Wait out the war?
Well Tahirul Qadri has given all out support to the military offensive, of course, but the rather sudden change of COIN tone has put a spanner in his works, somewhat. Just the other night he thundered about arriving earlier; the revolution needed an early start. That was when Abid Sher Ali upset him with the corruption allegation. But, since, in doing that the government gave him a square to counterattack from, maybe that is where he will position his attack piece for now. His challenge to the government, to prove even the slightest misappropriation from zakat and similar endowments, has so far gone unnoticed, that too by a junior minister very fond of carrying documentary evidence to back his claims. Dr Qadri addressed rumours of arrest on arrival, and possible deportation, too. Even that could, he threatened, hasten the revolution, even though its natural course might require some time.
There’s a peculiarity about Qadri’s agitation. He’s not like the PTI, whose jiyalas have clearly come of age, and will obviously not back down from the party’s election rigging charge, come war or peace talks. But the come-again cleric from Canada has issues beyond government and governance. He demands a structural change that will envelop not just institutions, pillars of state, but the constitution as well. And, of course, this time his thousands will not leave the streets till the state caves. That is why the chances of too many people taking his call, when they are busy appreciating the military’s acceptance of their demands, are not very bright. And surely Qadri understands this well.
Clearly he commands an impressive following. And it was instructive to see non-followers flock to him during the first revolution. Too many people found a promise in him. Whether or not that remains will only be seen when he comes, and goes out again. But these are crucial times for the country. Any attempt to upset the apple cart now, however sincere, can have very harmful unintended consequences. It’s best if he cooperates with progressive elements instead of attacking the system. Or he could just wait out the war and try the revolution again.