Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Dr Tahirul Qadri has announced his support for Pakistan Army’s operation in North Waziristan Agency.
Addressing a press conference through video link, the anti-Taliban religious scholar said that the recently launched military offensive in the tribal area is an “important war for Pakistan’s integrity”.
“The army has always been Pakistan’s guardian on internal and external fronts. It’s a great jihad for country’s defence which we fully support. I assure the armed forces that this nation is ready to render any sacrifice,” said Qadri.
“Complete cooperation with army is every citizen’s duty,” he said, adding that PAT workers should form defence committees on union council level.
Qadri was of the view that negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Tailban Pakistan (TTP) were a ‘cover’ for terrorism and a ‘conspiracy’ against Pakistan Army.
Qadri, who is currently residing in Canada, announced to arrive in Pakistan on June 23 at all costs.
“I will return home as per my program,” he reiterated, and warned the government over any attempt to expel him.
The PAT chairman had announced to arrive in Pakistan to kick off his “movement against corruption and not against democracy” and has sought army protection upon his homecoming.
“I’m a Pakistani citizen and am reverting to my Pakistani passport. The revolution will come the moment government attempts to expel me and bar my way,” said Qadri who held a five-day sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk in 2013, calling for electoral reforms in Pakistan.
