Source: ET
Tahirul Qadri acknowledges supporters at Minar-e-Pakistan. PHOTO: NNI
“Elections without reforms will be meaningless and people will reject results if they are held under the existing system,” Tahirul Qadri, who heads the broad-based Islamic organisation Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI), told his much-publicised “Save the State, not Politics” rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
“I give the government a deadline of three weeks to establish an honest and independent body that will introduce electoral reforms and pave the way for free and fair elections,” said Qadri, who returned to the country after a five-year stay in Britain. “If that does not happen by January 10, millions of people will march on Islamabad on January 14 to protest the total collapse of system,” he added.
On so called “Sheikul Islam” speech we should keep following points in mind:-
1. First ever in history of Pakistan such challenging speech has been delivered to a sitting government. Without assurance from strong stake holders it was impossible.
2. In whole speech he was very cautious to blame military brass and judiciary.
3. His whole fiery speech was directed towards PP and PML (N).
4. Establishment favourites like PTI, MQM and Ch brothers immediately gave their positive nod on the speech.
5. Just a day earlier statement of COAS appeared in ET indicating willingness of military brass to have dialogue with Talibans and so called “Sheikul Islam” also mentioned the same.
To me following scenario is likely to emerge. As the time of care taker government is approaching he will become a strong pressure group to influence the selection of interim government. After having established the interim government, on the “genuine points” raised by him elections will be delayed in the name of reforms. Gradually in interim government favourites of establishment will be included. This is the long standing wish of few stake holders of Pakistan and fortunately they have chosen a very right time and also hired a right man for the right job. Will it be good for Pakistan or not one has to wait how things unfold during next few weeks.
Good piece by Shaheen Sehbai with analysis of where this is going—
http://images.thenews.com.pk/24-12-2012/ethenews/t-19674.htm
Good analysis by SS. It looks boiling point is reaching. Society of Pakistan is already emotional specially on religious issue. He is taken as Shiekul Islam. With his remarkable oratary he can arouse the sentiments of masses and can prove to be extremely effective.
“Save the state, not politics”: Qadri returns, in style by Rana Tanveer (Published: December 24, 2012) is a timely reminder that politics in Pakistan has reached such a low point that a man of Qadri’s dubious record, Canadian nationality and a cultivated personality cult is now threatening the government.
I saw at first hand how, Mr. Qadri sat on a Danish TV in May 2012 and lied through his teeth about the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan. He claimed that he had nothing to do with it. When the TV station played an earlier video of him addressing a gathering of Pakistanis in Urdu and where he took all the credit for the formulation and instigation of the law, he pleaded innocence. When the TV host pressed him to explain, why in Urdu tape he has suggested death for Muslims and non-Muslims for Blasphemy, he countered; You have misunderstood me.
The man is a charlatan, an egomaniac and has nothing to offer to the Pakistani people. His support comes from those who are religiously exploitable and he misuses Islam to get his political come back.
No doubt he has a chrisma to gather the masses and address them in a scholarly style lets watch and see.