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The Canadian-Pakistani cleric at the head of a protest movement that is galvanizing Pakistan says he wants to bring about reforms where Islam is at the root of democratic politics in the country.

Tahir ul Qadri told the National Post, “Islam teaches democracy, Islam teaches human rights, Islam defends the rights of minorities. Islam does not believe in discrimination. So my interpretation of Islam is a bit different from the mullahs. I feel that the teachings of Islam creates a moderate, progressive, free and democratic society, free of every kind of extremism and terrorism. This is my interpretation of Islam and what I want to see here.”

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The preacher’s calls for electoral reforms and a peaceful, moderate Islamic state for Pakistan, have brought out tens of thousands of his supporters on to the streets of Islamabad for a second straight day.

“People are coming out of their houses and joining this march,” he said. “The crowd is very motivated, but totally peaceful, totally unarmed. There are men, women, girls, boys, young and old — even up to 90 years of age. There are farmers, there are workers, there are lawyers, and people from every party are here.”