LAHORE - The PPP, MQM and ANP leaders said that the government should allow PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to lead their marches and avoid use of force in order to save democracy.
ANP senior leader, Haji Adeel commenting over the announcement of Dr Qadri’s Inquilaab March and Imran Khan’s Azadi March on the same day (August 14) said that the government instead of becoming edgy should give way to the marches to defuse the situation, as the country’s democratic system should not fear protests, rallies and marches.
He, however, added that Dr Qadri’s announcement seemed to be a tactful sabotage to Imran’s Azadi March. Dr Qadri doesn’t believe in democracy, while Imran is the product of the system and desires electoral reforms.
The ANP leader advised Imran to stay away from Dr Qadri if the PTI chief desires success through democratic means. He said that Dr Qadri would take credit in case Imran’s Azadi March succeeds. The PAT chief possesses no solid political support, as his allies including the PML-Q and Awami Muslim League are weightless in the current political scenario. MQM senior leader and coordination committee member, Aminul Haq said that the situation might have been different for the government if it had wisely handled Dr Qadri’s issue but the rulers used force that deteriorated the issues to almost point of no return. He said that no harm would come if the government allowed the marchers to proceed.
When asked whether MQM would join the Inquilaab March, he said the proposal of participation in Dr Qadri’s march would be discussed in the coordination committee which would take decision in this regard. He said that the MQM has set up a medical camp outside the PAT and Minhaj headquarters, which would work round the clock, besides providing food to Dr Qadri’s followers.
Senior PPP leader, Mian Manzoor Wattoo said that the government should allow Dr Qadri and Imran Khan to lead their long march and avert use of force. He said that holding of protests was the right of every political party.
He, however, made it clear that the PPP and its leadership was totally committed to the continuity of democracy and would not let its derailment come what may. He said that the PPP supported the PTI and PAT only to the extent of holding of protest for acceptance of their democratic demands.