- 23 Apr 2011
Govt complicit in drone attacks: Imran Khan - 21 Apr 2011
Imranomics - 23 Apr 2011
Amidst strained Pak-US ties, drones strike again
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Imran Khan delivers ultimatum on drone strikes
Protesters will block all NATO supply routes across Pakistan if drone strikes do not end says PTI Chairman.
The party called the demonstration to protest over US missile attacks from unmanned drones in lawless tribal areas. PHOTO: INP/FILE
PESHAWAR:
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan said on Sunday that if drone strikes inside Pakistan do not stop within 30 days, protesters will block all NATO supply routes across Pakistan.
Khan also warned that protesters will march to Islamabad to force the government to take a stand on the issue if drone strikes continue.
The PTI chairman made the announcement during day two of his party’s sit-in against drone strikes in Peshawar. Thousands of people arrived in the Hayatabad region of Peshawar for the protest.
The Pak-Afghan road which is the main supply route for the NATO troops in neighbouring Afghanistan was totally blocked and no supplies could be delivered on Sunday.
Updated from print edition below
PTI sit-in prompts NATO supplies suspension
The government suspended delivery of supplies on Saturday to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) troops in Afghanistan via its land border for three days as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) began a sit-in on the supply route over US drone attacks.
However, some sources say that no Nato trucks have been able to enter Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from Punjab since Friday. “Hundreds of trucks have been sent back in the past two days,” they said.
PTI supporters gathered on the Ring Road for the planned two-day sit-in aiming to block the route used by supply trucks. Imran Khan, leader of the PTI, called the demonstration to protest US drone attacks in the tribal areas, which many feel infringe on the country’s sovereignty and kill civilians.
Organisers said they expected more than 20,000 people to gather locally for the protest, and many more to arrive in the caravan accompanying Khan. The sit-in will take place at the Bagh-e-Naran Chowk, in the Hayatabad neighbourhood of Peshawar.
At a gathering at Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak, Nowshera – a well-known madrassah – Imran Khan lashed out against US policies in Afghanistan.
“They (the US) are losing the war – they can never win it,” said Khan, while addressing the seminary’s students.
The sit-in is the first public mobilisation campaign against the continuing drone attacks in the tribal districts of the country, where a relentless campaign by the United States military has killed 1,968 people since 2006, according to The Long War Journal, a website maintained by a Washington-based think tank that keeps track of the US military’s campaign against terrorism.
The PTI chief, with his populist message against the drone strikes, has been welcomed in Nowshera. The party’s posters and banners against the drone strikes were prominently displayed throughout Peshawar.
In his speech at the seminary, Khan also spoke out against the current administration in harsh terms, saying that: “Pakistan rulers have sold its citizens’ blood to the United States and its allies in exchange for dollars.”
“Jihad is mandatory and jihad against oppression and injustice will continue,” Khan said.
Several political parties have announced their support for the rally. Activists from the Jamaat Islami (JI), the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), the Pakistan Peoples Party Sherpao (PPP-S) have announced their support for the rally, as well as traders and lawyers groups.
The protestors say they will spend the night at the site. They claim that they have been joined by hundreds of people from the tribal districts.
US officials said Friday that they are considering providing unmanned drones to Pakistan for aerial surveillance, despite tensions between the two countries over measures to combat terrorist activity.
NATO supply trucks and oil tankers are the targets of frequent attacks blamed on insurgents attempting to disrupt supplies for more than 130,000 international troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Most supplies and equipment required by coalition troops in Afghanistan are shipped through Pakistan, although US troops increasingly use alternative routes through Central Asia. Additional reporting by AFP
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2011.
Reader Comments (154)
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Imran Khan is the future of PakistanRecommend
An absolutly justified cause / call from Imran Khan . First ever step for our soverignity,The puppet Govts can go for there face saving WHY SHOULD WE ?
WELL DONE KHAN !
HATS OFF FOR YOU ! Recommend
Indeed a great effort by Imran Khan. I dont have words to praise this great leader. May god bless him.
All the love, support and respect for Imran Khan!Recommend
Only Imran Khan has courage to do so.Recommend
I may disagree with Imran on occasion however, I am in total agreement with him over the unilateral action of using Pakistani territory and airspace by NATO and the US to kill our own people indiscriminately! Recommend
imran khan has taken great step.we pakistanies want to show the world that we are peaceful nation but americans are showing aggressivness on us.world leaders should comforward to stop these beasts otherwise their aggressivness may lead world to next worldwar.Recommend
The USA should formally declare Pakistan a supporter of terrorism – cut off aid – impose sanctions. Isolate Pakistan and let them wallow in their xenophobia and self righteous religious superiority. Let the demigods who use the drone’s to whip up patriotic fever manage the downward spiral of Pakistan – let them continue to blame others for their problems – let them turn into another Somalia.Recommend
@ Cautious, i dare the US, why dont they do it why????????Recommend
@Cautious:
And then USA will run from afghanistan in DAYSRecommend
Again! Whats the point? who gets affected by this? traders, truck drivers, transporters? If the government is to blame why wasnt the protest taken out infront of parliment? Even so, Pakistans security policy is run by the Army, why doesnt he go protest infront of the GHQ? Ever the populists!Recommend
Hats off to you Imran Khan.
You’re the future of Pakistan.
Shame on other policians who are sucking blood from the veins of poor people.
We love you IMRAN KHAN!Recommend
A Perfect work initiated by a perfect man.
Hats off to youRecommend
May Allah protect Pakistan and bless those who wish to do so.Recommend
i appricate to leader of pti imran khan that he call for strike to blocked nato supplied through with power of our country nation we are independent nation and we completly condumed dreown attacks day today in our innocent citizen and many innocent killed in drown attack so this good step taken by pti leader and worker and all others respectable citizen and we will break attacks if we are unite and stand one nation and unite against any un civilize and irrevelant attacks in our country we are a nation and independent nation and we will not given chance to play against usRecommend
Imran khan is the gr8 leader…i mylf appreciate him on this act…..we have to throw out our political parties like pp.mln,mlq.mma.mqm….they already had given permission..May ALLAH protect Pakistan…Pakistanis…and Imran khan.Recommend
imran khan
may ALLAH protect you in every field if i have any power to help you ..i never back my foots…i’m with you …i’m always with you”’you are one who can save the pakistan in the future you are hero…
i love your talent Recommend
welldone PTI, but why are the big tv channels not covering the this important event..Recommend
Americans know that leaders like Imran play such tricks to save themselves from wrath of terrorists.Recommend
we love you Imran Khan, May God Succeed you in your Mission,
May God Bless YouRecommend
None of Pakistani News Channel found it important to cover Chairman Imran Khan address. The Giant media groups who make millions and increase their viewiership by having Chairman imran khan on thier shows did not find it important to show the truth and the voice of people of Pakistan. But remember no one can stop this movement InshAllah “Hum Daikhain Gay”Recommend
@Cautious:
US can do any thing it wants. It cant win war of minds and hearts. But if US is to look at who supports terrorism, they better start with India as terror in sub continent was started by India when :
1- they supported mukti bahni in East Pakistan
2- First supported then betrayed Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka
3- Indian troops killed more than 90, 000 Kashmiris
4- india actively supporting terrorism in Baluchistan
Hope you will apply the same priciple to your homeland (India), that you are applying to Pakistan.Recommend
@Imran Khan:
I agree with you. Actually, alot of media groups are receiving “technical” and financial aid in the form of soft loans from government and USA. So they find it hard to project any thing like IK.
People who could do justice to the cause of Imran like Kamran Shahid or Moeed Pirzada are no more doing programs ( reasons not clear).Recommend
Can PTI and Imran Khan come out with their full strength against the fanatic mullahs, usurper army, decadent fuedals and volture capitalists who are destroying the destiny of the nation.Recommend
@Imran Khan
Who told you that the army or media is against US? The agencies are only using Imran to show to the US that there is immense public pressure against North Waziristan operation. This move has only tarnished his reputation among the foreign powers. He will be termed a reactionary who has little understanding of the foreign policy. Recommend
Atleast some1 coming out for masses… Masha ALLAH Imran really working too hard for Pakistanis… God save him.Recommend
Imran should have arranged this demonstration at the place of origin of the supply i.e Karachi port and not made life more miserable in Peshawar! Don’t bring more war to Peshawar please. It is already dying under the heavy weight of war!Recommend
So called free media is not giving any coverage to darna in peshawar. It may be due to government and american pressure on media. Media will have to play role for pakistan’s soverignty now.Recommend
There seems to be a concerted disinformation campaign being waged against Imran Khan these days. The fake intellectual crowd that the current government has gathered around itself, Najm Sethi types who twist information and vomit out a regular diet of half truths mixed with outright lies, seem to be focusing on Imran alot these days.
It’s interesting to read some of the comments up here that follow the same methodology, of cleverly twisting facts around to give outrageously ridiculous conclusions. Like the suggestion that the protest should be done in front of the parliament rather than blocking traders and stuff. The facts that this half truth assertion is missing is, what sort of trade goes on from the south into Waziristan? I didn’t realize it’s such a major trade hub. Also, the dozens of protests in front of the parliament have achieved nothing, physically discomforting the Americans by blocking their supplies potentially could. Recommend
Well done Imran khan, we all are with u.Recommend
@Imran Khan:
The agencies ordered the channels not to cover Imran Khan’s address. That is because they expected a crowd of at least 20,000 but not even 1000 turned up. This would have looked really bad on TV since Imran is now being backed by the agencies. Imran Khan’s policies are not understood by the poor people. His following is only among college students. Recommend
Tribune not covering the sit-in itself but letting western AFP send it stories. Irony.Recommend
@Cautious:
Your comment is a double edged sword. Firstly, you are being ‘cynical’ in your ‘pro American’ approach. And secondly, you send a challenge to the ‘say all, do nothing’ local politicians to show their real hand for the prosperity of the country. Good retort. It is suggested, that you be more direct. Salams. Recommend
@Cautious: Who introduced terrorism in Pakistan? This was a peaceful society until the latest episode of the Great Game started. The interests of other soverign states will be better served if Pakistan is given the space and encouragement to become soverign.Recommend
This is a good challenge by leading with the right foot, Imran.
Where are all the so-called ‘self righteous’ politicians today when the country is at such dangerous crossroads?
How come the Muttaheda is silent and not made a commitment?
Why was it not done earlier by the ‘pseudo humanist’ politicians when so many of our army jawans and innocent civilians are being blown apart in FATA, KP and other parts of the country?
PML N, PML Q, PPP, PML F and all the other ‘riff raffs’ and ‘garbage politicians’ have proven themselves to be ‘political’ and ‘financial lackeys’ of the West. Luxuriating in their servitude. This action will delineate the patriots from the traitorous politicians.
Viva Imran Khan! Your leadership should be clean and frank. Please no compromises with the USA, UK and Europe. Recommend
All US drone attacks on citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Somalia are acts of US Government terrorism committed by American tyrants/terrorists, war criminals and war profiteers. All Pakistani tyrants/politicians – who authorized and supported US drone strikes on Pakistanis for American dollars – are also terrorists, war criminals and war profiteers. Accountability of American and Pakistani pro-war rulers/politicians is necessary to stop the US drone attacks on Pakistan.Recommend
Imran khan we are always with you, you r our real Herooooooooo God Bless youRecommend
insha Allah Imran khan will be the next primeminister of pakistan Insha AllahRecommend
Only Imran is leader remaining all “Geedar”Recommend
@Cautious:
Hahahahahhaah U are hillarious u know what there are more then 50,000 American army in Afghanistan which is gona get burried alive in the desert without Pakistani Support and somalia is somalia nd Pakistan is gona be a worlds super power soon( nearly in 2023) and america’s economy is soon gona collapse .Recommend
Did everyone miss the fact that he made his address at a religious seminary? Recommend
Inshallah one day Imaran khan (future PM of PAK) will succeed to open eyes of all of us to see real face of our government. We should encourage him. Imran has real problem with media and especially print media. Haroon Rashid should also play his rule. Recommend
Imran Khan visited and gave a speech at “a gathering at Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak, Nowshera – a well-known madrassah”. Which counts Mullah Omar and several other top Taliban members amongst its alumni……..Recommend
Lets make Pakistan corruption free and a Free land where there is no role for the CIA, the corrupt generals and the politicians.
Well done Imran Khan, shame on all other political leaders.Recommend
@Ayesha Tammy Haq
Imran and Moulana Sami ul Haq have one thing in common- their personal lives!Recommend
Establishment is simply using him for the time being. He speaks good and truth but those who are now behind him will leave him half way before the elections. Confusion still persists due to his close relationship with expected outfits who are known to all. Majority in our country are not clear about Mr. Imran Khan due to “One Man Show”. On the other hand no one is prepared to accept “Used Cartridges” in his party. Bottom Line: Good, honest person but one can only say “Razia Gundo’N mein Phuns Gae”.Recommend
Imran khan is the real hero of pakistanRecommend
Friend of the terrorists comes to save the terrorists from being annihilated by US drones. Where is the great Khan when peaceful worshippers in the mosques of our cities are crushed like vegetables by jihadi murderers. Recommend
I may not agree with everything that he says but Imran Khan is the best thing that has happened to Pakistani politics in a long time.
@Ayesha Tammy Haq: What’s your point about him making the address at a religious seminary? Recommend
Muslim Khans, Fazullahs, Sufi Muhammads, and Zaid Hamids flopped. New public face of jihadi under-world is being inflicted upon poor pakhtuns. Great Khan, have mercy on us. We have already paid too heavy a price with our blood and destruction of our cities. Go away, and let us live in peace.Recommend
well for one thing all the people that turned out have their sympathies with Imran Khan unlike MQM who invited PML Q PPP…
Imran khan is the only deserving candidate to lead this countryRecommend
@TightDhoti:
So what is the issue??? Imran khan, Darul Uloom, Nowshera, madrassah or Taliban??Recommend
who is behind Imran? remember, in a meeting Wali Khan himself once told in a meting at Kisan hall Lhore that me and plejo could not stop construction of Kalabagh dam, itwas actually federal govt and zia who were not interested in its construction. real players behind anti kalabagh dam was those who wanted that Pakistani power issue remained dependent on Oil. so they were against it. so if any one can inquire who is behind Imran it will be good for allRecommend
America has been attacking with drones since 2004, but Imran khan realized it today!! its because Imran got green signal from GHQ …. Tensions between Pak and america are on high, therefore establishment fully backing this sit-in.
Imran- another pawn from establishmentRecommend
we are all with you imran!Recommend
@Pro Pakistani: The head of Darul Uloom actively justifies and supports acts of terrorism within Pakistan, supported the rise of the Taliban in Swat as well. Today, Imran Khan stands next to him. How does that look? Is he brandishing his credentials before the extreme right, and for what purpose. This is appeasement at best or supporting the terrorists cause at worst.
Where are all the proud Pakistan army supporters now who keep on pointing at the sacrifices the army has made in the war on terror. These are the same people, who were nurtured in the these madrassas where Imran Khan is orating. Recommend
May be a cause page on facebook can be made about this issue so the overseas Pakistanis can also participate in this motive.Recommend
@Ayesha Tammy Haq
And your point is what exactly?Recommend
@Pro Pakistani
Madrassa Haqqania is the ideological stronghold of Afghan taliban, TTP and many other sectarian groups. The self-confessed killers of Benazir – Nasrullah, Qari Ismail, Ibadur Rehman, Hasnayn Gul and Muhammad Rafaqat had stayed at Madrassa Haqqania. The madrassa declared that pakistani soldiers killed in operations against taliban arent martyrs. You see nothing wrong in Imran giving speech at such a place? Previously, PTI held rallies along with banned Jamat ud Dawa and now Madrassa Haqqania! You seem to have little idea what this madrassa represents.Recommend
http://www.causes.com/causes/554928-stop-drone-attacks-in-pakistan
I am promoting this cause to join hands with Pakistani resistance against Drone attacks.Recommend
re: Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania
http://tribune.com.pk/story/16267/conspiracy-hatched-at-akora-khattak-fia/Recommend
Thanks to ALLAH, someone has taken practical step in this matter, drones could be only stopped if our people stands before it, otherwise, our Government including forces will not take any step in this matter.Recommend
@Cautious…you and your amercan war of terror can go to hell. I damn care about this american war. Leave our country alone
And by the way, Indians should be the last people on earth taunting Pakistanis about terrorism. Talk about hypocrisy. Please stop making a joke of yourself here and save your face from further embarrasmentRecommend
@Ashraf:
Sir, You are right.And he is serious now. The man who is ranting and raving against US is part of Af Pak package invented by US and whetted by UK. He is said to be given the top post in the country for working towards Talibans return to power and partial retreat of US. Taliban will turn the blunt edge of the knife to the US and cut its way into the politics of Pakistan.
Turkey , the wet nurse of Pakistani military, already rigged the works. Our captain will bear the coffin a mile and more . As for his elevation to an office , he has to contend with hurdles. Recommend
@TightDhoti
you are tight on imagination too!Recommend
man of words..and future PM of Pakistan…ishallah..:)Recommend
It’s a conspiracy. Americans are promoting Imran Khan against Kayani and Geelani. They will find it easier to deal with him. As far as drones are concerned, how does it matter. If drones don’t kill, the terrorists will kill. In the end, the body count will remain the same.Recommend
Countdown has started !!
I have already shortlisted several countries for emigration…what about you?Recommend
Imran Khan is the HOPE of Pakistani People.Recommend
Imran is just trying to hog limelight, why is 90% of the time in UK or India with women all the time…only comes to Pakistan when there is a chance to show that he is a leader of some sortRecommend
If altaf Hussain gives a routine speech ( drama) all the channels cover it like it’s the most important words of wisdom for us and a hype is build days before … But for a cause like this they go mysteriously quiet , no clue whe they do it but it’s not a good sign !Recommend
@amarjamali:
We are not peaceful nation….Sectarian violence, ethnic violence, Shias beat sunnis, Sunnis beat Shias, Deobandi beat Brelwi, Brelwi beat Deobandi, Lawyers beat judges, Thanaydaars beat SHOs, Students beat teachers, Patients beat doctors, Doctors beat Journalists, Citizens beat police…..In Karachi, MQM kills PPP, PPP kills MQM, PPP gets angry and ptiches Lyari, Then Liyari beats MQM…..Army Beats Balochis, Balochis beats local citizens…..We are a one big self beating united states of IslamRecommend
Imran go ahead ,you are the hope. we love youRecommend
Great Khan, you re the future of this country. we love you.Recommend
This resembles the independence movement from the British in 1947 when we were under colonial rule; except that Mr Khan is now the Mr Jinnah and this time, the independence is from the AmericansRecommend
USA is a great power, all our big leaders are sold out, even USA has no ethics to deal a situation with international law & order . I advice Imran Khan not to come face to face to USA. Imran Khan is not a politician just a sincere sportsman, who is dedicated to Pakistan and people of Pakistan, he can not bout with western brain power. It is better he should educate people just to raise their level above from greed / dollars.Recommend
Imran Khan Steps into the Shoes of Qazi Hussain Ahmad- PTI substitute for JI : Sanity or Insanity, only time will tell. But watching men and women dance at 2 am on the streets of Peshawar is an achievement, in its own way.
@Ayesha Tammy Haq: It was not just any seminary- it was the Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania ( Symbolically it means a lot, about Imran Khans future).
Some people have beards in their stomach!Recommend
Imran khan you are the MAN .we are with you..bless you.Recommend
As an ex-cricketer he should know that how important records are. Can he tell the crowd that how many innocents and terrorists have died in Drone attacks, and how many times he visited those places after Drone attacks. As an non entity and opposition back bencher, he can get away with such irreponsible behaviour, but if God forbidden he comes into power, (which is impossible in a million year), every word he has spoken at this gathering will come back to haunt him. At that time, not only he, everyone of us will face consequences. I always wished that he should become head of the cricket board, but now he does not deserve that post.Recommend
I am amazed at some of the comments on the news item, If people do not want to support Imran that is their right in a democratic country but to spew unsubstantiated venom and raise innuemdos without any specific allegations is the worst form of character assasination.
@ faraz, i thought Musharraf was being charged for the murder of BB, was he also a member of this madressah. your hate and venomous attacks against Imran on these forums is already known to all.
@ Tight Dhoti, Imran gives speeches at schools, colleges and universities but no one has a problem since you have a bias against religious semanaries and consider them inferior humans and terrorists you accuse Imran of appeasing the right wing. If that madressah is the staging ground for terrorism why is it still open why doesnt the peoples goverment of liberals shut it down because they are the ones actually appeasing the religious right not Imran. Imran will speak to any and every Pakistani who will support him on national issues. The scenes at the ‘dharna’ with music andf dancing by the participants was one of unity and not on of extremism and hatred and religious bigotory as you would have us believe.
@ Ayesha Tammy Haq, so what if Imran gave a speech at a madressah, arent they Pakistanis do they not have a right to be part of the politcal process. It is no wonder that such elitism has led to this country being polarised to the extent it has been. They arent in madressahs because they love the environment they are there because the state hasnt provided them with education and a choice to live a decent and respectful life.
@ White Russian, had a few too much of the White Russians yourself, if you dont understand the problems and dont have better solutions step aside and let others who are sincere and hard working to try and address these issues, you stay put and stay safe we are working hard to protect all Pakistanis. The Great Khan condems terrorism and is working hard to address the root causes of such madness rather than killing people like sheep.
to the rest of the consipracy theorists, i challenge all of you to give me a better alternative then Imran right now and to give a better plan to address the war on terror. Till the time you give an alternative and actually come out and support your given plans you have no right to accuse someone who has given Pakistanis nothing but pride!!!!!Recommend
Imran khan Zinda baaaaad…!!!!!Recommend
@WTF
Jinnah was a practical politician. He supported British during the Second World War and encouraged Muslims to enlist in the British army, while the Congress ministers resigned from the cabinet. Over 60,000 congress party members and leaders were put in jail and their rallies were strafed by British airplanes.
I am a Pakistani but i admire Congress for its fight against British imperialism. Recommend
How did he suddenly become so popular? Recommend
Imran khan should also protest against suicide bombings and Karachi target killings. People can be provoked easily but their anger should be used to solve their real problems instead of political dramas and gains. Drones strikes are not on Islamabad or Karachi, but at the borders of Pak and Afghanistan where our military dare to enter. Can Imran Khan give the names and profiles of the persons killed by these drone strikes.Recommend
Imran khan is the only man who think for the nation instead of only himselfRecommend
Now Imran Khan has joined hands with the Jalaludin Haqqani.Recommend
Hope!!!! Go Imran!!!Recommend
well done imran khan hats off to you great initiative Recommend
The point is that all that support garnered was at a religious seminary.Are these the kind of lot Imran Khan is going to lead us/Pakistan with, in the future days to come? If that is the case, then God have mercy on us.Where are the intellectuals, students, economists, reformists, thinkers, protagonists(besides Imran) or the common man in this rally??
Its just another rally of religious right trying to show their might. Even the attendance was just near 3000; meagre considering how fast religious bigotry has spread through Pakistan. Though Imran’s point here is valid, but still it echoes the same thing-that is whether he has the appropriate people under his shadow. The point being that drones should be stopped but the rally won’t do any good. It is another rally of ‘Jamaat-like people’ hurling anti-American abuses. In the end, the same people will be dying for the green card.Recommend
@tye:
whatever but not like a bhagora :)Recommend
vote for imran khanRecommend
I personally laud Mr. Khan for taking a principled stand. But here is the problem and danger with this strategy. If some how we are able block all drone strike (I doubt they will) and there is an attack on American soil that has any remote connection to Pakistan, US will launch an all out aerial campaign against Pakistan. These would be on select targets in Waziristan. Hell they might even fabricate an attack on American soil along with evidence etc and justify the aerial campaign. Pak simply will be not able to respond to it in anyway and then what? PAF has little means to stop it either. These would be carried out by Tomahawk cruise missiles and stealth fighters. And we have little technology to stop these. How will Mr. Khan block aerial bombardment? how will Pakistan react. Will we declare war on United states? Will US declare war on Pakistan? We have little autonomy in these remote areas anyway. As is we are not able to stop the suicide bombs in Pakistan.
What we need is leverage to negotiate. We need tos come up with the hard evidence who is supporting PTT and make that the single point agenda.We need to hard connect the suicide bombers in Pakistan with foreign presence in Afghanistan and run with that agenda. Drones are not targeting PTT. They are targeting Afghan Taliban and Al-qaeda on Pak-Afghan border. So drones cannot be connected to suicide bombers.
This strategy will give us leverage and we will be able to go on offense vs. taking a defensive posture. Recommend
Imran khan do the great effort against drone attacks.. imran khan is the last hope for pakistani people,, and i request to pakistani people that join the PTI plate form to save our Beloved country.Recommend
Ayesha Tammy,what wrong in addressing in religious seminary?
I think he should be addressing in a night club. That would have been fineRecommend
I quote WIKIPEDIA here to show what Darul Aloom Haqqania is…(as already pointed out by Tightdhoti)
Darul Uloom Haqqania (Urdu: دار العلوم حقانیہ) is an Islamic religious seminary located in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. The seminary propagates the Deobandi trend of Sunni Islam and was founded along the lines of Darul Uloom Deoband.
It is most famous for having many senior leaders of the Afghanistan Taliban among its alumni, including Mullah Omar, and its role in supporting the Taliban. The seminary is run by Maulana Sami ul Haq of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.
The seminary has sometimes been dubbed the “University of Jihad”.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has claimed that the plan to assassinate Benazir Bhutto was hatched at Haqqania Akora Khattak
Darul Uloom Haqqania gave Mullah Omar an honorary doctorate.
Do we need more to know about Imran and his planning and his affiliations….????Recommend
@Ashraf:
If Imran is being backed by the agencies then this drama is contrived aimed at extorting more money from the west. Recommend
Imran Khan should also do something like this for balochistan, i appreciate this sit in, imran is really a brave and courageous person, he has exposed ISI and Presidency in the proper wayRecommend
Now this is called the love for nation and for the country..He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition..I wish Imran Khan all the very best and hope soon he would become the President of Pakistan..He is the only person who speaks truth and believe on truth….The staunch personality who does not believe on slavery….We all truly appreciate you for the effort..Recommend
This story should be the main story at ET(on the right hand side) rather than putting story about creating new province – Recommend
Good job Imran Khan! Recommend
Pakistan is walking into a trap. If supplies through Karachi are blockaded, the US will launch an invasion via Gwadar port and occupy Baluchistan. This was the plan all along – Al-qaeda presence in Afghanistan is just a ruse. Imran Khan has just provided the opportunity.Recommend
MQM just spoke but PTI delivers.Recommend
@ Dear Imran Khan: Can you please spare Pukhtuns, they are now very tired of fanatics. Can you please go to Lahore and Karachi and I am sure you will find some support there. We had enough of people like you, we don’t want more like you. We had Bacha Khan, only, in the recent past and we want one like him. Please spare us, please!!!!Recommend
So what if Imran went to the seminary along the way and tried to build a national consensus on the drone attacks. I don’t understand what the so-called liberals here want. Should we order a drone attack on this particular seminary as well just because it happened to be the place from where some suicide bombers have come from? Or should we, like Imran, try to address them and bring them into the national mainstream to peacefully protest against what they think is happening wrong? Surely the latter option is a wiser strategy. Rather than pushing them on the other side (and then say they are terrorist, taliban, militant etc.) why don’t we try to bring them on our side? Otherwise, be prepared to bomb and be bombed, in a tit-for-tat which is never going to end…Recommend
@Irtza Shahan
“Pakistan is gona be a worlds super power soon( nearly in 2023) and america’s economy is soon gona collapse”…HAHAHAH….Good Joke Mate..Recommend
@Cautious: Perhaps the US should look further East and finally realize that all the region’s problems have a lot to do with India which took western peaceful nuclear aid and started an arms race, nuclear missile race and continues to deny the legitimate rights of Kashmiris to have a United Nations referendum on their future. Then the US should clamp down on India for its role in supporting state sponsored terrorism against Pakistan through its lackeys in India.Recommend
@Hassan: When PML-N MPAS show up at political rallys where members of banned outfits and known extremists are present, then everyone calls them terrorist sympathizers. How is this any difference? what message does this send apart from appeasement and pandering to those who have justified terrorist attacks against Pakistani security forces!Recommend
@M> S. Shafique:
Indeed Imran has shown courage. But he needs to show courage on many other fronts if he wants to come out a winner-
Against feudals (this is dangerous area, only Altaf has supported this; he will make many powerful enemies and will be marked if he travelled in hinterlands of Punjab without military protection)
Against intolerance of other religions (this is a minefirled and he may loose whatever support he has)
Against lack of taxation of agricultural land and other incomes
Against false degree holder in Parliament (again a no go area)
Against Taliban (he actually supports them; he will not get any support of he goes against them)
Recommend
@Irtza Shahan:
2023 is way too far. By that time who knows if Pakistan will become a wild pace inhabited by the most dangerous monsters that eat up people alive.Recommend
Many “heroes” like Imran came and went. Situation is the same. He is a man with a 2-point plan for Pakistan. 1. Stop Drones. 2. Politicians should bring back assets into Pakistan.Recommend
I don’t get it – either the Taliban kill the innocent or who they think as unislamic like anybody who does not conform to the crazy, dogmatic interpretation of Wahabi Islam or we push back and speak to them in the language they understand, which is the language of power and strength. So I say if somebody else is killing these murderers on our behalf then so be it. I am a supporter of PTI but not on the point of their support for Talibans. Unless we have a program to de-program them there is no point in getting into negotiations with them. They are not about support for civil society or civility. Recommend
I suspect that Imran Khan is a puppet in the hands of the esatblishment who are using him against the government.Recommend
This man should stick to playing cricket.Recommend
All this pride and what is the future? Does Imran have any plans after stopping drone attacks ? It is easy to do chest thumping against USA. Do we know about future of Pakistan without USA? A nation’s sovereignty is most important and has to be respected no matter. But that respect starts from one’s own self. When nation’s caretaker sells out nation for personal cause or benefit we loose that right to sovereignty. For years the people in powers did sell the sovereignty to foreigners. Time to stand up, be the owner, care taker and responsible global citizen. Only then we won’t have any second country coming to Pakistan and doing drone attack. Recommend
“Jihad is mandatory and jihad against oppression and injustice will continue,” Khan said. – Do we really need this guy as our future leader. Misuse and misunderstanding of Jihad has put our country in such a turmoil. Do we really need a Jihadi as a future leader or representative of Pakistan. Watch out guys, supporting Imran for whatever sugarcoated agenda he has is dangerous for Pakistan. I hate loss of my innocent countrymen in drone strikes, but Imran would be worst. Recommend
Simply we love Imran Khan. We are with you.Recommend
everyone is saying that he or she is with Imran khan, but i don’y know what happens to these people when elections come. Imran khan and his party never gets elected.Recommend
finally someone taking a stand!!!. Imran khan deserves to be the leader of this country, he has taken a stand on an issue which is (should be) important to all pakistanis. Shame on all the political parties who are not joining this cause. I dont know how these blood sucking politicians live with themselves when innocent civilians are being killed in these drone attacks under their supervision.Recommend
a journey of thousand miles begins with the first step.STEP OUT KHAN the NATION is with you.Recommend
please dont stop till your achieve your goal. We are with you.Recommend
its true… imran khan.. tthe last hope of pakistan… May Allah Bless him with power in future and INSHALLAH lead Pakistan to prosperity in future!Recommend
Go Ahead Sir Imran The youngsters of Paksitan are with you. Only you can save the PakistanRecommend
@Aftab Kenneth Wilson
“Razia Gundo’N mein Phuns Gae”
Because “Razia” lives in a society and with people like you and @TightDhoti
who shout loud and do nothing.Recommend
Why were there no suicide attack in Imran Khan’s rally….`cause taliban cant kill their own man!Recommend
Drone campaign is testing the waters of Imran’s election campaign along with all the former B team, benefactors,s excuse to pressure the Afghan campaign by twisting the NATO supplies while all MNA are waiting to see which side the camel will sleep. Recommend
According to The News and DAWN…..this sit in was a flop!! DAWN says 3000-4000 people showed up, The News says 5000 showed up. Thats the same number of votes Imran’s candidates get. And notice the Sipah Sahaba flags at the sit in? Imran never moves without his dear old friends…..the Sipah Sahaba. SO what if the SSP kills shias and non-muslims? What does that matter to Imran??
http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/25/pakistan-rally-halts-nato-supplies-for-afghanistan.htmlRecommend
@ Adeel, your comment is disgusting to say the least, you want innocent people to die so that your sick mind can accept that imran does not support the Taliban. Shame on you!!!!Recommend
@ tight Dhoti, is the JUI – S a banned group, is the madressah where Imran gave his speech a banned seminary i do not think so the comparision is invalid. Imran is trying to bring everyone on board with regard to the drone attacks and the so called war on terror he has spoken in schools, colleges, universities and madressahs.
The madressahs in Pakistan are a reality over 1 million students enter madressahs every year and the liberal elite in this country want them to be out of the politcal discourse are they not Pakistanis should they be treated like pariahs because the state could not provide them with education and opportunities such prejudiced is the reason for growing hate and extremism in this country.
By the same argument Aitchson, Saint patricks, Karachi Grammer school and other top schools in the country should be closed down because most of our corrupt elite leadership has emerged from these schools. Do not support Imran if you do not want but stop with these crass allregations and innuendos about Imran and his loyalty and concern for the people of Pakistan.Recommend
@Hassan
So if you are talking of legalities rather than common knowledge, then what the rally which PTI organzied alongwith Jud, which is a banned group. And ask the Shias of FATA about such madrassas, they will give you proofsRecommend
@Hassan
Who said that Musharraf had problems with the madrassas which churn out ‘strategic assets’? Musharraf kicked out all main stream parties and made space for mullahs. General Ehtisham Zameer admitted that agencies rigged elections in favour of MMA. MMA enjoyed power in NWFP during Musharraf rule and passed the 14th amendment. Imran is honest and sincere but I disagree with his views on terrorism and the way he justifies the violent acts of Taliban, and ignores sectarian groups that are part of Taliban. His visit to such madrassa proves that he supports the disastrous policy of strategic depth and proxy wars, which are the root cause of extremism. If his main concern is loss of life, then what about the thousands of kids of poor families which were recruited in such madrassas and herded into Afghanistan? Recommend
@ Ali, PTI did not organise any rally with JuD. The rally on the 19th of March against the release of Raymond davis was called by JI and it invited all parties of which PTI was also a part. Any banned group has never been a part of any PTI organised rally. PTI does not distinguish between Shias and Sunnis it speaks for all hte people of FATA so please dont make this a sectarian issue. Recommend
@Hassan
Well taliban is a sectarian group. Why arent Shias or Barelwis part of taliban? While taliban accept responsibility for seige of Kurram agency, this is how Imran khan justifies the slaughter of 2000 shia-sunni tribes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/story/2007/04/070408imranpresser_rza.shtmlRecommend
@Ali
So there is a difference between attending a rally with a banned organization and inviting a banned organization in a rally. Are a really a serious student of politics?Recommend
@ faraz, imran does not support the taliban and is not in favour of war as a solution to any politcal issue which part of this do you not understand. Imran does not ignore any militant group the cause for terrorism and insurgencies is a vaccum created by the state to deprive people of socio economic justice. You talk of people being recruited into madressahs but you do not say which kind of people send their children to madressahs those that cannot suppor them and the state has failed miserably at providing people with alternatives.
Whenever the state leave a vaccum someone or the other will fill that vaccum for their vested interests. Imran’s visit to madressahs does not prove anything except that he will talk to anyone and everyone to resolve this immoral war.Recommend
@ Ali, How do you know that Shias and barelvis arent part of the Taliban do you have a roster with names and religious affiliations of the members of the Taliban, i believe not!!!!!
Imran does not support violence and It is not imran’s strategy that is at work in the region it is your strategy of mindless killing that is going on so why hasnt it succeeded as yet. The sectarian clashes in Kurram Agency havent started recently they have existed since the british era. Major sectarian clashes happend in 1982 and 1996 as well besides 2007 what were the causes then i am sure you dont know and do not want to know.
Yes there is a difference the rally was not organised by PTI and the call for joining the rally was not sent out by PTI. Recommend
Imran khan gave an awesome speech…he truly deserves standing ovation.What was so disappointing was the biasness of Media.They didnt think it important to give coverage to this histroical dharna and newspapers like tribune too didnt include it in their headlines…whereas rental MQM jalsi was so much coveraged which makes me feel that they truly are terrorist groupRecommend
@Hassan
Shia taliban and Barelwi taliban :)))
In 2007, Shia-Sunni tribes formed joint lashkar against taliban. Read some history.Recommend
“Jihad is mandatory and jihad against oppression and injustice will continue,”
Ha ha… This is coming from Imran Khan the Playboy :).. ha ha ha
Has Imran Khan heard of “Fast unto Death” ? Also called Satyagrah?
Satyagrah works better than Jihad in 21st century without having to train kids on Kalashnikov and ruining their future and te countries in turn…..
SHAME IMRAN KHAN… I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO FAST UNTO DEATH TO STOP THE DRONE STRIKE instead of radicalizing youths in Pakistan….
I am aghast to see so many EDUCATED Pakistanis praising this PLAYBOY :)… ha haRecommend
@Ashraf: Please resist from your stupid theories. All of the channels were showing the protest live. I saw Javed Hashmi, Marvi Memon & Imran Khan speech Live. I dont know which channel were you watching.Recommend
@Cautious:
Well, Well, such words from a zombiefied citizen of a dying imperial power. I dare you to please go ahead write to your senators and Congressmen to approve sacntions against Pakistan, isolate it and then see how your forces crumble even faster in Afghanistan because Crumble they must sooner or latter. And give Pakistan and its citizens a sigh of relief from the curse of siding with the evil imperialistic power of USA.Recommend
Imran Khan your the the Future of Pakistan kick all these uneducated dumbs American slaves out of Pakistan. We love you Imran Khan! Great Step!Recommend
@Khurdra:
so true………….!!!!!!!!!Recommend
@ kanishka, do you know the meaning of the word Jihad, i am sure you dont it means struggle, the struggle against this immoral war on terror. Recommend
@ ali, if shia & sunnis united against the Taliban then how come the Taliban is a sectarian organisation as you claim, that would make the Taliban retailiate equally against both, maybe i know my history and present its you who should go and do some reading!!!!Recommend
I was amazed to see that the event got less or no TV coverage by our Breaking News Media as compared to the coverage given to “Nine Zero Party” (a recent example is of Lahore office opening)Recommend
@Ayesha Tammy Haq
It is embarassing that you are insinuating something sinister is at play because he addressed the religious lot. The pseudo-elite of this country cannot stomach the fact that one of them has left the flock and is pulling others towards mainstream politics. This is Imran Khans greatest achievement that he is united a country and made it into the nation. The Pakistan of tomorrow will be much different from the corrupted decayed Pakistan which your generation is culpable for.Recommend
Imran Khan is the only leader who speaks the voice of Public.May God give strength to his leadership so that he can serve this country. Unfortunately our country has been looted by corrupt civilian and miliatry leadership for the past six decades.Recommend
great great great effort! Love you IMRAN KHAN!Recommend
May GOD bless you! App jaisay logoon ki waja say Pakistan abhi tak qayam hai!Recommend
@Hassan
That exatly proves its a sectarian organziation, taliban belong to takfiri deobandi-wahabai school, not all sunni follow this ideology.Recommend
@Hassan
Did you notice the SSP flag in the rally?Recommend