Tahir ul Qadri sets Jan 10 deadline for government to change system

LAHORE: The Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran held their 'save the state not politics rally’ at Minar-e-Pakistan on Sunday.

The leader of the Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran, Tahir-ul-Qadri addressed the rally and condemned the feudal system in the country and said “thousands had gathered today to save the state.”

Tahir-ul-Qadri demanded that the election should be held according to the constitution. “My agenda is not to stop the election, but to correct the electoral process,” Qadri said.

He set a deadline for Islamabad (federal government) of January 10 to ensure that the system would be changed according to the constitution.“If all stakeholders are not consulted and people who can bring change are not brought forward, then on January 14 a gathering of 4 million people will be held in Islamabad,” Qadri said.

Qadri clarified that he was not being backed by any country or agency.

“If you want change, I am also here to bring the change,” Qadri said to those in attendance. He told them that in order to change the destiny of a country sacrifices were required.

Qadri appealed that change in the country should come through peaceful means as he asked people to stand with him in his effort.

According to Qadri, the government should run in accordance with the constitution to eliminate the interference of the army. “If the system is run properly, the army will not interfere.”

The Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran leader added that Pakistan was not made for the rich and corrupt and he would return the country to the people.

He emphasised the importance of an independent judiciary in the effort to change the system in the country. “The orders of the Supreme Court are not being implemented.”

In his appeal to militants, Qadri called on them to give up their arms. Qadri said he would support those who were against drone attacks and violation of the country’s sovereignty, and in return asked them to stand with him when protecting mosques, imambargahs and the lives of innocent people.

Qadri added that he wanted to see an end to terrorism in the country. He said Pakistan had become a safe haven for terrorists as he referred to the attackers of the Peshawar airport. “If a government cannot maintain law and order, then it is unconstitutional and unlawful and we are not willing to accept it.”

The Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Quran leader announced his resistance to the political system in the country calling it corrupt.

“Corruption is the reason for Pakistan’s economic despair and we need to eliminate it to stop the country from an economic collapse.”

Referring to the constitution of Pakistan, Qadri said no one would be allowed to violate it.

Qadri further said that close to 70% of parliamentarians had not filed their taxes as he asked those in attendance if these people were lawmakers or lawbreakers.

Tahir-ul-Qadri ended his address by reiterating his demand for the election to be held according to the constitution. “If the next election is held without electoral reforms, it will be unconstitutional and people will not accept the results. The nation has fought against martial law and will also fight against political martial law.” He added that two parties could not determine the destiny of the country.

Prior to his address, the Tehrik Minhaj ul-Quran leader also expressed his condolences to the family of Bashir Ahmed Bilour, the leadership of the ANP and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkwa over the assassination of the senior minister.