Pakistani Taliban offer security for Imran Khan's S Waziristan rally: Report
The UK-based daily quoted senior commanders of TTP as saying that the group noted Khan’s vehement opposition to US drone strikes against militants in its territory “as it reversed course to offer security assistance.”
A Taliban spokesperson said, “We are ready to provide them security if they need. We endorse Imran Khan’s plea that drone strikes are against our sovereignty. The anti-drone rallies should have been taken out by the religious leaders long ago but Imran had taken the lead and we would not harm him or his followers.”
During a press conference on Sunday, the PTI chief had claimed that the Mehsud, Burki and Bhittani tribes of Waziristan had assured him of providing security to participants of the rally.
Earlier, the TTP had criticised Khan’s statement in which he had called himself a “liberal”. The Pakistani Taliban contended that by classifying himself as a liberal, Imran Khan had proved that he was a slave of the Western powers — especially the US and Europe. The organisation held that they were not satisfied with his policies.
Some areas of the Mehsud tribe, during the military action against the Taliban in the north-western belt of the country, had become deserted but residents of some of these areas near Tank had returned to their homes during the last two years.
Reportedly, these areas are peaceful now and Khan’s party has chosen one of these areas called Kot Kai for his rally. His party is scheduled to leave Dera Ismail Khan and will head towards Kot Kai on October 7.
COMMENTS (106)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1725967717-0/Untitled-design-(3)1725967717-0-165x106.webp "article")
1730564373-0/Express-Tribune-Web-(19)1730564373-0-270x192.webp "funds allocated to fight smog for the first time maryam aurangzeb")
@Pakistani: couldn't agree more with you brother....stay blessed
@Uza Syed: Don't confuse talibans with tribals of waziristan.....not every person living there is a talib.....yes if someone in their family gets killed by drone attacks flown from pakistani base..yes they would turn havoc against everyone and anyone without realizing they are innocent or not....it is all but natural to react in that way for the loss of their dear ones against such strikes.....put yourself in their shoes for a brief moment.....we, being the arm chair critics, living in some cosmopolitan city cannot comprehend what the tribals are going through....it is quite easy for us to question the efforts of imran....i always hear or come across people who criticize imran more than any other corrupt politician....Actually we have grown accustomed to corruption in every walk of life and we don't want to get out of this mess and if someone takes a leap and shows us the way out of this mess we rather discourage them. We Pakistanis have a dirty history and we deserve to be in this mess untill we really help ourselves to get out of this mire. In the end, i must say that i didn't want to offend anyone but i truly hope and pray that people of pakistan should rise like a nation and put an end to the corruption and every other act that disgrace our mother land...Ameen
@Ch Allah Dad You say:
A big WOW at that! Btw has your leader ever put forward this logic? I never heard him say this? Not even Shahbaz Sharif or Ch Nisar has made this statement. Anyway following your logic we shouldn't go to Karachi, we shouldn't go to Balochistan, we shouldn't go to KPK and drink our cup of coffees in Punjab, while we let the army handle everything. How would you feel if God Forbid the extremists in South Punjab take to militancy, and no one from the rest of Pakistan wishes to come to show support for the innocent people?
Not a single person commenting here have a clue what exactly is Waziristan, who are the people living there? What they have gone through in last few years? One rally may not be enough but this might help us see what exactly is happening and then at least we can try to make a more informed judgment of who is right and who is wrong?
It is like the Satan promising security !
I love Pakistan but i hate corruption and Imran Khan is committed to get rid of this evil. Please, support him!!!
Let's revisit history. 9/11 happened in 2001 and without any inquiry report President Bush declared a war against Afghanistan. War was the first option they chose to ease their frustration and Pakistan (Muslim country) started fighting against Muslims to satisfy Americans. We've killed there daughters, mothers, fathers, sons and so first. Now guess who was right? Then we first have heard TTP in 2006 after 2 years of war. There were no talibans before 2006. Let's think about something what we have done and what they have done. Neither we are innocent nor they are. So yeah its a time to give peace a chance or else Pakistan is going towards destruction. I endorse every positive behavior in this specific matter. We shouldn't criticize this stance.
The word ''liberal''means has wrongly been taken,liberal mean independent not slave of any foreign power or domination. So called Pakistani leaders who secretly granted permission foreign powers to drone attacks and kill innocent people in the name of insurgency. Tsunami go will go there and tell the world injustice is going on human being are being killed by hatching conspiracy. It would be great message to the United nation which compelled it to enact a international law no one dare to cross the limits of other country's sovereignty. Conspiracy was hatched at the time of translating the word ''liberal''it mean independent not infidel Imran Khan is a true Muslim and moving toward the destination leading to safety and the security of the Islamic Republic Of Pakistan,
Imran Khan has all the abilites of a future Gaddafi of Pakistan..
If one can somehow extract sensible and human behavior from the most inhumane then something is gotta be said about your leadership. We need to bring everybody on the table first if this country is to survive - Taliban might be a cancer but one still has to treat it and deal with it.
what a brave leader Imran is! others ha haha!
@salman: Good sense of humour buddy, others took it seriously.
@Hammad: These drones strikes are going on with the covert support of the Pakistan authorities,civilian and military.This constant bleating of violation of sovereignity is only for public consumption.Tomorrow if Pakistan Govt tell US to stop drone attacks,they will comply.US will then apply pressure on Pakistan to return to the statu quo.
Great Leader...Excellent Team...High Objectives...Salute you Mr. IK.
If anyone is against him today...inshaAllah will be with him very soon.
@Enlightened...lolz...i can't stop laughing when i imagine TTP suicide bombers securing IK by forming a ring =D.... but jokes aside IK is surly a brave man.
PTI we stand with you. You are trying to speak what our assembly couldn't implement after unanimous resolution. All others are sold to American money.
Its a good gesture from TPP....Why should someone oppose TPP or Imran Khan...These Drone Attacks have added to the already existed hatred against US. You will see change in the mindset of TPP, when US stop interference in the affairs of Pakistan & Afghanistan..US should let the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan decide about their own affairs...
Ik is traitor
Beside all criticism about IK rally, what we want know. We know TTP was destroying our Peace because we were following U.S instructions. Now IK is going to talk to them for peace and against unlawful drone strikes. At end of the day we want peace, and they want peace too.
Maybe tomorrow the Tabiban will offer IK the post of Commander. Who knows?
Come on PTI supporters, mr khan is neither brave nor courageous. He is on the side of the taliban, so they r providing security, but from whom? They r all one, the difference is taliban rae in the field Imran khan is supporting them ideologically. Thata, why when they kill innocent people in mosques shrines, bazars, jirgas, janazas, politicians and their children, imran khan does not and cannot condemn them openly. His vague and streotyped condemnation relates their brutal act to tribal code of revenge for drones. This is illogical as according to pakhtunwali, revenge for drones should have been taken on americans, not innocent people. So mr khan,s tribal policy is highly flawed and confused. Finally, if he is able to go to waziristan, hw will do well if he asks taliban what they actually want? And IK should announcehis policy and strategy very clearly in front of the nation. Let'see if this march is just a political gimmick and point scoring, or an attempt to aim at the core issue of insurgency.
imran khan has changed the location of the march from south waziristan to north waziristan. haha what happened to the deal with taliban providing security to the pti rally....... 95% of the drone attacks happened to be in south waziristan, where all the foreign and local terrorist are hiding. now whats the point of a rally to north waziristan where pak army with help of tribesmen already cleaned majority of the area......... just topi drama.
i.e, prominent journalist salim safi has mentioned the news of change of location in his jang news column.
When this news came out (about a month ago?) TTP denied ever saying that they were going to kill Imran or disrupt the Peace March. Im not sure where you get your news from... oh ofcourse, tribune! lol @Mard-e-Haq:
Imran Khan is playing on front foot. IK is poised to challenge the sole super power on its unethical state terrorism of worst kind, The deadly drones, I believe. It's courageous on the part of an aspiring leader. We hope he will also achieve a patch up with Taliban. It will actually disable at least one leading source of Pakistan's internal woes. Other political parties desirous of internal stability in Pakistan should support IK in this national cause.
What a person this man is.
this is not surprising Because there is no doubt that Imran Khan is confused,he moves just like pendulum between his so called liberalism and extremism views. yes he is another one just like baqiyat( remaining) of Zia Ul Haq who are just cashing the name if religion to get their set goal . Now how will TTP welcome Imran in their ISLAMIC EMPIRE is not big Question .yes its the place where our ARMY can not access but those can freely move who come forward to defend the wrong deeds of Anti Islamic and anti democratic forces. Alas we have leaders like Mr bilour who invites Taliban to save Islam and Name of propher,we have leader like Shahbaz Sharrif who begs to Taliban not to attack Punjab and we have the leaders like Munawer Hassan, Hamid gul ,Zaid Hamid and Fazlur rehman .who all lives in their ferry land and thinks that all ills are conspiracies of non muslims but they ignore the actual reason of agony and destruction.
This nation has no respect for people in uniforms who risk their lives on a daily basis. The Taliban has beheaded tens of Pakistani soldiers - never, never forget that.
no political parties have been left spare by TTP except jamate islami and other religious parties who are PRO ARMY, it means Imran khan has something common with taliban that is why they are not attacking him.. thats cool
Nawaz sharif is good leader and he is not putting people life in danger to go wazeristan , he is real leader and know what is right.
Terrorists endorsing politicians like Bilour and now protecting politician like Imran
What a person this man is. He is destined for more bigger glories than he has already achieved in his life. Go Khan and we are with you
@Fahad, because my leader Nawaz Sharif takes care of his supporters. No sensible person should take his innocent supporters in an area where Terrorist, IEDs, Landmines, Guns are in abundance.. I have been to Waziristan once, but since war broke out, I cannot think of going there, nor I would allow my loved ones to go there. Let the State of Pakistan and our Brave soldiers handle the situation.
@gulmina: Really? Who told you that they are all Uzbeks, Tajiks, Afghans? The biased Western media. Can you name a few? No you cant because you dont know. Thats why IK is going there. Join him and get facts.
curious, Aijaz, kamran and Naeem: every politician speaks from heart while adressing the people. its the afterwards which tells u. no way for peace and stability with imran khan or other corrupt leaders. read his manifesto deeply and find out that there is nothing in it. even in their innercircle there is corruption. its all a setup, i dont even think that ttp has given any threat before or now. its just media circus. Its for sure no great politics by imran khan. if you really thinks so i must say that the level of yours thinking is very low.
Geo Cheeeeeeeeeetah!!!
Its one step forward.. Let's see how IK could pacify and bring them back to normal life..
@ Ch Allah Daad: why dont ur leader nawaz sharif goes there? I doubt he doesnt even have the slightest clue on how to solve this issue. Please tell your leader to got there instead of criticizing the ones that have the guts to do. You see, running of to jeddah doesnt take guts, going to waziristan does!!!!
@ IZ: Agree with you. Taliban dont even recognize pakistan, let alone have any concerns about our sovereignity. Where was their concern about our sovereignity when they bombing police and army headqurters, beheading our brave soldiers, bombing our bazars and slaughtering women and children, not to mention bombing schools, mosques, imam baraghs? Saying this is not our war disrespects our soldiers and police and the victims of these terror attacks. Shame on IK and PTI.
Pakistan ought to stop making money out of pashtun deaths with NATO supplies and drone attacks.
Haraam money and cause of being shameless.
Leave Pashtuns alone, or watch Pakistan break along ethnic lines
Your call
Love you IK. Love you PTI. PTI Rock. Let this trip to end and intra party election and watch the surveys then... PTI would be far ahead of others....
If anti-US haters can be regain their sense for a moment, they should let someone speak for peace. If you think that you are safe at your homes because you hate Taliban, than you are grossly mistaken.
Good strategy, get all the tribes to support IK and leave the Taliban and then the Mullahs have no other choice but to support IK...
@Sikander Fayyaz Bhadera: Excellent! everyody is with you and IK. May Allah help you Ameen. Regards.
@ Haider, You are right, he should go where Drones are hitting the most. Where Imran and his peace march is heading is already in control of our brave soldiers. Perhaps PTI supporters do not understand difference between North and South Waziristan.
Every war and battle ends in reconciliation.. So Imran Khan has taken a giant step to promote peace and harmony. Otherwise, this bloodshed wil continue for decades. Imran is not supporter of Taliban or America, he is just striving for the durable peace in the region. Pak army and the local masses should help him. And guys plz be broadminded in real sense. You can't ignore tens of thousands of people just becoz they are savage and butchering our army. We have fought them in their own way, by bombing and killing but what result we have now? Nothing but chaos! So lets try another way, lets give peace a chance and lets bolster the efforts of those who are becoming a bridge between us and the extremists. Perhaps this is the most effective way of getting rid of this turmoil.
Our enemy's friend is our.......
Wow, Taliban set aside plans to send in suicide bombers and welcome him with open arms instead, and even then we have doubts which Taliban are behind suicide bombings? Just shows that not only is government right in allowing US to drone them down but we should get rid of these terrorists whether US stays present in Afghanistan or leaves it.
We never needed security from Taliban anyway. We were going on with the plan even when they announced to send in the suicide bombers. People need to understand that this peace march is for the thousands living under the drones, under a constant fear of being killed by a missile, 24 hours and a day, and 7 days a week. Those kids, women, men, who have no role, whatsoever, to play in any of the violence. We are going to highlight the plight of fellow Pakistanis who aren't being heard.
We are going to give peace a chance. If you can't go with us, you can at least stop criticizing and start praying for peace.
Thank you.
Go ahead we are with you Mr. Khan with good luck. What is realities in south waziristan after your visit (highlight) world better understand about kill of innocent peoples
@curious: So True!
@Naeem: A thousands likes to your comments. Salute.
Imran Khan is the way for peace and stability in Pakistan. Everyone listens to him as his heart speaks the truth.
@Aarvey,india: Actually many of our leaders are dual nationals and for dual nationals every land and every hand is "foreign". i.e. Indian or American. The people are only Pakistani nationals and therefore, not clueless. Regards.
"We endorse Imran Khan’s plea that drone strikes are against our sovereignty."
I never knew the Taliban were so concerned about our sovereignty. I guess I never realized that attacking our GHQ, our naval base, our airbase, our police stations, training centers, Intelligence offices and other security installations was an act of supporting our sovereignty....
If Imran Khan accepts the security cover offer, TTP will surely provide a fool proof security ie form a ring of suicide bombers around the PTI chief so that nobody dares to come near him.
Imagine if there is an attack (or even an attempt of attack) on IK and his supporters in Waziristan. Imagine how much his popularity will increase afterwards. The claim that he's the most brave leader of Pakistan will be testified by Talibans. Just imagine.
Imran Khan should be appointed as Governor-General of Waziristan.
So far the story with most Pakistani commentators were that the TTP were funded and supported by India and the USA. Now with this declaration of love and support for the PTI by the TTP the truth stands exposed. The problem is while the whole wide world knows who Pakistans enemies are Pakistanis are still clueless. Duh!
Imran khan zindabad
Excellent comments above (excluding mine)! However IK & PTI should also conduct a rally against TTP’s misconduct as well, paricularly TTP's attacks on military bases, imam barghahs ad shrines of saints. TTP must repent and not do such things again. TTP must obey Mullah Omar who has given explicit orders that Pakistanis should NOT be attacked! Regards.
The people who tagged already "Envelope anchors" they must be against it but youth with Imran Khan and we will bring peace in Pakistan Insha Allah.
Terrorism menas = no investment, no sports, no jobs, afraid always.
Let's give a chance to peace. Change begins a home.
Friends of enemies?
@Logic. Europe: *"A march twords becominng a lawless state like Somalia anf Afghanistan".
Under PPP our social and economic indicators are no better than somalia and Rwanda.Not much to lose I guess.
When the Taliban wanted to assassinate him, some haters abused Imran Khan. Now Taliban wants to protect him, even more haters are abusing him.
All the while the Haters forget that it is the PPPs own government as well as the entire national assembly that passed a resolution demanding end to drones. But no, ONLY imran khan is taliban khan.
I laugh at such ignorance.
Imran should accept the security cover offered by TTP to show solidarity with this organisation with an eye on Taleban sympathizers votes who form a big vote bank in Pakistan.
PTI would be winning in next elections atleast from waziristan, All young talibs will vote for Imran. way to goooo
So it means Taliban suicide bombing for mass killing of innocents are not against our sovereignty
This is the only way to claim trible areas as the part of pakistan. otherwise pakistan govt is unable to implement there rit on region. But this is also the time to made a decision on taliban,s ground. If IK is protesting against Drones they should also reveil there position about talibans. As he is claiming to come in power to take govt of pakistan in next elections he should not ride into two boats at same time. And this is the ground reality that TTP is the biggest enemy of pakistan then traditional enemeies.and they done more damage then all of past wars against india to pakistan.
@ Owais : Afterall those dying in the drones are Pakistani nationals.
Really? Uzbekis? Afghans and Saudi's are Pakistani Nationals?
What terrorists Taliban say is mews for US controlled media?
Imran Khan is doing peace march to show Pakistanis and world the victims of US brutality of cross border Drones and normalizing tension and grieve of public effected in area on border..
IK got all the tribes on his side and left Taliban with no choice but to support! What a leader, congrats Pakistan!
If all this is true, the only thing this proves is that the Taliban condemn Pakistani government taking help from the US. Well, then, don't we all?
Well done, Imran Khan! We are with you and the PTI and hope that you achieve a colossal victory against the others. Always ready to help you or the PTI in every way possible.
You make our nation proud!
Topi Drama ....
Good stuff..!! If the Brits can talk to IRA n the US to members of taliban. So can pakistani politicians. Afterall those dying in the drones are Pakistani nationals.
The battle is almost won! Great stuff IK!
A march twords becominng a lawless state like Somalia anf Afghanistan. After nawaz now imran khan is playing politics with Taliban
Way to go PTI. Our 'rulers' current and previous don't have the courage to even condemn these drone strikes.
PTI zindabad
Sorry we do not need Any terrorist support. We are not a banana republic that we need protection of illegal. Extra constitutional outfits who must all be eliminated. No state in the world can show any softness towards them. It is the full responsibility of The Govt. of Pakistan to give Imran full protection. If we have to live on the "bheek" of TTP why do we have government for?
Now the oppenents will use this as his alliance with TTP...Brave IK go ahead no problem, you are doing it right...where are coward so calles experience old leaders....
Wish a great man all the Best.May God protect him & his Local & International UK based people including the Repreive (Jumaima khan & Team). Wish God protect you in this great work.
Imran Khan. The only leader that can bring Pakistan back from the brink and unite it.
God will protect Imran, not the Taliban! IK is brave son of Pakistan we are with him all the way!! Stop drone attacks and killing innocent civilians.
if this was the case he would have chosen N Waziristan where the actual victims dwell.. & i hope he can conduct a rally against Taliban's misconduct as well at GHQ, Kamra Air Base, Mehran Air Base, Liberty Chowk, Police hostel in Mazang, certain Imam bargahs, any area of peshawar (as TTP has not spared a single inch of this city from their barbaric acts)... list goes on.. where victims of Taliban reside in fear..
Great news! May Allah keep him safe. We are all with you khan. Inshallah a land slide victory awaits you in the next general elections.
Thank you Hakimullah Mehsud, i request you not to attack any Pakistani civilian or military pesons. Make sure that Imran Khan and the peace marchers march in total peace. You are right that "The anti-drone rallies should have been taken out by the religious leaders long ago but Imran had taken the lead and we would not harm him or his followers.”. Good lck Imran Khan! Regards.
Imran Khan should refuse their "gracious offer" or be prepared to lose a voter.
good joke? How can anyone who stands for violence offer anything but!
The Far Left Western apologists should take note they are aiding and abetting the Taliban's best friend in Pakistan.
All the best wishes for this peaceful rally. May it remains peaceful.
Joke of the day!
How nice----Imran Khan has Taliban's support! Great achievement!!!! Our enemies, the very same terrorists who have been destroying our peace and our lives and do everything against Pakistan are supporting and endorsing Imran Khan. Wow, PTI's simpletons must be very proud of this 'GREAT' achievement when PTI is exposed and we and the whole wide world sees the PTI's true face behind the veil.
imran the brave & courageous leader can bring peace to pakistan. IK we r with u.
The Taliban has changed its mind. From a promise to send "suicide bombers," it has "reversed course to offer security assistance" to one if its illustrious brothers. I wonder why there is no PTI march for slain Pakistani soldiers who were butchered by the Taliban.
Is it because Pakistani soldiers do not promise suicide revenge attacks? In any, whatever the politics, let peace reign. Taliban Khan Zindabad! (and no pun intended).
How about a group photo with Mehsud & Co? You might remember them as the people who conduct suicide attacks in the cities and kill our soldiers? Or is it still "amreeeeca kee jung"?
Lets give peace a chance now .. lets get out of this insane war ..
GoodLuck khan!!