23 December, 2012, can be considered as a memorable day in the history of Pakistan. On this day, Allama Tahirul Qadri staged a comeback with the most impressive public meeting ever held at Minar-e-Pakistan. He simply talked to bring changes and change the status quo to present a system of elections where mandatory clauses of constitution are not violated. It is very strange that everyone is talking against him and blaming him that he has come to derail the democracy, whereas he has categorically said that he believed in democracy.
The crux of his speech was that fresh elections be held under the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan by ensuring that article 62 and 63 are properly enforced. The present lot of politicians, barring few individuals, can never stage comeback if article 62 and 63 are applied while vetting applications. How stupid the demands of minister of interior are who wants complete details of passengers travelling by bus and they must be carrying their identity cards. He also talked about terrorism threats as if it is something new. He should understand that they are moving in Pakistan and not crossing the borders. Fixing of containers in Islamabad, sealing entire red zone, calling extra thousands of police personnel, establishing more check posts a week before long march simply shows the panic with which the government suffers. In fact, Qadri has already won the game without even starting the long march. Qadri is not alone; 180 million people who are fed up of the present lot of politicians are supporting him. No amount of propaganda against him shall have any consequences.
What Qadri desires will be ensured by the Supreme Court. The SC sought comprehensive report till 15 January from the Election Commission of Pakistan in the election reforms judgment and has directed the ECP to enforce all election laws and that what Qadri has suggested. This election will again result in a hung parliament with many surprises from ECP and later on by the apex court. The government is well advised not to put under house arrest Qadri before long march as it will result in greater disorder, particularly when agitation are guaranteed by the constitution. Qadri today represents the will of majority of the people of this country. Any attempt to stop him by using coercive means by the government will result in negative consequences. The one line advice for the government is “let it be”.
