In response to Tahirul Qadri’s long march to Islamabad from the eastern city of Lahore under the slogan “We will bring change”, Pakistani expatriates in Jeddah have said they also want change and agreed that Imran Khan, chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), should be given a chance.
On Monday, tens of thousands of change seekers led by Tahirul Qadri marched toward the Pakistani capital to voice their anger and frustration with the government, as many are worried it could destabilize the country ahead of national elections this spring. The march reached the capital after 36 hours yesterday night, and people are now sitting in front of the Parliament to present their demands.
According to Ameer Mohammed, the chairman of the Pakistan Journalist Forum in Jeddah, Pakistani nationals have been suffering for a long time and especially during the People’s Party government over the last five years. There is often no electricity, water, and gas, and government officials do not respond to their requests and complains.
“So, this anger and frustration is not because of Tahirul Qadri, but because the Pakistani people had been waiting to take it out. Qadri’s character is doubtful, and his long arch does not mean anything but to postpone the elections.”
He said that both Pakistanis living abroad and those in the country want change. “We should give new people a chance — we should give a chance to Imran Khan.”
Khadija Malik, who is an event organizer, said that change should come. Pakistan suffered a lot because of corrupt politicians, she said. “We wish that our nation will bring some change out of this revolutionary long march. Our country used to be not poor — we have all the resources — but due to corruption we got into debt,” she said, expressing her wish to have a new leader. Itat ur Rahman, a general manager in a reputed company, also said the Pakistani nation wants and expects a change. “Pakistanis had been expecting this march for a very long time. It’s not because of Tahirul Qadri; anyone can do it, as Pakistani people were waiting for the right leadership, which we don’t have in Pakistan at the moment.” He said only if fair elections took place, Pakistan could change. “If the Pakistani nation wants change, change will come definitely,” he said.
Change is important, but nothing right is going on in the country at the moment, according to Zoya Ali, a social worker. “This long march will not bring any change. It’s just a reaction of the people living in Pakistan, facing a number of problems for a long time. I wish there will be a change,” Ali said.
“We are very depressed because of the situation in our country.Only a mature person can handle this country and its people. We pray that a change will come soon,” said Rubila Rathore , principal of Biladi International School in Jeddah.
“Somebody has to rise up and lead people, and Tahirul Qadri had that courage. Those who love Pakistan should support him to bring about a better future,” said Nooruzzaman, a businessman.