible.

"The JIT is a travesty of justice," Qadri said.

Further, Qadri also said that the representation of the Punjab police in the JIT is unacceptable, adding that the PAT will not compromise on the "blood of the martyrs of Model Town."

Qadri went on to criticise the government and said that the assurances that they gave him during his talks with him were all "fake."

Differences with Imran Khan 

Dismissing rumours of a rift between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PAT, Qadri said he has no differences with PTI chief Imran Khan.

Speaking to Express News on his arrival in Lahore, Qadri said PTI and PAT leaders had been in contact even when he was away from Pakistan.

“PAT President Raheeq Abbasi, who is in my car right now, received a call from PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, welcoming me to Pakistan," he said.

'Sit-in movement'

Giving details of his new strategy to frustrate the government, Qadri said he has decided to take his sit-ins to other parts of the country.

“Our struggle is no more confined to a single sit-in but will be transformed into a nationwide 'movement of sit-ins',” he said, revealing his plans to hold rallies in Bhakkar, Sargodha, Sialkot, Mansehra and Karachi on November 23, December 5, 14, 21 and 25 respectively.

Model Town

Speaking about investigation into the Model Town clashes, Qadri said no probe panel with Shahbaz Sharif as chief minister will be acceptable to his party.

“The joint investigation team is formed by those who ordered Model Town massacre and took part in the killings – the Punjab government and Punjab police,” he asserted, adding that accepting such a panel will be equal to betraying the “martyrs” of Model Town.

Arrival

Qadri arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on Thursday morning concluding his visit to USA, Canada and UK. The PAT chief reportedly visited these countries for medical check up as well as reorganising his party.

Carrying balloons, flowers and party flags, hundreds of PAT supporters gathered to welcome their leader. Qadri and his supporters are on their way to Data Darbar where they will pay homage to the Sufi saint before heading to Model Town.

A large number of women and children were also seen in the convoy.