PAT leader Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has said that the country’s leadership should be elected by the votes of the people directly. He said that the 18th Constitutional Amendment, under which ECP is constituted, was a classic case of rigging itself as it was enacted through the politics of deal-making. He said that the system currently in vogue in the country was corrupt that took care of interests of the powerful and corrupt elements to the detriment of the interests of the masses. He said that no change could be possible under this system. He said that the elections held under the incumbent system were a fraud and taking part in elections under the assumption that they would be instrumental in bringing about change was an illusion. He stated categorically that PAT would never participate in the elections under the flawed electoral system. He said that whosoever raised a voice against the corrupt system was accused of pursuing foreign agenda. He said that he raised the voice against the corrupt system and exposed the dishonesty, foul play and corrupt practices, the forces of deal making established a united front against him.

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri expressed these views while talking to Imran Khan, anchorperson of Express News’ weekly programme ‘Takrar’. He questioned the justification of the formation of the Election Commission at the hands of the political parties that were part of electoral process. He said that the Chief Election Commissioner did not have the authority to veto, adding that if three members of the ECP ganged up on a certain matter, they would render the CEC powerless and only their diktat would carry the day. He said as to why those elected under the incumbent system care to change it when they were the beneficiaries of the same which swelled their illegal fortunes and gave them authority to lord over affairs of the people.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that Fakhar-ud-Din G Ebrahim did not need to accept the office of the CEC against the Constitution and hence damage his reputation at this age, adding that he should have tendered his resignation long time ago.

Throwing light on the broad contours of his alternative system, Dr Qadri said that the people should elect the leadership directly. He said that those who aspired to run for high offices should be tested on their knowledge of economy, foreign policy, defence and internal security challenges through elaborate discussions on the media for six months. He said that the candidates should make their tax returns public and not hide anything regarding their private life. He said that it is in this way the people would be able to judge as to who qualified to lead them based on their competence and performance.

Replying to a question on administrative reforms and devolution, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri proposed that every division should be made a province headed by a Governor. He said that there should be no Chief Minister or cabinet. He said that local governments should be established and all administrative and fiscal powers should be handed over to them. He said that the federal government should only deal with defence, foreign affairs, State Bank, higher education and national security. He said that the Governor’s budget should not exceed that of a minister or a Commissioner.

He said that he was gathering 10 million such Namazis as would wage a peaceful struggle for change in the country. He said that these people would not sell their loyalties nor would any interest entice them. He said that the day they would total up, time for change would come over and the plunderers would run away.

Replying to a question on PTI’s Chairman Imran Khan, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that Khan’s party was in power in KPK and he was in opposition in Punjab and federation, he would not be able to conduct aggressive opposition and if he adopted aggressive attitude, his party’s government in KPK would be in trouble, adding that he would be a friendly opposition.