LAHORE, Jan 22: Calling for ending dynastic politics in Pakistan, Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri formally announced on Tuesday that he and his family would not contest the general election.

“I announce that I, my two sons (Dr Hasan and Dr Husain), daughters, daughter-in-law and sons-in-law will not contest the general election. Though there is no legal hitch in this regard, I have decided it just to take the first step to discourage the dynastic politics,” Dr Qadri told reporters at a press conference here.

Qadri also withdrew the TMQ from playing any role exclusively in the country’s politics, assigning the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) to deal with such issues in future.

“Since the TMQ has achieved its objectives through a long march under a public-service mission, it will now be limited to its routine business on educational and religious activities. And now the PAT will deal with the issues relating the country’s politics.”

Discussing the democratic system and role of politicians, Qadri held them responsible for introducing a ‘dictatorial democracy’ and dynastic politics. This style of democracy didn’t do any good but resulted in corruption, poverty, unemployment, terrorism and bad governance in Pakistan.

He said as per global index of democratic nations, three kinds of democracy -- full democracy, flawed democracy and hybrid regime -- were being practiced in many countries. “The democracy in Pakistan doesn’t fall even in the last category, as it falls at the bottom of another category namely ‘foggy zone’ that describes democracy as dictatorial politics, dynastic politics and rule of military rulers (martial law).”

He said the role of politicians could only be observed through seeing their rallies and functions. “You always see that how the people rush to take food, brandish arms, do aerial firing and lift chairs in the rallies of these politicians. They should have trained their workers in unity, faith and discipline.”

He said the TMQ’s disciplined long march and sit-in was the fruit of his 32-year continuous work based on building capacity of youth to meet challenges.