The only solution to the Balochistan issue is a political one, not a military one, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday.
While talking to the media at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Imran said that PTI’s recent public gathering in Quetta has “broken the silence of fear” in the province, adding that the incumbent provincial assembly and cabinet are not the real representatives of the people of Balochistan.
He also challenged President Asif Ali Zardari and chief of his own faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif, to engage with the public in Balochistan if they really believed in addressing the grievances of the Baloch people.
Expressing satisfaction with his rally in Quetta, Imran said, “A general can make PML-N or form a political alliance like Islami Jamhoori Ithehad (IJI) but he can’t bring a tsunami.”
He added that critics of the PTI, who claim that his popularity was manipulated by former ISI chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha, should not forget the party’s moot in Quetta, saying that no mainstream political force dared to hold a public gathering in the volatile province.
While commenting on the issue of troops’ withdrawal from Siachen, he said that both India and Pakistan should withdraw at the same time.
Attacking the incumbent government, Imran said the prime minister wanted to become a political martyr to save “the thieves” and did not want to implement the Supreme Court’s verdicts, referring specifically to an accused in the rental power projects case being made a federal minister.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (13)
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Agree with Imran Khan,but,the following questions must be answered before any political settlement is reached: (1) What exactly are the grievances? (2) How many billions have so far been given to Balochistan successive governments for development projects? (3)Identify completed & incomplete projects? (4) How much funds have so far been doled out to various Sardars to rein them in,disclose the names? (5) What kind of political settlement is demanded by those not in Balochistan government? (6) What are the projects so far undertaken by the Federal Government & how much funds so far spent? This will bring clear picture before the nation to settle Balochistan issue.
Handle Balochistan politically - government should act to maintain peace - Leaders are afraid of the people - All good dialogues by Imran. He never suggest ways to implement his own promises - He never criticize or condemn the terrorist acts but blame unknown others. Easiest way for every one is to criticize the other even though they do not know the way to solve the problems.
Comon, PTI haters, I am awaiting a new conspiracy theory about PTI , I guess it may have something to do with new ISI chief General Zaheer :D
Why not PTI transfer their head office to Quetta for the sake of Country and Baluchistan. As we have observed no target killing till the date he was in Quetta and the day he left it all started again. Hope this time Imran Khan stands for the Country.
@Ashraf P: wish it was that simple but it aint pal my dad and my brother is in the army we know more than you in foriegn lands
Yet another good solution from the maestro Sir Imran Khan. Shame on every politician who accused him of being supported by the establishment. Let's bring peace in this country, and I can only see Sir IK doing this, because the rest are all busy looting this country.
Allah Helps those who help themselves. Good work PTI. Keep it Up.
Only Imran Khan is capable of unite this nation, may Allah protect you.
100% agree with u
True, Agree with you .... Pakistan need a change in All sector specially in Government.Because after changing in Government sector other changing will come automatically. We need true and geniune leadership who come in the politices just to take care of the people.And Inshallah such kind of change come and true and geniune leader will come......
Imran Khan broke the chain of fear on 30th Oct 2011 in Lahore... The time when people don't take part in huge gatherings due to the fear of bomb blasts...then he broke the fear chain of Karachi on 25th Dec 2011....a city of fear....Now he prove on 20th April 2012 that balochistan is also part of Pakistan....few days ago when media was telecasting the statements of self exiled Baloch leaders that they want freedom...but Khan prove it that, yes there is anger but not so much. And i hope like Lahore and Karachi now other parties also follow to Khan and held rallies in Quetta.
Kaptaan saab, you are 100% right. But the establishment will topple you if you even mention the word "withdrawal". They're old fashioned. They only know torture, maiming and kidnapping. You will soon realize that talking is one thing and doing is quite another - especially when you are under the shadow of the establishment. You cannot take a major decision that does not have their blessing.