FAISALABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri says his party will neither take part in the by-elections nor will any activist cast vote as it has decided to stay away from the by-polls, however, it will carry on the movement to change the system through contesting general elections .

In the same breath, he said the PAT would not contest the election without electoral reforms and accountability. Dr Qadri was addressing a press conference here on Monday.

He announced organising a rally in Abbottabad on Oct 23 and subsequently in other parts of the country, including Bhakkar, Mianwali, Sargodha, Layyah, Sindh and Quetta. However, he did not give schedule for the rallies.

Giving reasons for the call for funds collection, Dr Qadri said he had asked the people for funds because the parties receiving funds from Waderas (the feudal class) could not take independent decisions.

“Money can buy the manifesto. Leaders of the parties being funded by the Waderas cannot take decisions for a revolution. The PAT will bring about a change in the country with the funds and help of the poor.” The party account would be open for accountability, he added.

Mr Qadri said the PAT had no corrupt persons or Waderas as he had been carrying out a struggle against such elements. He said he wanted the poor held party affairs instead of the landlords. He urged the people to join hands with him for a change.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2014