In a surprise move MQM chief Altaf Hussein has advised Rehman Malik to visit Lahore instead of London and have a meeting with Dr. Tahirul Qadri regarding Million March. Rehman Malik reached MQM headquarters London to meet with MQM chief in a bid to disassociate MQM from Million March.
Dr. Tahirul Qadri held a successful public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on December 27th and caused a stir in Pakistan politics. He gave many ultimatums to sitting government and threatened to march towards capital with at least four million. He vowed to remain peaceful and not to derail democracy in Pakistan. At the same time he is also declaring to make Islamabad Tehrir Square.
Tahirul Qadri invited all the political parties to join his Safar-i-Inqilab (journey of revolution). Muttahida Qaumi Movement which usually keeps a safe distance from religious was first to join hands with Qadri. MQM delegation not only participated in December 27th rally but also invited Dr. Qadri to visit Karachi to stretch his “Safar-i-Inqilab” to Karachi as well.
Positively responding to MQM invitation Qadri visited “Nine-Zero” and jointly addressed a large public gathering at Aziz Abad ground. Apart from MQM other parties like Pakistan Tehreek I Insaf and PML (Q) are also supporting Qadri due to one reason or the other.
Changing political situation in the country has ranged alarm bells for many including Pakistan People’s Party. It seems that Rehman Malik has failed to achieve desired objectives from “London Yatra”.
During the meeting MQM chief Altaf Hussein resolved that MQM will not be part of any conspiracy to derail democracy in Pakistan and will resist any such move.
Federal and Provincial governments are in a fix to allow or block January 14 Million March. Allowing protestors to move towards capital may pose a greater security risk in a country where suicide bombers usually strike at their sweet will. Alternatively, “Safar I Inqilab” may turn violent if participants are not allowed to move as per schedule.
Rehman Malik usually gets out of difficult situations successfully. Lets see how he manages this one.
