Pakistan religious leader threatens march on capital

LAHORE (AFP) - An influential religious leader in Pakistan threatened on Sunday to lead a protest march on the capital if the government fails to begin electoral reforms within three weeks.

Addressing a crowd of at least 100,000 in the eastern city of Lahore, Muslim scholar Tahir-ul Qadri said that meaningful reforms were needed as Pakistan approaches general elections expected in the spring.

"Elections without reforms will be meaningless and people will reject results if they are held under the existing system," said Mr Qadri, who leads a moderate Islamic group that has thousands of followers in Pakistan and worldwide.

"I give the government a deadline of three weeks to establish an honest and independent body that will introduce electoral reforms and pave the way for free and fair elections."

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/asia/story/pakistan-religious-leader-threatens-march-capital-20121224