A lot has been written about the dramatic episode of the long march. Its aftermath will, however, continue to be observed and commented upon because the political drama written, produced and directed by Dr Tahir ul Qadri has not yet ended. Going into the depth of this affair one finds that Dr Qadri became a well known figure when he established the Tehrik-e-Minhaj ul Quran centre in Lahore. After migrating to Canada and staying there for about half a decade, he found himself having turned into a common citizen with no recognition. Knowing fully well that the change of government in Pakistan was imminent during the coming few months, his political instinct directed him to chalk out the strategy of regaining eminence and becoming a participant in the change of power in his home land.
Since the time was too short for Dr Qadri to become an eminent political leader in the normal way, he resorted to the short cut by gathering his religious followers to bring a ‘revolutionary change of rule in the country’. The strange and startling move stunned the whole nation including the rulers. The charter of his demands not being realistic, he chose to act and speak like a dictator perhaps to impress the nation. To save the situation from becoming unruly and to protect the women and children who were part of the agitation from the adverse effects of severe cold, the government agreed to negotiations. As a result the five days long protest ended in five hours.
Although most of his demands were not accepted still Dr Tahir ul Qadri achieved what he wanted. The long march followed by a dharna in front of the National Assembly Islamabad ended his obscurity among the people of Pakistan thus facilitating his entry in the country’s politics. How will the historical drama end? (1) The clauses agreed by the parties include ‘Dr Qadri’s nomination among the candidates for the post of Acting Prime Minister in the Interim government’. (2) If it does not happen, he will participate in the general elections as a private candidate and if elected will join the party that wins the elections and forms the new government. I am sure for such a political honour he will be prepared to forego his Canadian nationality.
RAFI NASIM,
Lahore, January 22.