Sunni Tehreek - History

History

Sunni Tehreek was formed in Karachi in 1992 under the leadership of Muhammad Saleem Qadri. Because of its aggressive stance on the refugee population in the city, it was met with opposition by the Muhajir-aligned Muttahida Qaumi Movement which delayed the spread of ST's influence for some time. During this period some of the central leaders of the ST, such as Saleem Qadri, Abbas Qadri, Saleem Raza, Iftikhar Bhatti, Akram Qadri and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Abbasi were assassinated.

After the fragmenting and decline of the MQM, Sunni Tehreek arose as the primary opposition to the Deobandi Banuri Mosque, headed by Nizamuddin Shamzai. The Sunni Tehreek strongly opposed the giving of important religious posts to Deobandis. Its branch in Lahore publicly declared its opposition to the appointment of a Deobandi cleric as khateeb of Badshahi Mosque, and other similar appointments.

On Feb. 28, 2009, Muhammad Sarwat Ejaz Qadri, Sunni Tehreek chief announced the formation of Pakistan Inqilabi Tehreek, the political wing of the party, at Nishtar Park as part of the Janisran -e- Mustafah conference. He said the party would continue its struggle for Muslims and Pakistan. He also criticized the forcible implementation of militants interpretation of shariah in Pakistan's Swat province, whilst at the same time voiced clear condemnation of all terrorist activities which were perpetrated under the name of Islam and vowed to support the Pakistani cause for stability. He heavily criticized the Deobandi leaders, accusing them of being sponsored by Indian Intelligence agencies as well as involvement in terrorist activities.