Live updates: Qadri vows to avenge the death of his workers

ISLAMABAD / LAHORE / RAWALPINDI / KARACHI: A sense of anticipation hangs over the capital as cleric-cum-political leader Tahirul Qadri lands back in Pakistan to throw up one of the bigger political challenges to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) year-old government. As supporters of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri fervently wait for their leader to kickoff his movement against the ruling government, a sense of anxiety and uncertainty has enveloped the country. Major roads have been blocked off and security has been tightened in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Earlier this week, at least ten people were killed and scores injured in Lahore when violent clashes erupted between the police and followers of Qadri – the deadliest political confrontation in Lahore since emergency rule was imposed by General Musharraf in 2007. As Qadri plans to go head-to-head with the government for a second time, get all the updates here. All stories relating to Qadri’s rally can also be found on this trend page as well. [Read: AFP version and Reuters version of the clashes that took place today] June 23, 5:15pm Qadri thanked the media, Sheikh Rasheed, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Altaf Hussain and MQM and the Sunni Ittehad Council for supporting him. He also says that he will avenge the death of his supporters and will stay in Pakistan till corruption ends, and justice is served. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 5:09pm Qadri is now speaking to the media. He says that such torture has never been incurred by anyone in history as Shahbaz Sharif has done to his workers. “Rana Sanaullah, who implemented Shahbaz’s orders should have taken advice from Sarwar,” the PAT leader says. “I wanted to come to Lahore from Islamabad but the government panicked and diverted my plane.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 5:04pm The PAT leader has entered Jinnah hospital, Express News reports. This was a condition he presented to the Punjab government before heading home. Qadri, Elahi and Sarwar have been seated in the medical superintendent’s office as the wards have been crowded by supporters. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:56pm

PAT supporters gather around a TV watching updates of Dr Tahirul Qadri’s arrival, PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK. To view more pictures by our photographer Shafiq Malik, view the slideshow. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:46pm The interior ministry has restored cellular service at Lahore airport and surrounding areas, Express News reports. Qadri is still in the vehicle outside the hospital, he has not yet stepped out to visit injured PAT workers. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:29pm Qadri has reached Jinnah hospital accompanied by Elahi and Punjab governer, Express News reports.

June 23, 4:21pm No security has been provided by the government outside the Minhajul Quran, says Naeem Qaisar, Express News. It is reported that police have not been deployed there to avoid clashes similar to those that happened last Tuesday. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:16pm Express News correspondent Sajjad Shafiq Butt says that PAT workers have gathered at Jinnah hospital and are chanting slogans.

Express News screengrab of PAT supporters outside Jinnah hospital. Qadri is expected to arrive soon and address the crowds before he heads home – where he will have another press conference. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:09pm While leaving the airport, Qadri told Express News that protests will continue. Security outside Jinnah hospital has been beefed up. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 4:03pm After a gruelling five and a half hours, Qadri has left the airport and is on his way to Jinnah hospital, Express News reports. Heavy security has been provided to the PAT leader.

Express News screengrab of security convoy. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:58pm Our correspondent Anwar Sumra has told us that Qadri, Elahi and Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar will visit those injured during the clashes at Jinnah Hospital before heading to Qadri’s residence in Model town. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri @TahirulQadri Follow #DrQadri is on his way to Jinnah hospital to visit injured PAT workers of #LahoreMassacre incident. #RiseUpWithDrQadri 4:00 PM - 23 Jun 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:52pm Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain expressed concern for Qadri, Ebad says. The Sindh governor adds that Qadri was forced to return to Pakistan after his supporters were killed in the clashes. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:47pm “Last night we saw anxiety and bitterness, however, the government has now taken a political approach and things can be dealt with in a better way,” says Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad. “The Emirates airline facet made me feel that this matter was being taken to an international front, which could have serious connotations on the country,” said Ebad on calling Dr Qadri to convince him to step out of the plane. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:34pm Elahi says that this is not the first time Nawaz Sharif has hijacked a plane. He further adds that Nawaz did not learn anything from the first time and is repeating history. “The government failed in controlling the situation and is not capable of providing security to anyone,” says Elahi. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:32pm PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, while talking to Express News, says that he has spoken to Qadri who says he will sit in Governor Punjab’s vehicle, who will accompany him home. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:21pm Our correspondent Abdul Manan reports that dozens of Qadri’s supporters have gathered outside Minhajul Quran Secretariat. Police is not present at the location but Qadri’s private security is. Qadri will hold a press conference after he arrives at his house and telecommunication service has been suspended outside his home. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:17pm Express News reports that a convoy is ready outside Hajj terminal to take Qadri to his house. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:15pm Express News correspondent Mian Aslam reports that Qadri is still inside the airport. He adds that police have beefed up security on routes from the airport to the hospital and Qadri’s house. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 3:13pm Speaking to Express News, Qadri says Punjab governor has assured him that the removal of the boundary wall outside his house in Model Town was only temporary. Punjab governor Chaudhry Sarwar tells Express News that he will inform the chief minister about Qadri’s demands. “All just demands of Qadri’s will be accepted,” the governor says. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:47pm Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says Qadri is walking towards the lounge along with Punjab governor and his supporters. “Punjab governor has promised to provide enough vehicles to carry all the supporters,” Khan says. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:42pm Express News now reports that Qadri has disembarked the Emirates’ aircraft. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:40pm

June 23, 2:34pm Qadri, while speaking to Express News, says he decided to listen to Punjab governor in his personal capacity and not as a representative of Nawaz Sharif or Shahbaz Sharif. “I will avenge the death of my supporters; I have not compromised on my earlier stance.” “Punjab governor and I will travel together,” he says, adding that he will meet his supporters before he goes to his house. “We will follow the immigration process and then leave with our motorcade.” “Each and every supporter of mine will leave with me; I’m not one of those who leaves his supporters in difficult times,” Qadri says. “My struggle for change in system will continue.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:27pm Punjab governor says Qadri is just like my brother and respects me: “I knew if I would contact Qadri, he would listen to me.” “We cannot reverse the past but we should learn from our mistakes.” “This is my country as much as it is Qadri’s; we all want Pakistan to progress,” he adds. “Shahbaz Sharif was happy when I told him Qadri has agreed to go to his Lahore residence with me,” the governor says. Punjab governor further adds that we all should respect and accept each other’s mandate. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:24pm Thanking Qadri for meeting with him, Punjab governor says he will go with Qadri in his vehicle. “Qadri has made a few requests related to his supporters and I have assured him that I will stay with him until we address all his concerns.” “All of Qadri’s supporters will also leave this plane with us,” Punjab governor says. Radio Pakistan @RadioPakistan Follow Punjab govt accepts Qadri’s demand that he will go to his residence in a bullet-proof vehicle with the governor http://radio.gov.pk/newsdetail/68781/1 … June 23, 2:20pm Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says that Punjab governor is in negotiation with Qadri right now. The Punjab governor is also trying to contact IG Punjab and chief secretary. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:16pm Qadri, while speaking to Express News, says he will go in his car along with the governor. “I fear Shahbaz Sharif’s terrorists will try to attack me and I want the governor to embrace martyrdom with me,” Qadri says. He further says he will not leave his supporters alone and that he will meet them as soon as he leaves the plane. Qadri also says he will take the usual route to his home. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:13pm Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says Qadri will travel to Model Town in his personal vehicle with the Punjab governor. “Qadri says he will first go to the hospital and meet his injured supporters along with the governor and then take the governor to his house and offer him tea,” Khan says. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:10pm Express News correspondent Noman Sheikh reports that the Punjab governor will speak directly to Qadri and decide what course of action to take. The correspondent adds that it has not been decided yet if Qadri will leave in the governor’s vehicle or in his personal vehicles that have reached the airport but are still away from the runway. Qadri’s personal vehicles were allowed to enter the airport through the main entrance. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:02pm Express News now reports that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s bullet-proof vehicle has reached the airport to take Qadri to his house, however, it has been barred from going near the Hajj terminal. The Punjab governor has also arrived at the airport. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 2:00pm Qadri says he will disembark the plane only if Punjab governor and media are present outside the aircraft. Express News reports that Law Minister Rana Mashood is accompanying Punjab governor on his way to meet Qadri. June 23, 1:49pm Our correspondent Anwar Sumra reports Governor Punjab is on his way to Lahore airport to conduct negotiations with Qadri. Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says Governor Punjab spoke to him over the phone and said he is on his way to the airport. “Punjab governor says he doesn’t want the situation to turn any worse,” Khan says. Express News also reports that PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has offered his car as well to take Qadri to his house in Lahore’s Model Town. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 1:47pm Radio Pakistan reports that over 70 police personnel were injured when PAT workers pelted stones at them near airport in Islamabad. “On the orders of the interior ministry, the police showed restraint and did not use force against the protesters,” Radio Pakistan adds.

Police fire teargas during scuffle between law enforcement and PAT workers on Monday. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID The injured police personnel have been shifted to PIMs, Polyclinic and District Headquarters Hospital Rawalpindi. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 1:45pm A source told Express News anchorperson Javed Chaudhry that Qadri was contacted by an army official and asked him to be a little flexible. Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says Qadri has not been directly contacted by any army official. “Qadri, however, claims the army had agreed to come to escort me but the Punjab government has stopped them,” Khan says. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 1:32pm Express News anchorperson Imran Khan says environment inside the plane is very calm as fears of a fierce clash have subsided after Punjab governor’s offer. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Qadri, while speaking to Express News, says bullet-proof vehicles should be allowed to come to the exit of the plane. He adds he will disembark and then immediately get inside the vehicle. “I don’t trust the government and will only let my personal guard come close to me.” Qadri also says media vans should also be allowed to go with him. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 1:00pm Jamaat-e-Islaami leader Sirajul Haq says “the world would have not ended if the plane was allowed to land in Islamabad.” “The government is making mistakes by mishandling the situation and only strengthening Qadri’s movement.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:55pm CAA spokesperson says they want to resolve the matter as soon as possible. “We are in talks with the government,” he says. CAA denies that Emirates had made any request to the aviation authority. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:51pm Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashood says Qadri should act responsibly. “PAT supporters attacking Islamabad police reflect the ideas they believe in,” adds Mashood. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:49pm Express News reports that Qadri is consulting PML-Q Punjab president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and AML chief Sheikh Rasheed regarding the issue. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:46pm Express News reports that the government has tried to contact Qadri and offered to take him to his house. Government has offered to provide Qadri with a helicopter and bullet-proof vehicle. Qadri has refused all the offers made by the government. An MQM delegation has entered the plane to meet Qadri.

Express News screengrab of Qadri’s plane. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:43pm PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, while speaking to Express News, says it is regrettable how government handled the situation. “On top of that, the government is not even admitting its mistakes,” Kaira adds. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:32pm PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif says Qadri is bent upon creating disturbance in the country. He questions why PAT supporters are present at the airport armed with sticks if they are peaceful. “If Qadri talks about changing the system, why was he part of this system in 2002,” adds Latif. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:24pm According to Express News, Emirates administration wants the plane to be evacuated immediately. The airline officials have contacted DG Civil Aviation Authority and state advisor for aviation. Administration of the airline says the plane has to proceed to the next destination. Emirates says the aircraft needs to fly back to Dubai and continue with its routine flights. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:23pm Express News reports that PAT supporters are present inside Lahore airport’s passenger lounge. Airport Security Force did not stop the supporter from entering the lounge because they were in large number. The security around the airport has been beefed up. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 12:12pm PPP senior leader Aitzaz Ahsan, while speaking to Express News, says Qadri might lose support because he is inside Emirates plane and that the government has no control over the international aircraft. Ahsan says Qadri should not be stubborn and make a compromise to resolve the deadlock. Express News anchorperson Javed Chaudhry says Emirates has contacted the government over this issue. The PPP leader says government has overplayed the situation and given advantage to Qadri. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 11:56am Express News correspondent Talib Faridi reports that Qadri has refused to listen to the government. PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq assures Qadri that he will provide security to him and make sure he reaches his home safely. However, Qadri refuses to accept his offer and says his plane should be taken back. “Even if I decide to get off the plane, I will leave via the main exit and not old or Hajj terminals.” Qadri expresses fear he will be detained as soon as he disembarks the plane. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 11:51am Our correspondent Akbar Bajwa reports more than 150 police officials in civvies have been deployed at the Lahore airport, a police official told The Express Tribune. Elite police commandos are also present at the airport. Acting CCPO Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed, along with DCO Lahore Capt (retd) Usman have arrived at the airport as well. The acting CCPO is directly monitoring the police deployment in the airport, as well as the city.

Express News screengrab of Qadri supporters (L) and police (R) in Lahore. Cellular services have also been suspended in several parts of the city, including the airport. Two rescue vehicles have been placed at and kept on alert at the airport. Dozens of PAT activists have thronged the international terminal of the Lahore airport. SP Traffic Azhar Gujjer has also arrived at the airport, while extra traffic wardens have also been deployed. Hundreds of policemen have been deployed near the Pakistan Awami Tehreek secretariat, where arrangements for a makeshift helipad are underway. Reporters are not allowed to enter the airport premises while their vehicles have been forced out of the airport parking. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 11:50am The Lahore police had chalked out different security plans for Dr Qadri’s arrival. According to a source, if the PAT chief were to arrive in Lahore from Islamabad through the GT road, 12, 000 police personnel would have been deployed for Qadri’s security all the way from Imamia colony till his residence, while 500 traffic wardens would look after the route. However, the policemen have now been deployed along the route from the Lahore airport to the PAT secretariat in Model Town. According to the plan, containers will be placed near the Punjab assembly, outside the CCPO office and the Governor House on Monday. In a meeting on Sunday, IGP Mushtaq Sukhera directed senior police officials to ensure that policemen deployed at the PAT rally carry rubber bullets and not open fire under any circumstances and should wait for orders from senior officials. An SP in the city, who attended the meeting, said that the IGP also directed policemen to maintain a distance from the rally. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 11:47am Express News reports a four-member government negotiation team has entered the plane to talk to Qadri. Seven passengers have been escorted out of the plane and brought to the waiting lounge. Express News reports that PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq fails to convince Qadri. Qadri also refuses to hand his passport to immigration officials. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 11:27am Express News reports that PAT supporters have also gathered at Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi. This is one of the busiest thoroughfares of the city

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 23, 9:14am The official airport website had said that the plane has landed in Islamabad. However, it has transpired that Qadri’s plane has been diverted to Lahore, according to Emirates website.