Cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri returns to Pakistan with 'new strategy' against government

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's fiery cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri today returned to the country with a "new strategy" against the government, nearly a month after he went abroad abruptly ending protest against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here.

The Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore this morning concluding his visit to the US, Canada and the UK. He reportedly visited these countries for medical check up as well as reorganising his party.

Carrying balloons, flowers and party flags, hundreds of PAT supporters gathered to welcome him.

Giving details of his "new strategy to frustrate the government", the Canada-based cleric said he has now decided to take his sit-ins to other parts of the country.

"Our struggle is no more confined to a single sit-in but will be transformed into a nationwide movement of sit-ins," he was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

He announced to hold rallies in Bhakkar, Sargodha, Sialkot, Mansehra and Karachi on November 23, December 5, 14, 21 and 25 respectively.

The cleric had left the country in October last week after abruptly ending his over two-month long anti-government protest in the Pakistani capital leading to speculation that had struck a deal with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The cleric, however, denied any deal with the government and announced to relaunch his country-wide protest demanding Sharif's ouster.

He also dismissed reports of a rift with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, saying he has no differences with him and the leaders of their parties were in contact even when he was away from Pakistan.