ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned peace march to South Waziristan faces growing concern, with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (ACS Fata), Tafsheen Khan, saying on Wednesday that Imran Khan’s rally could result in serious consequences from a security standpoint.
Khan made the comments while speaking to The Express Tribune regarding the PTI’s public meeting scheduled to be held in South Waziristan’s Kotkai town on October 6.
Tafsheen said, “I do not term the security situation in Fata unsatisfactory, but it’s not equipped to host the visit of PTI chief Imran Khan … along with such a huge gathering of locals and foreign nationals. He (Imran) should realize that he is going to put everyone in danger.”
He added that the Fata secretariat had asked the central government to not permit Imran Khan to hold the rally. However, he added that the Fata secretariat has not received a reply from the government yet.
“We are working to establish peace in Fata, but that will be through development and welfare projects, not through rallies and adventures,” Tashfeen remarked.
K-P Governor Barrister Masood Kousar told The Express Tribune on Wednesday that Imran Khan’s decision to hold the peace rally was “merely a sentimental move.”
“Imran is an ignorant man and likes to live in his dreams but the government is fully cognisant of its responsibilities and cannot allow any adventurism in the tribal areas where the situation is already fragile,” said Governor Kousar.
The Secretary General of PTI, Dr Arif Alvi defiantly tweeted on Wednesday, “Govt denies permission for PTI Waziristan Aman Rally. Says cant issue 100K passes to enter. Security is issue. We Will We Will... definitely go.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (39)
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Haha i was right, IK is saying Zardari will be to blame for any mishap
@Ali Khan:
Remarks like these demonstrate the IQ level of typical Imran Khan supporters.
If civilians are killed will Imran Khan hold himself responsible? i doubt it.
Imran's own sons are safe in England and he is taking precious sons of other parents in one of the most dangerous places on earth. He, himself is well qualified to commit this adventure. After losing big money in gambling and his political career going nowhere, any person would think of suicide but going alone will make him a better person.
All those who oppose rally are on CIA pay roll lets the world see the EVILL face of CIA and company let the american people see whay every body around the world heat them and who is responsibel for that.GO IMRAN GO MY LEADER.
IK already got a permit from the Taliban -- who cares what the govt says? Don't suppose anyone in Pakistan has figured out that when you have to get a permit from a militant organization that beheads your soldiers it's a pretty good sign that you really don't have control of the territory and if you don't control something then maybe your argument about it being "sovereign territory" lacks substance.
If you have a problem with Drones, a rally outside the GHQ might be more appropriate.
The government should come out with a stern warning to the PTI leadership; In the wake of any untoward incident, they alone will be held accountable and proceeded with criminal prosecution. It should not be as if anything go wrong, the PTI shruging off itself of any responsbility and putting it at the doorsteps of the government or the insurgent. With priviliges comes responsibility, and Imran Khan and his comrades should be responsbile enough not to jeopardise the lives of ordinary people.
People die in pakistn everyday lol. Karachi etc so whats the big deal?? Revolution doesnt come by sitting infront of tv at home. If 1 million ppl can march in london against the iraq war, y cant pakistanis march against drones for there own ppl. Revolutionary leaders r seen among the crowds not hiding in there palaces.
The sole purpose of PTI to march towards Waziristan alongwith the Pakistanis and the foreigners is to draw the attention of the world about the aftermath of the drone attacks in Waziristan. Imran Khan wants that the media present at that occasion unearth the miserable state of those who managed to survive against the drones- he also wants media persons to interview those whose beloved ones were martyred or got wounded to the extent that they got crippled / disabled and are now unable to live normal healthy lives. Now what is wrong with the purpose! The government instead of blocking the passage of this march should support this noble cause regardless of the fact who is doing it. All the other opposition parties should also come forward and become part of this march towards Waziristan. I may have some reservations about his political abilities but as far as his decision to march towards Waziristan is concerned, I am of the firm belief that he is sincere with his cause as we see no other political leaders are ready to come out of their comfort zones and take such decisions as has been taken by Imran Khan.
what he want to gain , only media attention , his move will help to sole the problem
God help those who help themselves! what a coward stance by government, this very thinking is wrong, as soon as you get terrorised by terrorist, they win! He is not attacking Wazirstan but going there to make a point and against drone attacks. Imran Khan will have all the local support, the only danger if he faces, if some drone loving elements try to subotage it and blame it on militants!
I bet a survey in Wazirisistan will result in 60-70% of the people not even knowing who Imran Khan is.
A mere stunt by PTI otherwise what do they want to prove by going there. I also would like the PTI to tell the people that how their peace march will bring peace to waziristan. please stop fooling the people, you knew it from the start that this march will not be allowed and you will get a political millage out of it sitting in your drawing rooms.
Dont understand when locals dont have problem, Army dont have problem and taliban dont have any issue .. why government is still insisting that IK should not go for peace march?
“We are working to establish peace in Fata, but that will be through development and welfare projects, not through rallies and adventures,” Tashfeen remarked.
What welfare? There's no welfare in settled areas what to talk of Fata. In fact, these slaves of America do not the world to know the carnage and the humanitarian disaster in progress in that area. The West and also us will get to know the facts which will be an eye opener.
It's not “merely a sentimental move” governor sb. It's for hundreds of innocent who died and hundreds of innocent women and children who are maimed for life.
This is a HUGE mistake Imran Khan is making. There are hundreds of splinter groups in Waziristan with a variety of agendas and all it takes is one lunatic.
Go Imran Khan Go
These minions cannot do anything themselves and won't allow anyone who wans to do something for the country. Imran Khan is doing the right thing. He is leading from the front. He is the type of leader the nation needs at this point of time. Our prayers and efforts are with him. May God be with him.
“We are working to establish peace in Fata, but that will be through development and welfare projects" What a joke!! You are establishing peace in FATA through allowing Drones in the area letting thousands of innocents killed!
Imran Khan will definitely hold rally after all Talibans have granted him permission. Govt. may deny permission but Imran Khan knows who are true rulers of Waziristan. So, for permission he contacted true rulers not mere constitutional. Governor K.P. must not paint Imran khan as a man living in dreams, he is pragmatic and fully cognizant of ground realities.
Let him go. If he survives fine otherwise its fine too.
If we keep saying "No" just because it's dangerous place, then unfortunately it will remain a dangerous place forever. Someone has to take up the challenge and resolve this, and i appreciate the initiative taken by IK.
No one is forcing people to go to FATA with Imran Khan. Yes, it takes guts to do something like this in the current situation, and Imran Khan has more guts than any Pakistani politician, or judge or general.
He's a man on a mission, and he will go there alone if no one wants to go with him. But I can assure you many will follow him, because Pakistanis do care.
The KP government has finally shown their inability to shoulder the responsibility of security of such a big rally.. Don't worry governor sahib, the protection has been arranged from the powrful.
all those who oppose rally are american puppets
Just one question: Who will be responsible if anything goes wrong during such an irresponsible adventure??
Benazir was given similar advice which she chose to ignore and resulted in hundreds of people being killed in Karachi and Rawalpindi blasts.
IK is going down the same route and I suspect he wants any untoward event to happen so that he could sacrifice a few supporters and then croak about the martyrs in his party !
"wont allow adventurism in tribal areas" but drones are certainly welcome. FATA secretariat
Secuity is a great concern. But a risk worth taking for innocent people of Waziristan. Only a Dreamer and compassionate leader like Imran khan can take such step. Imran Khan Zindabad.
A much awaited step in the history of Pakistan by a political party. Beginning of a revolution. Revolutions aint sweets and candies. There is a risk and you have to have the guts to take it.