LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader Dr Tahirul Qadri once again thrilled the political atmosphere by bringing out thousands of people on The Mall on Sunday for a protest against inflation.
Addressing the rally through video link, Qadri presented eight demands before rulers and made seven announcements for the nation to bring a “Nelson Mandela-type revolution” in the country.
He called for immediate implementation of articles 38 and 19 of the constitution to ensure basic essential items, including food, cloths, shelter and jobs, for people.
He urged the government to introduce new land reforms and give farmers and tenants ownership rights of land they cultivate.
Qadri also demanded that the government provide jobs to youth or announce an “unemployment stipend” of Rs 10,000 for all educated but unemployed youth. He also asked the government to give five marla plots to every homeless Pakistani along with soft loans for construction of houses.
Criticising the existing tax system and calling 50 percent of the parliamentarians “tax thieves”, Qadri said that tax rates should be enhanced for the rich and all direct and indirect taxes should be ended for the poor. He said different surcharges in utility bills should also be removed.
About the issue of subsidy, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader said that following the inception of Pakistan, the state is responsible to give subsidy to the poor on all food items, including flour, sugar, oil, rice, as well as cloths and residence.
He also demanded that the government stop providing development funds to any MNA or MPA and it must distribute all funds directly to representatives of local governments.
Qadri said that he would bring a “peaceful, green revolution like Nelson Mandela” and if come to power, his party would constitute 35 provinces completing the process of devolution of powers in the country.
He said his party would not support any kind of extremism, “mullaism”, military or political dictatorship as they were not the solution to the problems of the country.
Qadri claimed he would end terrorism from the country within a year after coming to power.
Comments