Will surrender to police if they arrest Sharifs: Qadri

Published November 20, 2014
Dr Qadri gestures to his supporters in his vehicle in Lahore.   - DawnNews screengrabEMjtN2
Dr Qadri gestures to his supporters in his vehicle in Lahore. - DawnNews screengrabEMjtN2
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore.  - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore. - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri enters his vehicle after arriving at Lahore's Allam Iqbal Airport.  - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri enters his vehicle after arriving at Lahore's Allam Iqbal Airport. - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore.  - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore. - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore.  - DawnNews screengrab
Dr Tahirul Qadri's convoy moves in Lahore. - DawnNews screengrab

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said Thursday that he was willing to surrender to police if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were arrested in relation to the Model Town tragedy.

Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, the PAT chief said the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted to probe the Model Town tragedy was merely formed to give a clean chit to plotters and killers, adding that it was against the principles of justice and law.

Earlier on Tuesday, the government finalised the formation of a five-member JIT to probe the killings of PAT workers on June 17

The investigation team is led by CCPO Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema and also comprises Col Ahmed from Inter Service Intelligence (ISI), Muhammad Ali from Intelligence Bureau (IB), SSP Shahzad Akbar and DSP Khalid Abu Bakar.

The PAT rejected the probe, saying that Abdul Razzaq Cheema has personal relations with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and would not be impartial.

Qadri said the party had demanded that the JIT be formed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that none of the names proposed by the PAT had been included in the team.

He said the party had also laid a condition that they would not recognise personnel from the Punjab police in the team and questioned as to how killers could investigate their own conduct.

Take a look: Govt finalises JIT to probe Model Town killings

Qadri arrives in Lahore

Qadri arrived in Lahore on Thursday morning.

The firebrand cleric left the airport amid strict security measures and set off to visit Data Darbar en route to his party secretariat in Model Town.

Three deputy superintendent of police (DSPs), including SP Cantt, were posted along with 200 other policemen for Qadri's security.

Read: PAT plans procession to receive Qadri on his return

A large number of supporters, including scores of women, had gathered outside the Allama Iqbal International Airport and were part of the PAT chief's convoy on his journey.

Qadri asked his supporters to remain peaceful and speaking to media representatives from inside the aircraft said: "The righteous shall win."

Regarding the JIT formed to probe the June 17 Model Town killings, he said any probe team comprising of police officers from Punjab would not be acceptable.

The June 17 incident saw the deaths of at least 11 people during a clash between police and PAT supporters.

The PAT had later staged anti-government sit-ins along with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) outside the Parliament in the federal capital city.

However, PAT had called off protests on Oct 21 following which Qadri had left for Canada apparently to reorganise his party and raise funds.

Recently, however, Qadri and PTI Chairman Imran were declared proclaimed offenders by an anti-terrorism court in a case relating to an attack on a senior police officer and storming of the PTV building on Sept 1.

Opinion

Editorial

Approaching budget
Updated 10 Jun, 2024

Approaching budget

Many are sceptical of the premier and finmin of translating their words into well-defined actions in the budget. Will they prove their doubters wrong?
A fresh start?
10 Jun, 2024

A fresh start?

After a decade of acrimony and mistrust, it is natural to tread carefully. But the ball is in India’s court. Backchannel and Track II diplomacy can be revived.
Hidden cams
10 Jun, 2024

Hidden cams

THE Digital Rights Foundation has drawn attention to a disturbing trend that seems to only be ballooning instead of...
Enduring friendship
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Enduring friendship

Pakistan will have to deliver on its promises to China of fool-proof security, and crack down on corruption.
Silencing dissent
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Silencing dissent

Reports of an internet firewall, which reportedly aims to replicate the Great Firewall deployed by China to police internet traffic, are alarming.
Minors for sale
09 Jun, 2024

Minors for sale

THE curse of human trade has a doubly odious form — child trafficking. Pakistan, too, is haunted by this ugly...