THIS refers to the letter ‘A deal?’ (Jan 22) by Farah Iqbal Lodhi. Although it may seem to many that Dr Tahirul Qadri’s long march has served no useful purpose, several readers have commented on it positively.

They have declared it a step towards a corruption-free and democratic Pakistan as Dr Qadri’s emphasis on electoral reforms has at least not gone unheard.

It was, perhaps, for the first time in Pakistan that so committed and spirited a crowd came forward to refresh the government’s memory about its responsibilities.

Agreed that corruption continues unabated and it cannot be rooted out by a mere sit-in, but to reach close to fruition, it is first necessary to plant a tree.

The impression is that some unconstitutional agreement has taken place between Dr Qadri and the government. The question is: who is there except a government to hold talks and reach agreement with Dr Qadri? It is only the government which can change or implement a system.

One thing is clear. If the people in the long march had thought about their direct benefit in the beginning, none would have participated and there would have been no direct benefit to the people either if this march was organised by any other party.

Despite Dr Qadri’s clarifications several times, repeated questions and criticism don’t seem to diminish.

AAMIR SHEHZAD
Karachi

Common man’s plight
DR Qadri’s long march gained a lot of publicity long before it was started, while the local and international media showed the sit-in for five days. What I want to ask is why no party, including Dr Qadri himself, is interested in Karachi’s affairs.

Dozens of people are losing their lives, but we have become such an insensitive society that no one is realising that the situation is so grave.

The Chief Justice and the army chief must take serious note of this situation before things go from bad to worse. I am sure that the long march would have been more successful had Dr Qadri focused on the plight of the common man due to an increase in daily-commodity prices, unavailability of gas, power issues.

But, unfortunately, everyone came with his own agenda. Dr Qadri was no exception.

Let us pray that the forthcoming elections will bring someone who is sincere towards the country and the people.

NAVEED MAHMOOD
Rawalpindi