ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Awami Tehreek has decided to contest the next general elections as a political party.

“PAT will be the largest-ever revolutionary political party of Pakistan to contest polls,” Dr Tahirul Qadri announced at his party’s sit-in here on Thursday.

He said after winning the polls his party would bring about reforms in the country through parliament. “We will field candidates in both general and local bodies’ elections,” he said, vowing to restore the legislature’s sanctity.

Dr Qadri said the PAT would emerge as the biggest political party of the country in the elections.

He vowed to change the system after entering parliament. “PAT will contest elections whenever held.” Party tickets would be given on merit, he said.

The PAT chief asserted that his party would contest elections, but would not compromise on the system. He said they had to bring electoral reforms.

“PAT will provide jobs to every jobless. Prosperity will reach your doorstep.”

Dr Qadri said that his party would nominate election candidates from every corner of the country. “Only those meeting the required standards will be issued party ticket to contest the polls.”

He praised the participants of “Inqilab March” and said they had created history. The march had spread awareness among the masses about their rights. It had given people courage to raise voice for their rights and to take a stand against the corrupt leaders, he added.

Dawn.com adds: Dr Qadri said a rally would be held in Faisalabad on Oct 18 and in Lahore the next day.

He said the Lahore rally would be remembered as ‘historic’. “Our rally in Lahore will make Minar-i-Pakistan seem small in comparison.”

He directed his party workers to start preparing for the rallies: “PAT supporters will not return until the revolution comes.”

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2014