Reforms crucial to fair and free elections: Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri

On his way to Pakistan, PAT Chairman Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has reached Turkey. He is staying in Konya and had the honour of presenting himself at the shrine of renowned Sufi saint and scholar Mawlana Rum (R.A). It is important to mention here that Dr Qadri will reach Lahore on the morning of June 3 where he will be accorded warm welcome by the leaders and workers of PAT. He will also speak to media on arrival. He will attend Itikaf 2018 where he will deliver his special lectures on the Mathanvi Mawlana Rum (R.A).

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is accompanied by Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of MQI Supreme Council, Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, president of MQI and Fayyaz Warriach, president of PAT South Punjab.

Meanwhile, talking to the senior leaders on telephone, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that as long as the current system stays intact, the conduct of fair and free elections cannot be expected till then. He said that even honest PM and four CMs will not be able to do much unless the system is overhauled and made transparent. He said that when the system itself lacks transparency, what role can the caretakers play? He said that no one questioned the integrity of the caretaker prime ministers in the past but they could not gift the nation with fair, free and transparent elections.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the viewpoint of PAT has been that the reforms should be introduced in the system of elections in such a manner that truly empower the people and allow the capable youth to reach assemblies without any role of money. He said that he termed the electoral exercise futile without reforms before the general elections of 2013 and then all the political parties refused to accept the elections and termed it as RO-led elections.

The PAT Chairman said that there is no major difference between 2013 and 2018. He said that the rulers continued to make appointments of their liking to important positions even on the last day of the government. The funds were released for such projects that will have bearing on the election outcome. He said that the funds of the local government were spent on political objectives and the jobs were given away among cronies, stating that in such circumstances, how could one expect fair and free elections?