Summary Qadri said he will only go home if Army provides security.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief and the founder of Minahjul Quran International Tahirul Qadri on Monday urged the army to take notice of the situation.
Talking to Dunya News from inside the plane at Lahore airport, Qadri said he will only go home if Army provides security.
“We need guarantee from Pak Army,” he added.
Qadri claimed that ‘terrorists in police uniform and plain clothes are waiting for him outside.’
“The Sharif government is a murderous state. They have killed many of our supporters. We have confirmed reports they have hired terrorists to carry out attacks on their opponents,” he said.
Expressing confidence in army, Tahirul Qadri said he will only hold talks with military leadership.
“I only trust the army; their high officials should come and escort us safely to our home.”
Earlier today, Dr. Tahirul Qadri s flight EK612 was diverted from Islamabad towards Lahore.
His flight was expected to land at the Benazir International Airport at 8:30am but the data showed airplane circulating over Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Later, Emirates Airline website reported that the flight was diverted towards Lahore.
SECURITY MEASURES
PAT supporters in large number managed to cross the barriers placed around the airport premises. The workers chanted slogans in support of Dr. Tahirul Qadri.
More than 150 policemen in plain clothes are present at Lahore airport. A helicopter is also available at the airport that might shift Dr. Tahirul Qadri to Model Town area.
The government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi prohibiting the gathering of more than four persons at a place and blocked all routes to and from Islamabad airport, even as PAT supporters hold protests in support of Dr Qadri in various cities.
Delegations of political parties including Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) tried to reach airport to welcome Tahirul Qadri but they were barred from entering the airport premises.
Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed was also denied entry into the airport.
Due to security fears, entry and exit points in the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) have been sealed by placing containers on the roads whereas cellular services will remain suspended till 2:00pm today.
Mobile services will remain suspended on Airport Road, Grassy Lane and Askari-8 areas.
On the other hand, motorway leading towards Islamabad has also been closed for traffic while Faizabad Interchange was blocked with containers.
Several roads including Murree Road and Jehlum Road were blocked to stop Tahirul Qadri’s supporters from reaching the airport.
PAT WORKERS CLASH WITH POLICE
Agitated workers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) also clashed with police in Faizabad, Koral Chowk and different areas of the twin cities.
Qadri’s supporters pelted stones at the policemen, injuring 28 in different areas. 13 cops were shifted to Poly Clinic and 11 were shifted to District Headquarter Hospital.
Meanwhile, police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protestors.
Interior Ministry said that policemen have not been allowed to use arms even if they are attacked by the PAT workers.
