LAHORE - Former interior minister Senator Rehman Malik on Thursday told reporters in Lahore that Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri had assured him that he had no intention to derail democracy through his long march.
Mr Malik, who has been tasked by his leader Asif Ali Zardari to have consultations with the political leadership to defuse the current political tension, had a meeting with the PAT chief at Minhaj Secretariat at Model Town before the latter was allowed to come out and lead the procession.
On Wednesday, Rehman Malik visited Jamaat’s headquarters at Mansoora and had consultations with Sirajul Haq on the prevailing situation.
Talking to the media after the meeting, Rehman said that he had been assured by Dr Qadri that his plan to bring about green revolution was not intended to harm the democratic order. He said the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere.
PAT chief has already made it clear that he was in favour of participatory democracy in which people at the grassroots level had greater say in matters of governance.
Commenting on the harsh statements of Mr Qadri against the present rulers, the Pakistan Peoples Party Senator said it was a part of political culture here to grill the political opponents.
Stressing the government to clear routes for the long marches, he said that Pakistan Peoples Party government in its tenure never stopped any one to hold protest demonstrations.
Answering a question, Malik said his activities were not against the government.
“People would see a positive contribution by the Pakistan Peoples Party in the emerging scenario,” he said, adding that Asif Ali Zardari was going to play very crucial role to steer the country out of present imbroglio in the days to come.