Both the Pakistan Awami Tehreek led by Tahir-ur-Qadri and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led by Imran Khan seem to have made a good decision regarding the proposed sit-in outside Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence in Raiwind. Imran Khan has announced that the sit-in won’t be outside the Prime Minister’s office but will instead be somewhere in the city. On the other hand what can be regarded as a major set back to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Awami Tehreek Chief Tahir-ur-Qadri has rejected the opportunity to join Imran Khan’s proposed Raiwind march. Qadri expressed fear that a march could lead to potential unrest and said that considering this he has decided to stay away from Raiwind. It is pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan on Friday invited all the opposition parties to join the march which the PTI is launching against the alleged corruption of the incumbent government.
Protests are held throughout the world to highlight issues or to put pressure on the governments but these protests are peaceful. In Pakistan though, there has been a history of violence when it comes to protests and rallies. The decision by Imran Khan to stay away from the Prime Minister’s residence is a laudable step and a sensible one too. However some on the side of the ruling government have already went ahead and issued threatening statements to the Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders’ which is unfortunate. Ruling party’s Minister Abid Sher Ali recently warned Imran Khan that if marches towards the Prime Minister’s house his own children won’t be safe (suggesting counter aggression by the workers of the ruling party). The Prime Minister should take notice of this incitement to violence by a government Minister.
Imran Khan has quelled impression that the house of the PM would be targeted in the Raiwind March.
