Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, has said that the change of the electoral system was inevitable to establish real democracy in the country. He asked the nation to beware of those who talked of change but were in fact custodians of the present corrupt system, which in turn protected their interests at the cost of the poor people of the country.

Dr Raheeq Abbasi expressed these views while addressing a meeting of district executive of Minhaj-ul-Quran International and Pakistan Awami Tehreek in central secretariat in Lahore today. Ahmad Nawaz Anjum, G.M. Malik, Ibrar Raza Advocate, Anwar Akhtar Advocate and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

He said that the ritual of elections under the present electoral system would not be instrumental in bringing about real change in the country. He said that those who have stepped in the political arena with the promise of change under the present electoral system would not only be disappointed themselves but also disappoint the people as well.

Dr Abbasi asked the nation to rise against the current electoral system so that all problems bedeviling this country could be got rid of. He said that Public Awareness Rally under the banner of Minhaj-ul-Quran Interntional on December 18 in Rawalpindi would prove to be an effective beginning against the electoral system. He said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri would address the rally.

Dr Raheeq Abbasi said that MQI was struggling peacefully to bring about real change in the country and participation in the elections was not under consideration. However, he added that Pakistan Awami Tehreek would continue to take part in politics on the basis of principles and would not rest until the attainment of the objective of real change in the country.

Dr Abbasi said that public rally at Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi would be the beginning of sustained struggle against the electoral system. He also hinted at the possibility of forming an alliance with other political parties on the basis of single point agenda. He said that PAT’s doors were open for everyone.

He further said that the conduct of elections under the present electoral system would increase polarization in the country leading it to destruction. He said that political parties ready to contest elections under the current electoral system had party and individual vested interests to look after; so instead of being toys in their hands, the people must join the ranks of Minhaj-ul-Quran International in its endeavours to increase public awareness and play their role for real change in the country.