Government in talks with Tahirul Qadri
Tahirul Qadri addresses supporters during a protest rally in Islamabad, Jan 17, 2013. — Photo by AFP
ISLAMABAD: A government delegation held talks with Tahirul Qadri, chief of the Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ), to avert a political crisis and disperse a rally that has heaped pressure on the government, DawnNews reported on Thursday evening.
The delegation comprises of Afrasiab Khattak, Farooq Naek, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Chaudhry Shujaat, Babar Ghauri, Khurshid Shah, Amin Faheem, Farooq Sattar and Mushahid Hussain.
Earlier, Qadri had given the government a ‘last deadline’ of until 3 pm to meet his demands which he had later extended to 3:45 pm. At the time, he had also stated that talks could only be held with President Asif Ali Zardari. However, the government had constituted a committee to hold talks with the TMQ chief.
He had added that he was giving a last chance to the government to address his demands.
In his address earlier, Qadri had said that the attitude of the country’s rulers had proven that there was no space for peace in Pakistan.
Addressing his supporters during the sit-in in Islamabad, Qadri had stated that although he had given the government three weeks for talks, the rulers had failed to budge.
He had said the country’s current rulers did not believe in a peaceful resolution of issues confronting the nation.
The TMQ chief had also stated that hundreds of thousands had been staging a sit-in in the capital for days, adding that the participants were only counting on God’s mercy.
Qadri had moreover said that the country was not being governed under a democratic system and instead barbarity was the order of the day.
He had also criticised Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf for travelling to Balochistan four days after the bombings in Quetta, saying the rulers did not have a democratic temperament.
The TMQ chief had moreover questioned as to how were the “terrorists” entering the country, adding that brutality was at its extreme in Pakistan.
Qadri had also claimed that members of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) were also participating in the sit-in.
Govt constitutes committee for talks with Qadri
Moreover, sources had earlier told DawnNews that the president had been informed of Qadri’s demand for holding talks with him.
Sources had at the time added that the federal government had constituted a committee of four to hold talks with the TMQ chief.
The committee included Afrasiab Khattak, Farooq Sattar, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Khurshid Shah.
The TMQ chief is leading tens of thousands of protesters outside parliament to demand that the government resign. It is the largest political rally in the capital for years.
The rally has threatened to destabilise the country as it inches towards what would be the first democratic transition of power between two civilian governments in the upcoming elections.
An estimated 25,000 people are believed to be taking part in the largest rally in Islamabad since the current government took office in 2008.
Earlier on Wednesday, the main opposition parties demanded an immediate timetable for elections, but refused to join Qadri.
The government has announced no date for polls but says parliament will disband in mid-March to make way for a caretaker government and elections within 60 days.
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.
Qadri’s sudden — and apparently well-financed — emergence after years in Canada has been criticised as a ploy by sections of the establishment to delay the elections and sow political chaos.
Information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has ridiculed the TMQ chief, accusing him of staying in a “seven-star bunker” while women and children camp out in the chilly nights and issued a veiled threat alluding to his possible arrest.
While critics dismiss Qadri’s supporters as a rent-a-crowd, many of the sit-in participants articulate real concerns about Pakistan’s problems, digging in for the long-haul, with supplies of food, water and mattresses and blankets.
What happened to the great out spoken Imran Khan that used to condemn the government of corruption and mismanagement?There is now a man that thinks like him on the forefront.Why is he not standing shoulder to shoulder with him since they both have the same views of the government?Of course it takes guts and courage to stand for one’s believes.Imran can now show his true worth in this issue here.
What a joke!!!!. MQM supporting long march and at the same time representing the government in the talks with Tahirul Qaudri.
Hey, Mr Qadri, be careful. The track record of Ch. Shujaat is not very good for negotiations. He negotiated with the Chief Akbar Bugti of Baluchistan. he got killed, he negotiated with the Imam of Lal Masjid, he got killed. Now, Zardari has sent him for YOU.
hopefully the same fate is destined for Qadri
will qadri become the anna hazare of pakistan? will he be the nemesis of the corrupt but why shud he link up with support from any institution? why cant he project himself as an upright person and face all who are corrupt
Yes, my question is will he not become corrupt like all other politicians when and if he comes to power ? He speaks too much.
I really hope that all of our politicians have a same ending as Qaddafi and sooner. (excluding IK)
….and Qari sahab
qadri has gathered 25,000 guys in suport of his change which in some senses is correct…. however the government have taken too much time in sitting and talking to him… the good thing governements done is not gone and beaten these people….
but if the countrys going to change over a guy in a funny hat and 25000 people sitting on the street then pakistan will change every few weeks.
qadris just supported by the americans as he was part of the musharraf crap in the past….
we need someone a lot stronger to come out take over…
like who??
why they should have beaten them up, what is the reason? they are peaceful, asking for right demands, no abnormal demands. nothing illegal demand.
no bad language used, very decent language all the time .
Government official make fun of him, he did not say a word for mit . Reman malikhave been making irresponsible remarks, which take him away from the post of interiot minister., T U Q is man of principal , the way he put his case forwardis very legal.
best of luck for pakistani nation
Totally right. After spending millions in advertisements the turn out is pathetic. I can bring 100,000 people without any advertisement so you will see me next asking for a change.
some people are with qadri shb and some are not and some are say he must not come in politcs. whats happened next days. Any one say.
if goverment has any thing good left within them, it should quit today. Amazingly they are still insisting to continue it till the mid march. I think what they want to prove that what they have failed to do for the betterment of country in appx.4.10 years they would deliver within one and half month. how the obstinate behaviour.
No matter the size of the crowd atleast one person has come face to face with the government on the issues of corruption, terrorism and unresponsive attitude towards people’s problems.
very right, he is the only one person , protest of even one person is big thin , this is the largest protest in the history of pakistan for 5 days from 13th -17th.
andthere are 100 of thousands people. even 10 people protsetin is very bad what about this big crowed.
dr qadri is the only person who with his follower gathererd in front of parliment to raise peoples right and govt accept it. this is very good sign of democracy . and whole cradit goes to dr tahir ul qadri . we should thank dr Qadri as well the people of pakistan who went islamabad in severe winter season for the people of pakistan .and govt has agreed 2 adopt dr qadri as well as his followers demands.
If you want a change then go to the polling stations and vote, elections are almost there. Pakistan can not afford another dictator. Nations build their future by following a democratic process, not a short cut. Miracle will never happen buddy.
Qadri’s action could de-rail the democratic process and that we do not want. Plus Qadri is a puppet playing for some one else. Why he kept sitting in Canada for 5 years.
Absolutely, at least he has courage to come out. I dont know whether he is stooge of someone, but what ever he is saying has weight. Pakistan has to get rid of the corrupt politician and the two big parties PPP & PML (N). They are not sincere to Pakistan and work with only one agenda,which we all know.
Qadri sb zindabad. At last someone has the guts to stand up for what he and every good citizen believes in. He certainly rattle the cages of the ruling elite! Shame on the Pak politicians and especially PPP leadership. So disappointed with Kaira as I thought he was better then the other chors but he is no different!
just think where qadri was in prev 4.5 yrs ,,, he just came to interfere in election process,,, nd bdw who gave him the name of Shaykh ul Islam,,,, he is not shayk ul islam cuz he is coward ,,,, hiding in a 5 star bunker ,,,
I am personally dubious when it comes down to Qadri however the reality is that he is currently reiterating what the average Pakistani people have to say about the current government. How many of you people can put your hand on your heart and say that you are satisfied with the current government? What do you get in return for paying all these direct and indirect taxes – humiliation? Taxes on mobile phones, international incoming calls, duty on vehicles (over 125%), taxes on basic utilities. The list is never ending… All of this money is used to pay for the inefficient staff employed by the current government. The major opposition parties are in the same position apart from the fact that they are not getting a chance to reap as much benefits as the PPP.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan seems to be one of the very few people competent enough to run the country if the need arises. At least he is loyal to his own people. Hat’s off to CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry.
Its sad for Pak that civil Govt threatened while nearing its term, by over-ambitious CJ & opportunist Mullah.
why you do not understand that Dr Qadari is asking for elimination of corrupt people , any body who is not corropt will face no charges. hei not asking for any illegal, thing. he is asking for rule of law. and bannin gof corrupt politicain from contesting elections.
what have we got from last 5 years of democracey.
because all corrpt are going to come back again for 5 years that is why he has chosen the right time .
before election this should be decided that no corrupt , choor , daciote , tax chore , light chore , raja rental will not contest election
You must either be one of the very few beneficiaries benefiting from the current government or a loyal supporter who finds it difficult to differentiate between right and wrong. I am very sad that despite the incapabilities of the government you still prefer to criticise people who try to bring change and justice in the country. There is a saying that the leaders will be a reflection of the people who support them. Every bit of the comment made by Human is 100% true. Why are you forcing your country down the path of destruction?
The Chief Justice has done a great deal more than what any leader has ever done during his / her time on the so called throne of Pakistan. That’s exactly what it is – a throne not a democracy.
@Noormohd Its sad for Pak that people like you still want THIS government to complete its term.
delegation coming at 3:45 pm
We r With Qadri sab
The current government and especially Mr Kaira need to accept their ineptness of not being able to sort the problems out of the average person as opposed to criticising others. Lets face it, these people are deprived from their basic rights so what do you expect? No gas, electricity, basic utilities, shortage of jobs and to top it off no value of life…
I really do hope prosperity comes to Pakistan and the people of Pakistan enjoy the benefits, not politicians.
I agree with this. Very well said
They will only when they move from Boys to Men. If the country wants to be rescued by General Big Daddy nothing will change. Imran Khan is smarter than you. If their is a revolution it will have to be an Islamist revolution.
The English speaking Pakistanis prefer the Tyranny of the Minority to the Tyranny of the Majority. The people who built Pakistan don’t want the barbarians to carry away their goods.
“What’s our’s is our’s and what’s your’s is mine.”
Jeyo Qadri Sahab, Atleast someone had the guts to bring about 300,000+ people in the Capital against extreme corruption and terrorism that our country has been witnessing since past 5 years. I Salute the courageous men, women and children sleeping on the streets with temperatures close to zero degrees.
On the other hand I am quite disappointed with PTI, they have exactly the same cause, but Khan Sahab prefers to sit on the side lines waiting for someone else to clear the mess for him so that they may have a chance in the next elections. The punch to the government would have been much bigger and the game would have been over by now, if PTI had joined in. FB
Agreed….Mr Khan seems to have missed an opportunity here. Mr Qadri has at least walked the walk whatever the eventual outcome.
I agree 100% with you , all corrupts are getting together,against the right
Every uncontitutional practice has been legitimised by govt and opposition as they have joined hands for their currupt practices. Qadri’s method may not suit them but he is 100% percent right. He is voice of every Pakistani except ruling class.
can some body tell me what is PTI doing , we can understand the all opposition lparties view,m because trhey all corrupt, but cannot understand the PTI, the hope of the nation is badly hurt by PTI and especially Imran Khan .
If the opposition had not been in bed with the govt and pulled them up when they strayed we would not be here today, but they consorted with the govt…the govt must have thought it was christmas everyday..
very well said, now people should wake up and rejects PPP and all Opposition parties, i am sad to see the impotent role of PTI, whole nation was disappioted from PTI role in the moment of need and moment of need to support the RIGHT (HAQ) but they failed
all the corrupts (rulers and “opposition”) have joined hands to save their vested interests.
Great Asif Bhai
The corrupt and liar is the guy doing something unconstitutional and MOREOVER un-Islamic…..so the question and concern is on his very legitimacy of being an Islamic student…..
Al Azhar Sharif a issued a decree/fatwa that TQ is an imposter.
The action done by a Canadian in Pakistan is not only unconstitutional but also VERY UN ISLAMIC!!!!!
IK EGO and PTI Troll Loose Lips sinks Tsunami ships.I think if IK want to become true leader,he should join the protest.
Till now government not announced any date of election which can diffuse situation.But they will not do and Army is clear in it’s stance.they don’t want power.
PTI is sinking the whole nations hopes, Imran Khan has missed the boat, still he can run for it if he want to catch up today is last day, otherwise he will miss it for ever.
As a PTI supporter I understand and share your frustration but I also understand system is more important then parties and individuals and IK is doing right thing by following constitution. Their is no easy way out. What if IK joins in and sinks the govt three months before its mandate ends. This card will be used by PPP or MQM three years from now to sink PTI’s or PMLn’s govt. If democracy is the right system then it will weed out these bad apples over time. Now lets hope our public wise up and truly elect representative who represent their aspiration.
Politicians see the World in color. The Pure see the World only in black and white.
Oh great, another OBL
Don’t think he has enough guts to be one
shame on Pakistani media who write that 25000 people are present in Qadri sit-in
Gulfnews from UAE, Dubai wrote today that minum 200000 people are present in sit-in.
you have to actually go there and see for yourself .. the actual number is even lesser then 25000. the fact is Qadri has no mandate what so ever. if he was so concerned about the people, he could have returned to Pakistan in time to get his party registered as a political party and start an election campaign like the PTI. asking for the military and the judiciary who have no constitutional/legal mandate for constituting election commission or a caretaker govt is insane …
Thank you, and stated very well. While I am no fan of present government but the parliament will be resolved in March and elections held in next 60 days, what is Mr. Qadri problem of trying to hurry-in the process and create unnecessary inconvenience to so many innocent folks by staging sit-in amounts to insanity.
We cant even trust our own media…..
Brother a little calculation for you to think about
If taken 1 Sq Mtr area for a person it takes roughly about 3.3 km long road of 75 feet width to accommodate 200,000 Thousand people, if you were there have you measured the road?
I think there are at least 2 lac people calculated as follows:
width of one road = 50 feet = 17m
2 roads = 100 feet = 34m
length = 3 kms
At 2 persons per square meter (9 square feet):
minimum number of people = 2 x 3000 x 34 = 204,000
Shame on who? How do you ascertain, how big is the crowd? Is there any scientific criterion? I propose a counter be set up at the entry point to the rally, or a ticket system -:)
These corrupt govt. should go now and should not be part of new govt.
Negotiations are the best solution. Even countries at war do resort to back-door negotiations for the explicit reason to get out of the woods.
Those who do not participate in this Revolution have no right to talk about government injustice and tyranny….We are with you Dr. Qadri and will promote your sit in via facebook and twitter….
Right on Even Imran has been exposed now. He believes in running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. He has failed the acid test of now or never.
great!
Yeah, we are going to sit on the twitter and facebook servers -:)
While I have my suspicions for Qadri, but I have no doubt about the people supporting him. People are fed up of the incompetence of rulers. I also have no doubt about Qadri’s demands being justified. The argument that many parties give against the demands being unconstitutional is hypocritical. Is putting up a prime minister who is being accused of corruption constitutional? or a president holding a political party’s chairmanship constitutional? I have now come to a conclusion that we get what we deserve. And we deserve Zardaris…
Well said.
(Al Quran 13:11) “Verily, God does not change the state of a People until they change themselves.”
All i can say after witnessing politics in pakistan: God have mercy on our dear homeland!!
we are really surprised how these rulers are running country the only solution is military we all are corrupt as we can see all corrupt rulers are now hands in hands with each other.
Military is no solution at all. We will not get now the past most honest and sincere military personnel like Azam Khan, Musa Khan and Nur Khan. But later period, Pakistan was not able to produce such honest and sincere military personnel. Most of our democracy rulers are produced by our later period’s military rulers. Therefore, we should not expect anything good from our military personnel. Yes, there is still some honest and sincere military personnel, but they are not willing to join in the mess.
Speak for yourself man, there are others here as well -:)
absolutely right
Shame on you pakistani koum your all need to wise up or be left in the dark ages as from what we can see in the west is that you have 1 person in the whole country who has set aside his own self intrest in the intrest of you the awaam, and all you can do it be-little the guy and not show solidarity this is the nature of you sell outs in paksitan and you may aswell let the yazeedi empire rule as this is what your future deserves, may allah protect Dr Qadri and get him a swift exit from your ill forgotten people of pakistan, you sow your seeds of zaldari and now reep the rewards of the future and from what I can see you may aswell start packing and go to india your future will be brighter.