ISLAMABAD: Though the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers are confused about the outcome of their sit-in, they are determined to follow the ideology of their leader, Dr Tahirul Qadri, who wants to destabilise the Nawaz Sharif government.

Dr Qadri, who was staging a sit-in at Khayaban-i-Suharwardy, Aabpara, and was moving towards the Red Zone along with thousands of PAT activists when this report was filed, has been demanding immediate dissolution of national and provincial assemblies and formation of a national government.

During the first three days of their sit-in, the workers were determined and sure about the ‘revolution’, however, when Dawn spoke to dozens of party workers on Tuesday they said they did not know what would be the outcome of their sit-in, but they had full faith on their chief. Some of them said the Inqilab had started, while others were of the view that it would take place within the next few days.

Despite harsh weather and uncertainties, the morale of the Inqilab March participants seems unwavering

“I have no idea about the outcome of our sit-in, but I will follow the direction of my leader, I will follow whatever he says,” said Shahnawaz Khan, who came from Dera Ghazi Khan.

“A revolution has started, only a formal execution is pending, which will be announced within the next few hours by Dr Qadri,” said Sajjad Bhatti, the administrator of the sit-in, before the expiry of Dr Qadri’s 5pm deadline.

Mr Bhatti, a staunch party follower, said their sit-in enjoyed the support of the entire nation. “No one can stop the revolution,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, a party activist, Sumaira Naz, said: “I don’t know what will be the outcome of our struggle, but I’m sure no one can stop Dr Qadri from bringing a change in the country.”

While interviewing PAT workers, Dawn observed that, despite extreme temperatures, PAT workers’ morale and spirit were very high. As mercury touched 35°C in Islamabad, PAT workers spent the day under the open sky at Khayaban-i-Suharwardy.

“At least three of our activists fainted today, but our morale is very high. After getting first aid, the said activists rejoined the sit-in with more courage,” Mr Bhatti told Dawn.

However, on Tuesday the traditional tight security by PAT workers was absent from the venue.

“I agree it is a hot day today, which is why security is somewhat relaxed. But later, particularly during the speech of Dr Qadri, our workers will tighten the security,” said Umar Riaz Abbasi, a senior PAT leader.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2014