File photo of leader of Minhaj-ul-Quran International Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters from behind the window of an armoured vehicle on the second day of protests in Islamabad January 15, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: Even if Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI) takes part in the elections, neither I nor any of my family members will take part in the elections, said MQI Chief Tahirul Qadri on Tuesday.



Qadri was speaking to media in Lahore.



Explaining that his family members are legally qualified to take part in the elections, Qadri said this is a symbolic decision taken to "promote democracy" within the party.



The MQI chief recently reached a deal with the ruling coalition which will give his party some say over the formation of a caretaker government ahead of elections this spring.



As a part of the deal, the firebrand cleric will also host a meeting between constitutional experts and political parties’ leaders to find a way to reform the Election Commission of Pakistan.