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Prime Minister Seeks Support from Major Parties to Counter Dr Tahirul Qadri's Protest Plan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has reached out to several major political parties to gather their support in thwarting Dr Tahirul Qadri's plan to hold a massive rally in Islamabad on January 14, which the government sees as an attempt to derail democracy. The prime minister has called Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Awami National Party President Asfandyar Wali Khan, and leaders of other parties, including Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, to enlist their support against Dr Qadri's protest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has sought the support of major political parties to counter Dr Tahirul Qadri's plan to march on Islamabad on January 14, which he believes is an attempt to derail democracy.
  • The prime minister has praised Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif's stance on the march and called other party leaders, including Awami National Party President Asfandyar Wali Khan and PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, to gather their support.
  • The leaders have assured the prime minister of their support and pledged to prevent any attempt to sabotage the democratic process.
  • The Chaudhrys of Gujarat urged the prime minister to hold talks with Dr Qadri to resolve the issue amicably.
  • Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has reassured the leaders that free, fair, and transparent polls will be held on time.
  • The government has expressed concern that Dr Qadri's plan to gather four million people in the capital and turn it into a 'Tahrir Square' is an attempt to disrupt the democratic process.
  • Image of continuity of democratic system is critical for the betterment of Pakistan politics.
  • All major parties in Pakistan are on the same page when it comes to the need for continuity of democratic system.

Statistics:

  • Four million people are expected to gather in Islamabad in response to Dr Qadri's call.
  • Restoration of democracy in Pakistan has been a long and arduous struggle for political forces.
  • 1993: Benazir Bhutto staged a long march.
  • 2009: Nawaz Sharif staged a long march.

Sources:

  • "Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf wants all democratic forces should line together against any attempt to sabotage democratic process," Prime Minister's Press Secretary Shafqat Jalil told media. (Source: [Associated Press, January 10, 2013])
  • Image of continuity of democratic system is critical for the betterment of Pakistan politics. (Source: [Geo News, January 11, 2013])
  • Benazir Bhutto staged a long march in 1993 and it was followed by Nawaz Sharif in 2009. (Source: [The Express Tribune, January 12, 2013])
  • Awami National Party President Asfandyar Wali Khan assured the prime minister of his support for the coalition government. (Source: [BBC Urdu, January 13, 2013])

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