LAHORE - Pakistan Awami Tehrik chief Dr Tahirul Qadri arrived at his Model Town residence here on Saturday and dispelled the rumours about leaving the country. He also announced that PAT would be participating in by-polls.

“Pakistan is my home and I will stay here, but can also visit foreign countries,” he said while addressing a press conference along with other PAT leaders. Qadri said the activities of his religious organisation would continue abroad.

He reiterated his demand for resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, saying impartial investigation of Model Town tragedy could not be carried out in presence of Punjab CM.

Dr Qadri said that PTI was informed two weeks beforehand about PAT decision for ending sit-in in Islamabad and that both the parties were free to take their own decisions. He said his party has spread the sit-in across the country.

“Islamabad sit-in has been transformed into nationwide sit-ins. We will never compromise on our demand for impartial investigation of Model Town incident through joint investigation team.”

PAT chief, who had already announced upcoming general elections, announced that they will also contest local bodies’ elections. “PAT has re-entered into electoral politics. You will see us turning PAT into the largest political party in Pakistan.”

He announced that rallies will not be held during Muharram but will resume afterwards. According to the PAT chief a public meeting in Bhakkar will be held on November 23, in Sargodha on December 5, Sialkot on December 14, Mansehra on December 21 and at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi on December 25.

Dr Qadri held that PAT would hold one-day meeting followed by one-day sit-in in every city of the country. He restated that no one could stop them for bringing revolution in Pakistan.

Source: www.nation.com.pk