Tahir-ul-Qadri Ready to Give up Long March?

Tahir-ul-Qadri, man behind sole political agitation in country may put off his much advertised long march. Sheikh-ul-Islam met with Chaudhry brothers today and demanded surety regarding implementation of his charter of demand. This gives clear indication that he is scared of long march and may put it off altogether or may return from half way down. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein is an accomplished mediator and he played successfully on many occasions for Pervez Musharraf. Tahir-ul-Qadri must bear in mind that all those with whom Shujaat negotiated were killed by state agencies.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Tahir-ul-Qadri started off his political reforms plan on a high note and in the company of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). MQM assured him of full support and participation in the long march but they as per their track record preferred to back out at last moment. This was a major setback for Tahir-ul-Qadri as he lost his lone supported for the long march.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Tahir-ul-Qadri has announced to bring at least four million people to capital but this sounds unrealistic. Pakistan is going through one of its coldest winter and many of prospective participants may prefer to sit in front of television screens owing to harsh weather. Level of resource mobilization by Minhaj-ul-Quran also does not indicate that they are ready to handle four million people. Terrorist threats may also trim the participation in much hyped long march. Fuel short shortage may another factor to keep the participation thin.

To keep thing under control, Government has also made stringent measures. Islamabad has been sealed using “Container-Technology” and large contingents of police are deployed to avert any untoward situation.

In this scenario a face saving exit that may be provided by Chaudhry Shujaat may be an option to consider seriously. But after creating so much of hype and little hope (if any?) it will not be face saving for Sheikh-ul-Islam in true sense.