Qadri announces end to protest after government deal
Tahirul Qadri (L) gestures while talking with ruling parties coalition leaders Qamar Zaman Kaira (2R), Mushahid Hussain (C), and Farooq H. Naek (R) during a meeting at a protest rally in Islamabad on January 17, 2013. – AFP Photo
ISLAMABAD: Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri late on Thursday announced an end to four days of anti-government protests by thousands of people after striking a deal with the government.
A high level delegation struck a deal with the cleric after thousands of people largely paralysed the capital and put intense pressure on the government.
The agreement was reached after hours of negotiation inside a bulletproof container the religious leader was using at the demonstration site.
Thousands of protesters packed into the main avenue running through the federal capital, danced and cheered when Qadri announced from the container that he had hammered out an agreement with the government.
“We have reached an agreement. After getting the prime minister’s signature, we will read it in out front of protesters,” the TMQ chief told his supporters.
Tahirul Qadri, who supported a 1999 military coup, has been calling for the military to play a role in the formation of a caretaker administration in the run-up to elections due in May.
The government agreed with the cleric to dissolve the National Assembly before its term ends in mid-March, giving 90 days until elections are held, according to the “Islamabad Long March Declaration”.
That would give time to make sure politicians are eligible to stand for elections.
The government also agreed that the caretaker administration, which normally precedes elections, would be chosen in consultation with all parties.
A declaration laying out the agreement between the government and Qadri was signed by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf as well as the high-level government officials who made up the negotiating team.
The government delegation was comprised of Afrasiab Khattak, Farooq H. Naek, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Chaudhry Shujaat, Babar Ghauri, Khurshid Shah, Amin Faheem, Farooq Sattar, Senator Abbas Afridi and Mushahid Hussain.
They also agreed that the treasury benches in complete consensus with Qadri’s party will propose the names of two honest and impartial people for the appointment of caretaker prime minister.
On the issue of composition of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the agreement said that it will be discussed at a meeting on Jan 27 at the Minhaj-ul-Quran Secretariat in Lahore.
It was agreed upon that the focus will be on the enforcement of electoral reforms prior to the polls on article 62, 63 and 218 (3) of the constitution, section 77 to 82 of the representation of people’s act 1976 and other relevant provisions relating to conducting free and fair elections.
The Supreme Court’s judgement of June 8, 2012 on constitutional petition of 2011 must be implemented in true letter and spirit also.
Moreover, they also agreed that with the end of the long march and sit-in, all cases registered against each other shall be withdrawn immediately and there will be no acts of victimisation and vendetta against either party or the participants of the march.
The deal may ease pressure on the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which has come under fire for failing to tackle a range of problems, from a Taliban insurgency to a weak economy.
True popular movement will awaken people and affirm their supremacy, This is a historical evolution in the subcontinent, people refuse to live in miserable conditions forever and being manipulated and fooled by the ruling elite. The politicians trick of divide and rule, a weapon inherited from the colonial masters is the cause of backwardness and misery, suffering of the people. Salute brave people of Pakistan to set an example.
Sorry to interfere, but it looked very false revolution. Anna Hazare stayed in fast during 10day protest but Qadri sb stayed inside bullet proof car with all facilities. He should have been brave and should have been out like all his supporters, although there were chances of assassination but he should have taken that risk to show solidarity with common people.
Anil,
It appears that in both India and Pakistan democratic institutions face similar problems. In a parliamentary democracy the people maintain a continuous contact with their representatives, so it is kind of counter democracy that individuals appear and force the agenda. Forcing the agenda is the work your representative not the people. Otherwise its anarchy not democracy.
What really went on behind doors, we will never find out. Also, it makes me wonder – do we have anyone (any politician) sincere with the country and its people!
How can he dictate any charges.Obviously he has too much time on hands. I think he is rich and bored.
A very well written drama, with the main actor chosen very intelligently. The man had a following of people who were his devotees and would sacrifice their lives for him. He also had the gift of the gab.
There are so many questions that come to mind about his character (lied on blasphemy law and makes his devotees kiss his feet, for example), the course taken by the government despite their brutal mind-set (other governments have always had demonstrators beaten up by police in and out of uniform, the nature and depth of the demands and then the agreement, I could go on.
But, as one of the commentors wrote, Allah has said very clearly in the Qur’an in 3:54 “wamakaroo wa makar Allah. Allaho khairo almakereen”. Tahirul Qadri has played with religion and used his devotees. He tried and succeeded in fooling many. Insha Allah, he will be amply rewarded.
Among his agreement clauses, he has given full right to the crooks in coalition to nominate two morally upright persons for his approval. Where will they find such people in their ranks? And, does this agreement bind the people of Pakistan? I definitely hope not.
We need to wake up. Allah will only help those who help themselves and ask for his help sincerely.
He started by saying it was a revolution, but in fact, it turned out to be what the forty thieves wanted.
Democracy is still taking revenge
. and showing his beauty
The point to note is that PML N and the recent collection , has been neutralised in Punjab.The deal is between Awami Tehreek and Govt and not Minhajul Quran.Dr Qadri will be big pain in the behind of Nawaz and Shahbaz who have been virtually enjoying a free run due to PTI Chief’s incompetence.The battle starts now and Wattoo will sit back and provide fuel only.Rest will be upto Dr Qadri.Enjoy.
so unfortunate Pakistanis still sleeping. No body supported doctor Tahir ul quadri when they had a clear cut chance.
Why should anyone support a man whose history is checkered. He has been proved a liar. He uses religion for his benefit and lies there too. He has dual nationality. And much more.
Most of the ruling elites are corrupt atleast Qadri has raised a voice against corrupt politician, nation should have supported him without hesitation. That is how revolultion comes, not by the votes when there is no chance of fair and free election. If he was not right than why the so called strong and honest government came to the knees when he gave the final dead lines.
it may seem a little success of qadri sb. Bt the people thought that all the tyranny of govt, Would come to end and people were expecting a big revolution bt nothing like such happened. And it seems that again we have to bear same problems and same incapable rulers who dnt give youth their right place according to their talents and education, and failed to tackle issues like unemployment, terrorism, inflation, american intervention, and lots of problems like that. Bt mr. Taher ul qadri u ve disappionted nation. Bt ur struggle is good , i appreciate it. . .
Qadri hid in bulletproof cabin with heat and TV while poor people had to stay in cold 4 days and many of them were women and children and most of them got sick due to cold. What this man wanted with this march…He lived in Canada for 7 years and he has Canadian citizenship.
This is a face saving deal which makes all parties happy. What about grand promises of chnages?
Somehow, either Zardari and his cohorts could outwit a scholar with promises, or the scholar has suddenly slipped into dementia. He shoul know these people very well. But hey, this is poltics.
Losers are poor people of Pakistan. Every time, they are promised that it will rain tomorrow and if it does not, fooled by all polticians by more promises!
I sincerely believe it to be a cleverly made scheme where Tahirul Qadri is the main actor, and stands to benefit. Either with money, or as the caretaker PM.
All is well which ends well.
Has it ended well? It is very naive to think so. The people have lost more. Now the caretaker PM is to be chosen by the coalition partners. Can you name one person in their ranks that is ameen and sadiq? Do you think any one of them would even know one who is?
Do you think Tahirul Qadri himself is sadiq and ameen? He has been caught lying on the blaswphemy law. He lies about seeeing Rasool Allah (sallallalho alaihe wasallam) and is on the borderline of blaspheming against him. He took the name of ALlah and said he would not move until his revolutionary demands were met. He has achieved little and lost more, and withdrawn. Hence he took Allah’s name in vain.
why don’t you stop moaning about others and do something yourself.
Can anyone summarize the achievements in ONE sentence?
Zardari achieved what he wanted.
For the ordinary people of Pakistan the struggle to create Pakistan is still on. The selfless efforts and sacrifices made by Dr Tahirul Qadri and his followers have created history for the whole world that commitment to a just cause with sincerity brings fruit. I salute to all those young girls, boys, ladies, mothers, brothers, sisters and women and men of all ages (infants to very aged) who stood fast in extreme cold, wind and rain for 4 days on the tarmac. They all are the symbol of bravery and dignity. Their belief in the leadership and guidance provided by Dr Tahirul Qadri towards in the struggle for the well being of ordinary people of Pakistan is and will remain an example of highest magnitude in the human history of planet earth for centuries to come. Millions of Pakistanis like me, who had to migrate in search of just life, can only cry and wipe their tears of joy and best wishes towards the participants in Islamabad. I wish I was there to be the part of this struggle, as my parents played their part in the movement of creation of Pakistan. I am of the belief all those millions have reserved a place in the heaven and I wish them good fortunes to them and their future generations. God bless them with happiness. Pakistan Pa-in-da-bad.
Can you name one thing that can be called revolutionary that Tahirul Qadri achieved. The people who followed him and believe in him are naive. Do a search in Youtube on him and see what he is.
What can we expect from the worst HYPOCRITES on earth. Nothing was done to solve the national issues of POVERTY, NO JOBS, FAKE INFLATION, ILLITERACY, LAWLESSNESS, INJUSTICE, CORRUPTION & ALL THE MISCHIEF ONE CAN IMAGINE. No talks were done to maintain peace in Pakistan. Qadri Sb himself is even not a very sound person. Whom do we trust?
This reminds me of the ‘Sulah Hudaibiya’ which the prophet (pbuh) and his companions accomplished. It was termed a clear victory for the Muslim.
The fact that Mr. Tahir ul Qadri’s presence was acknowledged and he has struck an agreement appears a clear victory for him and Insha’Allah for Islam and Pakistan.
I am surprised that people can be so naive and accept the agreement as genuine, and then compare it to sulah Hudaibiya.
Didnt he say he is ex-prime minister? so why is he getting signature from an ex-pm?
He came with such a game and went with such big shame!
What to call it? He could’nt stand being alone against all the political parties. He did not know how the bring the Sit In to a respectful end. whether the so called agreement (whose details are yet to be announced and the crowd has already packed for the sweet homes) THoughts do come that he has also badly fooled the masses but it could be that he could not gather the crowds, the thrust that he had he would be able to attract.
Even if he is another one to play tricks on the nation I am happy at least for one thing that there was no tragic incident in the Long (lone) march as there were many children as well. I am sure that masses have been given a good lesson. Not to follow anyone blindly. All that glitters is not gold is perhaps quite relevant here.
I would like to be optimistic here, and think that with the deal that is expected to be signed by the PM, there will be extra pressure on PPP to stick to their word. If they dont, then what is stopping the people to go to Islamabad again, next time with collective protest of not just TMQ, but PTI and other as well.
So a Canadian national lands just 2 months away from elections all of a sudden after 7 years away from the country, sits in a bomb proof container and decides to bring Inqilab? Give me a break man. IK did well to sideline himself from this freak show who ultimately had to deceive him by signing the agreement anyway
Qadri was signed by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf as well as the high-level government officials who made up the negotiating team.
But did anyone think about that once RAJA Pervez will Arrested than Zardari will say it was signed by Previous Prim Minister which is no longer in action anymore.
we must give some credit to the interior minister who had solid evidence of at least 5 planned attacks that he insistd would be inevitable.
the fact they did not happen means he must have acted to prevent them
well done
Well scripted and implemented a true color of corrupt democracy DO WE HAVE A REAL LEADER………… ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON PAKISTAN
I dont get it, what did he accomplish? They think they can make fools of the people of Pakistan… they think right.
TQM being non political party has done what so called champions
Of democracy failed to imagine. The participants deserve congratulation for not only their patience but for being peaceful. On one hand they to a certain extant acheieved noble goal on the other they have sent a strong positive message to the world that Pakistanis are peaceful. No one should doubt our intelligence and decency.
World should give up stereotype approach towards us. It doesn’t matter how you look like, how you act that indeed matters.