Long March finally rolls on after being delayed toward Islamabad

Lahore – Amid threats, the long march by Tahreek Minhajul Quran begun on Sunday towards Islamabad.

While leaving for long march to Islamabad, Minhajul Quran International chief Tahirul Qadri criticized Punjab government for creating hurdles in their way.

Qadri accused the provincial government of arresting the bus drivers, detaining vehicles and stopping people from participating in his convoy.

He demanded dissolution of Balochistan Assembly over it’s failure to live up to it’s responsibilities of protecting rights of the masses.

The departure, which was scheduled at 09:00 am was delayed until Zuhr prayers. Qadri blamed local authorities for the delay and said he had to make other arrangements after the vehicles were snatched by the government.

A large number of people gathered outside Minhajul Quran International central office to participate in the long march.

Strict security measures have been adopted in Punjab and particularly in the Federal Capital due to threats. All the roads to the Capital have been blocked and containers are placed.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik had conveyed to the organizers that they faced security threats and militants are planning to target the gathering.

Tahirul Qadri, Saturday categorically refused to postpone long march saying his long-march could not be purchased. He reaffirmed his resolve thrice that the march would be held at any cost.

The TMQ leader said that he raised voice to get the people their due rights. He said that no one could buy him and stop from holding long march.

A government delegation led by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi continued negotiations with Dr Qadri for the second day on Saturday.

The talks failed after both the sides remained firm on their stands and refused to move back.

After the meeting‚ the PML (Q) leaders told newsmen that the demands were under discussion with the president and the prime minister since yesterday and they conveyed the latest situation to Tahirul Qadri.

They said as some progress has been made they wanted postponement of the long march but Qadri said any agreement could take place before Parliament House in Islamabad at the conclusion of the long march.

Qadri said he listened to their view point but told them that there should be implementation mechanism and for this purpose there should be guarantees for implementation.

On Saturday, Qadri announced his seven point Charter of Demand for his long march said this would be for the supremacy of constitution and the law. He said these seven points include electoral reforms‚ and about the caretaker government.