PTI chief Imran Khan warned that his ‘tsunami’ could cross into the Red Zone and in front of Parliament and the PM House, if his demands are not met on time.
On the other hand, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri presented a list of 15 demands, calling for the federal and provincial assemblies to resign and for the Sharifs to be arrested. He gave the government 48 hours to implement his demands.
Both parties have set up stage at the edge of the Red Zone near Aabpara Market and Aabpara Chowk respectively.
The government, which is facing arguably its toughest challenge since it came into power 15 months ago, is bracing in the capital’s Red Zone, which remains blocked off with shipping containers.
You can see our previous coverage on the 'Azadi' march and the 'Inqilab' march here.
All previous stories relating to Qadri can be found here, and all previous stories related to the Azadi march can be found here.
Our former Executive Editor M Ziauddin joined us for these live updates to provide some insight on the situation as it unfolds.
Ziauddin sb needs no introduction – you can read all about him here.
You can read the entire transcript of reader questions and his responses here.
Readers sent their questions through Twitter (@etribune) by adding the hashtag #AskTribune, and through the comments section of our live updates with the same hashtag.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interactive session do not necessarily reflect the views of The Express Tribune.
For coverage of the Islamabad sit-ins August 18 onwards, go here.
August 17, 11:57pm
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, while speaking to Express News, said that PTI chief Imran Khan’s step to call for civil disobedience will have consequences.
Kaira termed the government’s step to form two committees to negotiate with both PTI and PAT, "a good step", however, he added, "it has been done late. The government has been taking delayed steps.”
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August 17, 11:10pm
“I am amazed at who advised Imran on civil disobedience,” Nisar says, adding, “Civil disobedience is not directed against the government, it is against the state.”
“He (Imran) has even made this a part of PTI’s policy,” the interior minister says.
Read here for the full story.
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August 17, 11:02pm
"The committees, which will be announced tomorrow, will comprise leaders of all leading political parties and will get to work immediately," Nisar says in his press conference.
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August 17, 11:00pm
Further, the interior minister adds, “The government has decided, that as a goodwill gesture it (PML-N) will constitute two separate committees to negotiate with PTI and PAT.”
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August 17, 10:57pm
"I request Imran Khan not to make the nation suffer in misery, do not sacrifice the lives of people at the alter of politics," Nisar says.
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August 17, 10:55pm
The interior minister, in a press conference refers to PTI chief Imran Khan and says, "We are willing to listen to every constitutional demand of yours."
Express News screengrab of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar during a press conference.
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August 17, 6:12pm
Q: Sarah Farukh @sarahfarukh Imran Khan is surrounded by seasoned politicians. Don’t you think there is a plan B?
MZ: Who are these seasoned politicians? Javed Hashmi never graduated from the rank of a political worker at best a second fiddle. Shah Mehmood basically an educated spiritual leader. He gets a ranking place in a political party because of the captive votes of his followers, not because of his political acumen. We all know the careers of Shireen Mazari, Shafqat Mehmood and Jehangir Tareen. So who among them has the political wisdom to draft a plan B.
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August 17, 6:08pm
Concluding his address, Qadri reiterates that they will not leave from here without bringing a revolution.
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August 17, 6:04pm
Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan Army, Qadri clarifies that he would be the first person to oppose the imposition of martial law.
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August 17, 5:50pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left Raiwind for Islamabad, Express News reports.
It is expected that the premier will meet with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah.
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August 17, 5:46pm
Here is some insight from former Executive Editor M Ziauddin on the latest development of PTI supporters moving towards Islamabad’s Red Zone:
MZ: More of confusion about move towards Red Zone. I believe Imran Khan will bring the protesters back and claim he can send them back again by way of a threat.
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August 17, 5:40pm
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif reaches Islamabad from Raiwind, Express News reports.
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August 17, 5:46pm
Here is some insight from former Executive Editor M Ziauddin on the latest development of PTI supporters moving towards Islamabad’s Red Zone:
MZ: More of confusion about move towards Red Zone. I believe Imran Khan will bring the protesters back and claim he can send them back again by way of a threat.
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August 17, 5:28pm
Q: Nabeel Huda @MNabeelHuda Ziauddin Sahab Please give the Unbiased & factual strength of Both #AzadiMarchPTI #InqilabMarchWithDrQadri TY
MZ: How many thousands can you gather between the ISI headquarters and Aabpara market (PAT) and Serena Chowk (PTI)? Not more than 40 to 50 thousand maximum each.
Q: Mirza Underwood @Afaq_Sharif What’s the future of #ppp in future politics?
MZ: Not very good. The biggest enemy of the PPP is the party itself. And it is the biggest enemy of Sindh as well.
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August 17, 5:26pm
"Tonight, only 24 hours will be left to our deadline," Qadri says, reading out his 10-point agenda.
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August 17, 5:22pm
With PTI’s Azadi march moving towards the Red Zone, here is another look at the logistical overview of the Red Zone and the planned site of the protests.
ANIMATION: EXPRESS CREATIVE
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August 17, 5:15pm
“We will not let this corrupt, violent government rule,” the PAT chief says while the crowds chant “Go Nawaz go.”
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August 17, 5:05pm
Waving a copy of the Constitution of Pakistan up, Qadri says that his ‘Inqilab’ march is about sticking to Quaid-e-Azam’s commitments.
Express News screengrab of the PAT chief holding up a copy of the Constitution of Pakistan during his address to his workers.
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August 17, 5:00pm
PTI workers are trying to remove the last containers blocking the Red Zone as policemen on alert can be seen banging their sticks on their shields.
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August 17, 4:55pm
Qadri says that a deadline has been given and the "so-called prime minister has left for Raiwind", adding that maybe PM Nawaz wants to run the country in his final week from his home.
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August 17, 4:48pm
As PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri takes the stage to address his rally, PTI's 'Azadi' march head towards the Red Zone.
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August 17, 4:35pm
Q: Syed Sohaib @_soota Zia sahb you said Imran will back down. How can u say with surety? Any past experience of such backing out of demands?
MZ: Cricket is by chance, politics is an art of possibilities. He is playing politics by the rules of cricket.
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August 17, 4:20pm
Q: Asim Khan @sirasimkhan Do you think PTI has lost its good position or still it has time? Will the 6pm speech bring PTI back to its position?
MZ: I expect this speech to be more strident and full of ultimatums. But position would remain where he has already left it last night.
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August 17, 4:08pm
Q: @TalhaDX There are talks that CM Shahbaz Sharif will resign. Do you think it is happening today?
MZ: I doubt it very much.
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August 17, 4:02pm
Talking to Express News, Minister for Information Pervaiz Rasheed says that PML-N is ready for talks and they are in contact with Qadri and Imran through back door channels.
Rasheed adds that to talk openly they are having consultative meetings.
"We are looking for the right people to negotiate with Imran Khan."
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August 17, 4:00pm
Q: Sarah Farukh @sarahfarukh @etribune so is there any face saving for PTI in this?
MZ: I don’t see one as of now unless IK is able to sell to his supporters a defeat as a victory.
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August 17, 3:55pm
Q: Saadi @midaasm Are the demands of PTI justified? Will Ch Nisar resign? Is NS trial of treason against Musharaf wrong? Is martial law possible?
MZ: Unjustified demands. Nisar will not resign.
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August 17, 3:52pm
Q: @kayfarooq Sir, do you see violence next?
MZ: I don’t see any violence, next.
Q: @ihtshams so will IK back down?
MZ: IK will back down.
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August 17, 3:50pm
Tribune: Welcome Ziauddin sb. The first Q from our reader @etribune: What do you make of the current situation? Where do you think PTI is heading with this today?
MZ: PTI has painted itself into a tight corner with the demand that PM resign. This is not going to happen unless a vote of confidence is moved on the NA or the army intervenes. Both not possible.
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Given all the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the current political situation, we have invited our former Executive Editor M Ziauddin to join us for these live updates.
Ziauddin sb needs no introduction – you can read all about him here.
He will be taking reader questions and commenting on the situation as it unfolds to provide his valuable analysis of the situation.
Readers can send their questions through Twitter (@etribune) by adding the hashtag #AskTribune, or through the comments section of our live updates with the same hashtag. His answers will appear in the live updates.
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August 17, 3:20pm
According to sources, the consultative meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today has decided to form a core group for consultation on the current political crisis.
The core group will include representation from all political parties.
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August 17, 3:15pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has deployed 10,000 more security forces in Islamabad, Express News reports.
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August 17, 3:12pm
Addressing PAT participants, Haider Abbas Rizvi says that efforts of MQM chief Altaf Hussain have brought political temperatures down.
“Stake holders should refrain from provactive statements,” he adds.
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August 17, 3:10pm
PTI MNA Dr arif Alvi says that PTI chairman Imran Khan will announce his charter of demands at 6pm today.
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August 17, 2:58pm
An MQM delegation led by Haider Abbas Rizvi arrives at Khayaban-e-Suharwardy to meet PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.
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August 17, 2:30pm
Governor Sindh Dr Ishrtaul Ebad calls Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar and Federal Minister for Railways Saad Rafique to discuss the current political situtaion, Express News reports.
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August 17, 2:06pm
Addressing a joint press conference with Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah, JI chief Sirajul Haq says that he will not let "democracy derail".
"I will go to Islamabad tomorrow and talk to the politicians, we will not allow the abrogation of our constitution," he says.
Further, Shah says that if the Parliament keeps functioning they will be able to resolve issues.
“Imran Khan assured us that he will remain peaceful,” says Shah.
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August 17, 1:34pm
Pervez Elahi has reached Aabpara Chowk to meet with Dr Tahirul Qadri.
August 16, 10:00pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar warned on Saturday evening that intelligence reports indicated suicide bombers had entered the capital where the PTI and the PAT were holding protest rallies, Radio Pakistan reported.
Read here for the full story.
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August 16, 9:32pm
Taking the stage for the third time, Imran urges the nation to step out and join them as they make history.
“PTI will fulfil Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal’s vision for this nation.”
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August 16, 9:28pm
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has said that the government should start negotiations with PTI, PAT, The Express Tribunecorrespondent Azam Khan reports.
Siraj went on to add that the Punjab governor had assured him that the army would not intervene in the current political crisis.
Further, he added that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had invited him to come to Islamabad but he urged the interior minister to avoid any delay in negotiations. He said he would be able to leave for Islamabad tomorrow (Sunday).
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August 16, 9:22pm
A PPP committee led by Rehman Malik will meet Chaudhry Shujaat at his residence at 10pm, sources told The Express Tribune correspondent Irfan Ghauri. “It will be the first formal and public initiative since the marches reached Islamabad,” the source added.
The government is using two separate channels to negotiate with PAT chief Tahirul Qadri and PTI chief Imran Khan.
The Chaudhrys are being used by the government to pacify Qadri, while Jamaat-e-Islami is being used to negotiate with Imran Khan.
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August 16, 9:14pm
PTI supporters sitting on top of the Aabpara signboard. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
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August 16, 9:08pm
“Chaudhry Nisar, Pervaiz Khattak and I are asking you to leave the monarchy and join PTI,” says Imran before taking a seat again.
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August 16, 9:06pm
“Nisar, I have so far kept this crowd’s ‘junoon’ in control, but won’t be able to for long,” says Imran.
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August 16, 9:05pm
“When you see oppression and injustice, it is incumbent on each one of you to act and stop it,” says Imran.
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August 16, 9:00pm
Addressing Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Imran says that the time has come to decide if he wants to be a slave or he wants to make a ‘naya’ Pakistan.
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August 16, 8:58pm
The PTI chief says that this sit-in has a time limit, adding “This ‘tsunami’ can go through the Red Zone, around Parliament House and into the PM House.”
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August 16, 8:56pm
Imran takes the stage again and warns that this ‘tsunami’ can turn towards Parliament as well.
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August 16, 8:31pm
AML leader Shiekh Rasheed claims that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has damaged Pakistan’s economy.
Express News screengrab of Sheikh Rasheed.
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August 16, 8:08pm
Imran Khan momentarily returns to the mic to tell his supporters to remain peaceful
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August 16, 8:05pm
Imran says, “We have no cost, we are here to stay. Nawaz Sharif, we won’t spare you till you resign.”
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August 16, 8:01pm
“Where does the electricity disappear?” he asks rhetorically, adding, “You see, the most amount of money is made from electricity theft.”
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August 16, 7:58pm
“Prime Minister Imran Khan will never lie to you,” says Imran.
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August 16, 7:57pm
Never elect a businessman to run a country, says Imran, in reference to the prime minister.
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August 16, 7:52pm
“I didn’t get a chance to go to Balochistan and Sindh, because I needed to win the match in Punjab first,” Imran says to his supporters.
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August 16, 7:51pm
The PTI chief refers to Nawaz as “Mughal-e-Azam Sahib”.
He tells his supporters that Nawaz’s future appears bleak, as the alleged rigging that took place in the general elections will be proven.
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August 16, 7:49pm
“The first wicket has fallen, as an FIR is being registered against Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif,” he says.
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August 16, 7:48pm
“We will celebrate freedom all night,” Imran says.
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August 16, 7:45pm
“I will sleep and wake up, on this stage. I am here to stay,” he says to hius supporters.
He adds, “you can go home and come back, and I will still be here.”
August 16, 7:44pm
PTI chief Imran Khan begins his address saying that he has heard rumours that he has fallen ill.
Clarifying this, he says that he went back home last night for the sake of his workers.
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August 16, 7:36pm
Imran Khan is on the podium, getting ready to address his supporters.
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August 16, 7:33pm
Former band member of Junoon Salman Ahmad takes the stage, says all promises made by Imran Khan will be fulfilled before singing, ’Allah ho‘.
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August 16, 7:30pm
Imran is flanked by senior PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Javed Hashmi and Shafqat Mahmood.
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August 16, 7:26pm
The PTI chief is making his way to the stage.
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August 16, 7:15pm
“We are not going to head back to Bani Gala or Zaman Park until the prime minister resigns,” says PTI chief Imran Khan while talking to Express News.
The PTI chief has reached Serena Chowk.
August 16, 6:42pm
The PAT chief further adds that the problems of 200 million people cannot be solved by recounting polls in a couple of constituencies.
Muhammad Tahirul Qadri leader of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), gestures while addressing his supporters during the ‘Inqilab’ March in Islamabad August 16, 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 16, 6:40pm
“Mid-term elections are not the solution for the poor,” he says, adding that he doesn’t want them because the same people will come in power.
“Tonight, I will announce the time frame for the revolution,” says Qadri.
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August 16, 6:34pm
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August 16, 6:28pm
“The revolution cannot come through the Parliament, because the whole election process is invalid and unconstitutional,” he says.
Some supporters of Qadri and Imran Khan running for shelter as rain starts pouring once again in the capital, our correspondent Qamar Zaman reports.
Further, he reports that leaders of both rallies, which are being held parallel to each other, are being addressed by their leaders right now with the some at the tail of these sit-ins complaining that they cannot hear the speeches properly
August 16, 6:25pm
“I am a staunch believer of democracy, it signifies and eradicates all kinds of corruption ” says Qadri.
Questioning if this (PML-N government) is democracy, he says “people are homeless and are unable to educate their children.”
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August 16, 6:23pm
Qadri demands the de-politicisation of state institutions.
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August 16, 6:20pm
Qadri says he won’t allow the dichotomy of a different law for the poor and rich to exist anymore.
August 16, 6:19pm
“The national government will not allow any corrupt person to be a public officer,” he says.
Qadri further adds that he wants every person to be eligible for a loan.
August 16, 6:16pm
Qadri says, “We want a system of devolution in which the issues of the poor are settled by their union councils.”
August 16, 6:15pm
“The government has not conducted local bodies elections,” says the Canada-based cleric.
August 16, 6:11pm
The PAT chief says that, “Hazaras should form a separate province, and Gilgit-Baltistan and south Punjab should each be made into a separate province.”
August 16, 6:09pm
Qadri says that sectarianism should be eliminated, adding that the rights of minorities should be protected.
“No one will be allowed to raise a hand on any minority, and if they do, their hands will be chopped off,” he says.
August 16, 6:07pm
The national government should decrease the prices of gas and electricity, Qadri says.
Further, he adds that women should be employed through home-industry programmes.
August 16, 6:03pm
“Every person should get roti (bread), kapra (clothes) and rozgari (employment),” Qadri says.
“There should be free compulsory education for everyone, as well as medical treatment for the less fortunate,” the PAT chief adds.
August 16, 6:01pm
“The national government should take a step for the accountability of corrupt political leaders, technocrats and bureaucrats,” says Qadri.
He adds, “The national government should make a 10-point socio-economic package to eliminate poverty.”
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August 16, 5:59pm
He goes on to say, “According to Articles 62 and 63, no bank defaulter, tax evader can be made MPA or MNA. However, almost 6%0 to 70% of the assembly constitutes of people who are involved in corruption.”
“A national government should be formed for democratic reforms,” he says.
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August 16, 5:57pm
Parliament and provincial assemblies should be dissolved, he says, adding that the cabinet should be dismissed.
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August 16, 5:55pm
Qadri begins to announce his charter of demands.
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August 16, 5:51pm
“I forgive Islamabad’s Gullu Butt,” Qadri says.
Express News screengrab of Qadri and the “Islamabad Gull Butt” seen carrying a gun.
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August 16, 5:46pm
An unidentified man, who is allegedly armed, is being dragged by PAT supporters on to the stage.
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August 16, 5:44pm
“I will not leave until the Sharif brothers are arrested,” a fiesty Qadri says.
Express News screengrab of Tahirul Qadri.
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August 16, 5:43pm
“Nawaz has no right to remain as the PM after the Lahore session courts’ decision to register a case against him and 21 of his government members in the Model Town clashes,” Qadri says.
He also says their names should be placed in the ECL.
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August 16, 5:40pm
“Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif must step down,” says the PTI chief.
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August 16, 5:38pm
“The 14 innocent people killed during the clashes in Model Town on June 17 are asking me, if I, and millions of these participants will betray their blood,” he says showing a poster of two women who were killed.
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August 16, 5:36pm
“I’ll explain our charter of reforms and demands in Urdu and English, both,” the PAT chief says.
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August 16, 5:35pm
The PAT chief requests shop owners and restaurant owners of Aabpara Market, Melody, Khayaban-e-Suharwardy to open their markets and restaurants so that people can get food and essential supplies.
“I guarantee that no supporter will cause any kind of loss,” he says.
Urging shop owners not to raise their prices, he says his supporters have gathered here for a revolution.
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August 16, 5:34pm
“There is no terrorist, thug or criminal in the ‘Inqilab’ march,” Qadri says.
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August 16, 5:31pm
The PAT chief went on to say that, “It is the responsibility of the police to register these cases, or they should prepare for the consequences.”
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August 16, 5:29pm
“I have heard that additional session judge Lahore has ordered that cases be registered against PM Nawaz and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the Model Town clashes,” says Qadri.
“Before my address even began, a court has ordered the registration of a murder case against Nawaz and Shahbaz,” says Qadri, as the crowd breaks in to cheers.
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August 16, 5:25pm
Qadri is at the rally and will begin his address soon, according to Express News.
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri about to get on stage to address his supporters.
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August 16, 5:02pm
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak has left Islamabad for Peshawar, Express News reports.
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August 16, 4:50pm
PML-Q senior leader Chaudhry Pervez Elahi has arrived at the PAT rally, according to Express News.
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August 16, 4:36pm
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August 16, 4:21pm
The interior minister will hold a press conference at 6pm.
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August 16, 4:11pm
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq accepts Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar’s request to fly to the federal capital ahead of the sit-ins.
According to Express News, Nisar had said that he would send a special plane to bring the JI chief to Islamabad, to which Haq said that he would consult with his party before making a decision.
Earlier, Haq was tasked with the responsibility of bringing PTI to the negotiating table. Further, on August 15, Haq gave his four-point agenda asking the government to form a negotiating committee immediately.
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August 16, 3:58pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri gather during a protest rally in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 16, 3:33pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan visits the venue of PAT’s sit-in and praises security officials for their services, according to Express News.
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August 16, 3:31pm
PTI Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari, while speaking to Express News, says party leadership and the PTI chief will spend the night with his supporters.
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August 16, 3:29pm
JI Ameer Sirajul Haq condemns the incident in Gujranwala, referring to the attack on Imran Khan’s convoy yesterday.
He says that the PAT chief’s 10-point agenda is positive and there is nothing unconstitutional about it.
Haq says JI has set up medical camps for PTI as well as PAT workers, and is making arrangements for food for them as well.
He adds that electoral reforms are the demand of all political parties.
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August 16, 3:27pm
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, while speaking to reporters, says things get resolved when political forces talk to each other.
He adds that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has played a positive role in defusing the prevailing political situation in the country.
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August 16, 2:53pm
Qadri briefly spoke to his workers and supporters, thanking them for being a part of the ‘Inqilab’ rally and urging them to remain peaceful.
He said he will present his charter of demands and reforms when he formally addresses his supporters at 4pm.
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August 16, 2:44pm
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters are slowly streaming in, eager to hear their party chief address the rally. Hundreds of buses can be seen over a stretch, and are packed on Khayaban-e-Suharwardy in the capital.
PAT supporters reassemble at Aabpara, Islamabad. PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY
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COMMENTS (158)
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IK lost it completely and has no idea what he is doing.
Bye bye revolutionaries it's hard to know whether you have disappointed your masters or they have disappointed you but one thing is sure people of Pakistan have not disappointed for giving zero response to your silly ideology. Congrats democrat Pakistan.
I am from Peshawar and I am not a PTI supporter. But I praise CM KPK and IK for the work they have done in KPK. Shebaz Shareef might also be good but Punjab has been with them for more than 20 years. Its unfair to compair KPK with Punjab. But I tell you It wont take us 20 years to reach to Punjab level may be 5-6 years of this government would be enough. We have a robust Police, Justice and development system. Media doesnt show you anything about us, I invite you to come to KPK and see for urself how we have improved in past one year.
Each day when IK shows up after having spent peaceful hours eating, drinking, sleeping, working out etc at Bani Galla while his people suffer the heat, excrements, lack of food, water, a decent resting place, dirt and worse, he shows up to laugh, dance, and spew senseless demands that would come from a junky rather than some one well versed in politics. The dharna is no laughing matter Mr. IK and Co, to have brought out 20,000 or so and not the million people as promised, and daily talk rubbish is making you a laughing stock. Yet, it is not a good situation for Pakistan and its young democracy to suffer such mad people with equally mad ideals that go against common sense, the law and constitution. If you were an honest hardworking politician as you claim, you would ensure KPK was governed as an example to the world which it most certainly is not - the foolish CM dancing while his people suffered flash floods, losing some 20 lives shows how far from reality PTI is; you would be taking up those claims in your mind that are legitimate in the courts or parliament instead of riling blind followers up a fool's path. Pakistan has enough problems, it could do without the likes of these mad mad men.
Go back Mr.Khan ! There is no face-saving option left for PTI. Your "I play to win" statement reeked of overconfidence. PTI will be lucky to win 10 seats in the next elections. You can go around calling yourself the "Prime Minister". But that will never happen.
PTI Must do the following in my humble opinion if it wants movement to maintain momentum
1) Not make complicated speeches 2) Resign from Parliament or at Least Khan Sb Should Resign 3) Not Alienate hard core Supporters 4) Get the hold of things and not let Egos ruin the momentum 5) Be prepared for arrest and jail & sacrifice as Fear clouds the judgement 6) Provide basic facilities 2 participants such as food chairs etc
I am huge supporter of IK but i am not in favor of this action i am sure some peoples surrounding IK must miss guide him and show the wrong picture of the seen. god bless IK and give him strength to take right decisions in favor of Pakistan.
I Must Say "Go Nawaz Go
Imran has gone from crazy to mad. Really feel sorry for this man. He has left none in Pakistan even Army Chief Raheel Sharif Does any one feel he should have put this blame on both the sharifs. How does he feel now after contradicted by ISPR. Imran should be send to some mental hospital for treatment. It is a shame for us to have a leader like this.
Fingers crossed. Let’s see how this situation further unfolds…Imran Khan's Satyagraha http://fazalgilani.com/imran-khans-satyagraha/
Why is Imran Khan bent on crippling the elected Govt of Nawaz Sharif. Infact in India people are laughing loudly because they feel more than India it is Imran who is doing their work better of 'destabalising' Pakistan. Why cannot Imran wait for 5 years build his party much better and then fight PML(N) in the next elections? Right now he should stick to ruling KP province than de-stabalising the central Goverment. Imran is not playing the role of a responsible political leader. When after a long time Pakistan was getting slowly stabalised economically, Imran and Qadri have set out on a hidden agenda to derail the progress of Pakistan. In fact Imran should head the PCB and not the country knowing his past experience and strength. Can Indian people elect Gavaskar to be their PM tomorrow? Indians will never vote for any celebrity to be their PM when his past record is not in politcs or in serving people. I sincerely hope Pakistani people read into the actions of Imran & Qadri and reject their poisonous designs. Please learn many things from India.
I am ashamed of voting for PTI. After Imran's call for civil disobedience, I have left nothing with myself to say in favour of Imran Khan. I am in the state of shock. It seems that Imran's every move is for the destruction of Pakistan.
I already mentioned few days ago that Pakistan does not need external enemies in the presence of Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri. These two are enough to destroy Pakistan.
Imran calls for civil disobedience movement countrywide: Thus Imran Khan has proven that he and his followers have failed to convince the government for resignation and their sit-in can never coerce the government for resignation and also thru civil disobedience movement Imran Khan is trying his best and utmost to camouflage his and his followers' failure.Morally,politically and ethically Imran Khan has lost his credibility and trustworthiness by taking this step against the state and civil disobedience movement is started when foreign powers are ruling forcibly over any country and Imran Khan has to leave politics and treason case must has to be filed against Imran Khan for taking this unconstitutional step against the state.....
All the people trolling here against IK, kindly update your weak senses as this is the headlines of every state run and private newspapers headline around the globe! this my fellow countrymen is a master stroke :D long live IK, long live Pakistan. even Wikipedia on history of civil disobedience has declared this moment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Examplesofcivil_disobedience#Pakistan
Dear MZ,
Please get a life.
He doesn't want anarchy but he is preaching anarchy. The man needs to learn proper English first if he chooses to describe things in that language. Oxford on a sports scholarship does not make him a learned man.
All my best prayers for respected Mian Nawaz Sharif. I voted for him and I firmly believe that he is far far better than stupid Imran.
Why Nawaz Sharif was so adament not to have thumb verification in the 4 constituencies demanded by Imran Khan, was he afraid of the out come or just wanted to ignore it and thought it will go away. It would not have come to this if saner heads prevailed initially in the government, and decided to go ahead with the verification. That massacre in Lahore did not help the situation either and instead of resigning after ordering the massacre, Shahbaz Sharif is still there and devising methods to stop this protest. Now they are forming the committees which are worthless in Pakistan, they will promise things but nothing will be honored, this is way committees operate in Pakistan, this is a ploy which is so transparent and no smart person will fall for it. It seems that Shahbaz Sharif has to resign first to calm down the situation with Qadri and immediately ask for resignation of the current Election Commission of Pakistan and those who were responsible for fraudulent election should be brought to justice right away regardless who they were. Perhaps some of these steps may calm down the situation and government's sincerity to implement some of the demands opposition is demanding. Nawaz Sharif should blame himself to drag this situation to this juncture, he is depending too much on the support of Saudis and to some extent on Americans, his going to N.Waziristan is directly connected to the American Wishes.
@EVERYONE who says Nawaz hasn't resorted to character assassination of IK well can you people do it? His character doesn't have any problems and he has never been accused of corruption whereas the Sharif brothers are proven corrupt people with millions and millions of their money stuffed in foreign bank accounts and here they default on their loans... Forget NS why don't you people tell us anything about IK and his character? Whatever IK says about NS and his family is the truth and he spoke facts that is why PML-N can't prove otherwise and never mention the things IK is saying or deny them! Wake up you fools u r being LOOTED!
PML-N media cell seems to be very active on all these websites, leaving nasty comments against PTI and Imran Khan. However, I don't blame them, after all, they have to earn their livelihoods.
I think Imran is wasting his energies on this pitiful and third class nation because this nation wants to remain slaves of the Shareef and Zardari families. After spending a lifetime of slavery under the shareef brothers, the pakistani nation gladly wants their kids to be slaves for Hamza Shehbaz for the rest of their lives.
Only in Pakistan a limited person like this cricketer can be considered a serious politician. What does it tell about the other politicians who cannot even expose this guy's non-sense to the nation? Even more importantly, what does it tell you about the so called "intellectuals" and "journalists" of pakistani media who have given this guy an unlimited access to the airwaves , without challenging him on his total lack of basic awareness of reality of living in the 21st century..?
A very smart move by IK (Chancellor of Bradford University)...wish you all the very best...all eyes on you...Insh Allah you will win this battle also.
It's been a media circus the last few days and I'm pretty sure most of Pakistan is laughing at the childish demands put forward by the leaders of Pat/Pti... It's about time the armed forces admit defeat and ask Imran and that nuisance of a human being Qadri to go back to their cages. The only thing Pti/Pat have been successful at doing is stinking up Islamabad and turning the area into a giant trash bin... Good Job? Though I may not agree with a lot of what PML-N has done, PTI is a juvenile party with no real agenda and if Pakistan was to ever end up with their leadership, they would do with the whole country what they have done with Aabpara Chowk. As far as Qadri goes he came and did the same drama in Islamabad before, hes a sadistic lunatic and I feel sorry for the people blindly following him and wasting their hard earned money on this escapade.
Mr Qadri must release his last ten yrs tax returns to the public. If he does not then he is corrupt person unless proven other wise. I have been asking for this demand for the last two months.
@rAMBO: No Bhai, the people are Pakistan ask that their representative's mandate be respected. The Prime should not step down to black mail because it doesn't happen anywhere. Tahirul Qadri should be booked for creating a public disturbance and Imran Khan should ask for forgiveness for encouraging lawlessness when the country is fighting terrorists.
Although it's impossible to teach wisdom and politics to Imran Khan and PTI kids, but if I were in their place I would have chosen Loadsheding as the main issue behind long march. It was Mian Sahib's main campaign slogan, he used it against PPP and he won election because of it.
Now that we have all made fun of IK and his fluke filled exit strategy, let's ponder on the idea with a cool head. I'm not saying IK is being honest about his call for civil disobedience. This is probably just a strategy to buy time for a way out of this embarrassment. But the fact of the matter is, civil disobedience is the only non-violent form of protest that has the potential of throwing off governments while keeping within constitution if executed at a large scale. However, it cannot be executed at any level in Pakistan where the salaried class tax withheld at source is more than the textile, real estate, and capital markets sectors combined. Where the major source of revenue collection is indirect taxation in form of sales tax on household goods which the ordinary tax payer can't escape from. Where being a defaulter of utility companies can lead to severe penal actions over and above discontinuation of service. For civil disobedience to work, you need country wide presence, you need to educate your followers to take precise steps to cause maximum damage within minimum time, you need numbers on your side as a bargaining chip to get your demands fulfilled. IK did neither. A good leader educates his following for necessary actions. TuQ does that. At the risk of irritating few, AH does that. Had IK done it a bit more maturely, it could have been massive. Instead, he wasted airtime on emphasizing how this was his biggest speech without spending even half that time explaining why. IK has in good faith or as an escape route, attempted to pull something off which even Gandhi couldn't. But that's no reason to deny that in theory, it is the only solution without violating the constitution. Unless, of course, you consider Khilafat as an alternative. But that's another debate
Imran Khan and Qadri Saheb are leading Pakistan towards "Double March".. May Allah grant our leaders wisdom...
This is madness - even by Imran Khan's standards!!,
Zia sb you've answered this once when IK had not made his speech, and I want to request your comments again. Now with IK appearing to give a 2 day ultimatum before invading the parliament, is there a renewed threat of violence? And what does a civil disobedience even mean when it's for 2 days? Many thanks sir. #asktribune
All I have to say is that this nation deserves Nawaz's rule. In Musharaf's words, "Iss Qom ka Allah hi hafiz hai"
complete political suicide for any man seen on the podium with IK. they will regret this myopic decision for the rest of their lives.
ENIGMA is another one who deserves a thorough answer. Only he among a hundred replies here understands the greatness of IK. the rest of us are dumb, pathetic and uneducated for criticizing him.
What about paying taxes to provide coal government.
PTI members should not accept Imran's orders. Instead they should go home. Please do not do anything unlawful for his glory. He is most ungrateful person in the history of Pakistan.
Both the establishment (via Qadri) and Imran Khan will have problems playing politics in the future. Both have made a big mistake. Mushy is going to prison for sure.
@etribune sir can you please tell us the role of mr.zardari in this whole poticial turmoil??
how important is vote of confidence when PTI is not accepting the Election results..
PTI leadership was busy last night having pizzas and canned soft drinks while ordinary workers did not even have access to clean water....I feel sorry for these innocent people who don't realise how they are being used as bait by IK to fulfil his own sinister ambitions
@emjay: Please read the facts about this TUQ, his hunger for power, money, fame, etc. He did not contest elections last year (which he may have lost anyway), his party does not hold a single NA or PA seat, his is a foreign national, lives in Canada comfortably, has a personal vendetta against Sharifs (I'm not their fan.), has lied on many occasions, changes his statements every day, incites violence and then says he is peaceful, etc. etc. If elected government and parliament are allowed to be overthrown by mobs of few thousand, this may become the norm in the future! What would happen to the already tarnished image of Pakistan in the world, who would invest there, etc. etc.?
Read his background @ http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/profiles/2014/07/27/Pakistan-s-Tahirul-Qadri-The-rise-and-fall-of-a-revolutionary-man.html.
One gets the impression that Pakistan current Government leadership have not fully grasped the gravity of the situation? They must yield and yield quickly to avoid the spectre of what was experienced in Maidans of Egypt and Ulraine.
Rex Minor
IK with his unflexiblity and apparently not having exit way has made his political career at stake. If PML-N decides to provide exit to Pervez Mush araf, it will be construed as motivating factor for IK and TUQ protest. Let us prey that better sense prevail as country can not afford the current situation.
Sir,
Any possiblity of Nawaz seeking vote of confidence tomorrow and legal battle against IK and TUQ for not complying LHC order and threatening peace of Islamabad ? In my view, if the Milestablishment wanted to bring a change, the other parts of the country should have also shown some indicaiton whereas this is not the situation.What are your views ?
Salam Mr. MZ As IK claimed, “I will not return without the resignation of PM”. My expectation is this should end up with a complete win-lose situation. Either NS resign OR this should be the last long march and no one else again dare to make fool of us by making false claims. An example must be set this time. But on other side I have a feeling this will rather end up in a win-win situation with no conclusion and/ or solution, where both parties will be self-claimed winner.
Q. Provided IK doesn't get the PM to resign, do you think that would be it for his political career or would he still have the same support if he goes back home empty handed? #AskTribune
Q. provided Imran Khan doesn't get PM to resign, do you think that would be it for his political career or would he still have the same support?
AskTribuneThe question is do we need revolution in Pakistan? Most comments show otherwise. But, in day to day matters, most of us complain about various things, for e.g. security, corruption at different levels, an alarmingly increasing thefts, snatching, robberies, not having clean and/or enough water, almost nil cleanliness (see yourself different roads, with heaps of garbage, sometimes mixed with unclean water), the status of civil (govt.) institutions and their 'service' level. Our inability to stand on our feet even after 68 years of 'so called' independence. We actually are still servants of IMF, World Bank and Western world. Do we need 'Azadi' from them? Our inability to send our one of the best forces of the world to help our brothers in Ghaza/Palestine - doing just lip service! Is that fine for us? If we are satisfied with this type of 'azadi', then just enjoy the fruits of this 'democracy'!, if not then support revolution! When revolution comes, it does not come through dialogue (or 'legitimate democratic' steps).
For, the last many many years, the basic underlying system is the same, only faces were changed as if taking turns one after the other. A complete overhaul of the system is needed, if we want to change for better.
Qadri may be an idiot, but his speech yesterday and his charter of demands were really, really good. Most of his demands are what an average pakistani wants, even if he can't really do all of this.
Respected Ziauddin sb,
In which circumstances you said that the PTI's demands were unjustified?
@ other readers... If the goverment is elected, does it mean that they have the license for next 5 years to run the country by their own will? NO & never they have to be accountable for their each policies & steps & if they are not going to answer....we the people of Pakistan have to show them our power to make them answerable.
Its simple & i think PTI's demands are justified for a corrupt goverment which formed after rigging even though i'm not a supporter of PTi but this time we all have to support them for a Welfare & Corruption free Pakistan. Thankyou all.....
@Bhai: WE THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN ARE DEMANDING PM TO RESIGN. IT IS NOT JUST IK.
Imran has not presented PTIs performance in KPK. He has nothing to present. He can only shout and make noise. He is continuously doing character assassination of our elected PM. I appreciate Nawaz Sharif for his gesture and greatness who has never uttered a single word of character assassination of Imran Khan.
I am amazed to see the journalism of electronic media. Entire world know that demand of both marches are illegal and unconstitutional. But media is continuously giving coverage to them who are doing unconstitutional work. Media should present the truth before Pakistanis. They are giving coverage to each and every participant of these mini-marches. Few hundred people cannot change the mandate given by voters in crores. Allah bless Pakistan.
IK should become PM at any cost be it the federation. He is a god & everything must be sacrificed for his happiness.
Inspiration from Pagan Greek mythology!!
Seeing Imran Khan current situation, I do remember Star Wars's famous character, Lord Vader, who started as Jedi and ended up to be part of dark forces. It's true, "Anger, fear and aggression lead to dark side".
Pakistan is owned by people of Pakistan. Who is Imran khan to demand resignation from our prime minister.
Pakistan is fighting war against Taliban. There is the challenge of IDPs. On the other hand, Taliban Khan and Qadri are doing their dirty politics for the destruction of Pakistan.
What a Million March by PTI and PAT. Both have been rejected by the public. Public voted for PML-N and it is evident from low head count in these Marches. Public is still standing behind PML-N.
Taliban Khan was ready to do negotiations with the Taliban who have killed thousands of innocent humans in Pakistan. But he is reluctant to do dialogue with the government. It all shows his mental level. He has become mad in the hunger of power. Entire PTI leadership should be ashamed on conducting the smallest long march in the history of Pakistan.
I am just trying to understand something here...basically FIRs are being registered against what 21 people including the CM Punjab and PM over the Model Town killings; a video has been leaked where Rana Mashoud is asking for a bribe for himself and the CM Punjab; Gullu Butt who was blatantly and openly vandalising vehicles has been released right before the march along with Pomy Butt; and YET PMLN supporters are siding with NS and SS???? The South Korean PM resigned over the ferry accident which was not in their control completely and we have a PM and CM who are being blamed for murder and they still stay in office? Sorry to say but as much as I admire IK, these people do not deserve his leadership. Where people willingly follow murderers, liars and cheats; they do not deserve good governance. They would prefer to play the victims; sweat in the heat of Pakistan without electricity and have their own tax money being spent by their 'leaders' on their palaces,etc than to rise up and fight for their rights.
I have read that 19 persons have been killed and more than 55 injured in heavy rain in my city Peshawar. Where is the provincial government? There are no enough facilities for these injured persons in the hospitals.
I feel sorry for the role of electronic media at this moment. No coverage is being given to the government that is the representative of millions of Pakistanis. On the other hand, live and continuous coverage is being given to few thousand party workers of PTI and PAT who are on the agenda of destroying Pakistan.
Thank you ET for creating the hype by posting ball to ball commentry. No wonder IK & TUQ will be history very soon.
18 people were killed in Peshawar due to heavy rain. There were no spare beds in the hospitals of Peshawar. On the other CM KPK was busy in dancing on Pushto song in the Dharna in Islamabad. What a shame. I don't have words to condemn the leadership of PTI who are power hungry. PTI will not get even a single seat from KPK in the next elections.
Just can't believe it. This flop Azaadi March has turned out to have the lowest headcount of previous IK's jalsas. Don't understand why he is interested in committing political suicide which he already has done.
This Long March is a flop show. The film flopped on the very first day of release. Bad direction, production and acting. Script was also very weak.
Imranullah Khan Niazi is doing the dirtiest politics ever done by any politician in Pakistan since 1947. Who is he to demand resignation from an elected PM? He should be ashamed on conducting such mini-march. He has been rejected by the public. He is continuously fooling the nation.
Mouk-Mouka maybe is under consideration among zionist pakistani english elits & Nawaz, they may helpcall to hindustani english elits as did Mouktibhanis in east-pakistan in 1971 became Bangladesh, Islamic Armed Forces Of Pakistan & all Civil Islamic Forces Of Islamic Pakistan must be in Alert, hindustani Bombardement at east fronts of Islamic Pakistan are not meaningless, Long Live Islamic Republic Of Pakistan
To all those out there saying that people have given Nawaz Sharif a mandate and IK should respect that, protect democracy, this and that...
The only valid argument is that since the election was heavily rigged which was shown all over different TV channels and also witnessed firsthand by a large number of people all over the country, therefore, this is not democracy. Its rather a facade which should come to an end.
I salute Pakistanis who have rejected Azadi March and Inqilab March. These are only Fasadi March. Imran and Qadri are promoting violence in Pakistani politics.
Imran said yesterday that he would not go to bani Gala till the resignation of Nawaz Sharif. This Master of U Turn has again gone to Bani Gala today in the morning.
What a big liar IK is. Both nights he leaved his people and went to Bani galla house even after mentioning it again and again that he will not leave his people. He is also hungry for power like rest of politicians and is using innocent supporters for his purpose.
I voted for PML (N) alongwith all my friends and family members. I am part of this elected government. Asking resignation from elected Prime Minister is an insult of my vote. Imran's demand is quite unconstitutional. Imran should wait till the election of 2018.
how amazing people we are...we abuse nawaz sharif in our homes and defend him on internet!! wow!!
If only there was one more Leader heading another Azadi March... ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pakistan would have been unique in achieving a Hat Trick, Imagine what an opportunity is going by.
Imran's politics of U Turns has become a joke in Pakistan. His Tsunami has become a Badnami now. I feel pity for his followers. Pakistan Zindabad.
Imran lives in a fools paradise. He is showing the same paradise to his followers. He was making noise since last many months but people rejected his march. Only few thousand party workers are there in his march. There is no general public in this so-called march. It is a fact that support of educated and literate public is with PML (n).
Imran has never left any chance for abusing and blaming Nawaz Sharif. I admire Nawaz Sharif who has never uttered a single word of abuse against Imran Khan. There is a big difference between the personality of both. Nawaz Sharif quite sober, mature and sensible person while Imran is quite immature and stupid person. I did not vote for PML-N in the last elections but next vote is for Nawaz Sharif.
Mr. Tahir ul qadri, please go back to Canada. Mr. Imran Khan, please go back to your British in-laws.
Imran Khan and Qadri should be arrested as both are enemies of Pakistan and peace. Both have taught violence to their party workers. They are insulting ballot box and parliament.
Imran Khan even forgot to console with those families who lost their beloved ones yesterday due to heavy rain in Peshawar. Entire cabinet of KPK government is busy in fake Dharna and people are dying in their province. IDPs are also suffering but this fake KPK cabinet have no time for them. Biggest shame for these PTI ministers alongwith their leader.
Who is Imran Khan and Qadri to demand resignation from elected Prime Minister and Chief Minister Punjab. Imran Khan was rejected by Pakistanis in the elections while Qadri did not have courage to contest elections. These are defeated elements who are fooling the nation by gathering few thousand paid party workers.
@Liaquat Sarfraz: Do you actually live there?? Please ask someone from KPK before your comments
Qadam Barhao Nawaz Sharif. Hum Tumhaare Saath Hain. Allah bless Nawaz Sharif.
KPK government are not taking care of IDPs. All are busy in fake march under the leadership of their selfish and Liar leader Imran. All the demands of PTI and PAT are unconstitutional. The real forum is Parliament to discuss such issues.
IK said there are one million people,and asked them to go to sleep and later come back in afternoon, Where one million people will sleep?????????
@Ch. Allah Daad: Few have shown up?hahaha bro you and your party, PML N need to go back to grade 2 and take some counting lessons.
I affiliated myself with the PTI previously, but seeing that we can't unite with people who have 90% same agenda as the PTI, I lose faith in all of Pakistan. We can't stand united as a nation. Why can we never put our differences aside and become one sometimes? It's not just during these protests, we always look for things that divide us rather than what we have in common. Be it Religion, political party, provinces etc.
Recently, even Pakistani media has proven that we are a nation of leg pullers. Instead of keeping healthy competition going, we see channels bad mouthing and demanding each other's shutdown.
Don't we see the blessing of unity? The best example are our biggest political parties, hate them all you want, but they've got unity figured out. The PML-N and PPP are united and that's why they can maintain a status-quo. They may have small differences at times, but quickly make a point to resolve them. To remain in charge of the country.
Is Qadri trying to prove he is mental insanity and perhaps a defense for future?
IK where is One million People as well as One Hundered Thousand Motorbikes?? I think there must be some rigging? Be mature IK but will never i believe.
Dr Qadri, the people of Pakistan do not know what a National Government is? At least this is the reponse I got from a Pakistani reader of Express Tribune. Perhaps be kind enough and explain to the citizens how in Canada and in Europe and today in the UK as well, how National unity Governments come together to protect the democratic fabric of the communities!!
Rex Minor
Zamane keh andaaz badle gaye Naya raag hai, saaz badle gaye!!
I have lost all respect of Imran Khan and PTI. Imran should surrender and it will not dead his political career as he made his point that elections were rigged. Shahbaz shouldot resign because of court order. There is 'hatdharmi' and 'zidipan' from both sides. TuQ lives in utopia. There is no need for revolution in Pakistan as Pakistan itself came as a result of revolution. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Let the democracy function. What if some other hardline sect group comes and demands its agenda. Imran and TuQ are damaging the constitution. Work hard and wait instead of your zidi pan. Resign from assemblies. PTI and Imran have become joke in politics.
The plot is getting crazier day by day. Don't like it at all. These jokers are only whipping frenzy by their crazy demands .
@Humza:
Great point!
More balanced coverage from the international media on the serious damage to the economy.
http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21612216-former-cricketer-and-cleric-conspire-roil-fragile-democracy-countrys-army-will-try
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/BL-WB-48284
@Humza: Very well said! IK had no idea about the economy as is evident by his thought process.
Pml-n is doing a great job!
1) Their foreign policy is pragmatic - not dogmatic
2) the macro situation has improved over the past 14 months - stock market doubled , PKR stabilized , Pakistan tapped Eurobond market after a long hiatus , UBL privatization, 3G / 4G auction , etc
More balanced coverage from the international media on the serious damage to the economy.
http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21612216-former-cricketer-and-cleric-conspire-roil-fragile-democracy-countrys-army-will-try
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/BL-WB-48284
PTI led by Sultan Rahi of politics. He is continuously busy in giving threats to the Prime Minister, CM Punjab, Judiciary, Election Commission, Election Tribunals, Federal Government and Policemen. No literate man can vote for PTI.
Where is that new KPK that was to be built in 90 days? Now more than a year is gone but there is no new KPK. Imran can only blame and abuse others. On the other hand, PTIs performance in KPK is the poorest as compared to other provinces.
People, if you actually want an inqilaab or azadi. Going after these bloodthirsty and power hungry leaders won't do any good. What they do is for their own benefit. If we want to see what democracy really is, we would have to go out in the streets and protest against these barbarians and kick them out of the country. But firstly, if we actually want a revolution, we should start from revolutionizing ourselves first, as most of us are no better than our leaders. Sitting at home, complaining, and criticizing our politicians won't do any good. There is only one game we play and that is the blame game. Azadi marches aren't gonna do any good, nor roads or metros, the only thing that IS going to help us, is unity and tolerance of one another, discipline, and faith that god is with us and we can achieve what we want to achieve if we believe in ourselves. We have to work as a nation, we have to rebel, we have to fight for our rights. Enough is enough. We can't let OUR freedom and OUR pakistan which our ancestors and Jinnah gave us, be stolen by these animals. This is not anybody else's war, this is OUR war. It's time to wake up. Sincerely, A concerned teenager.
@enigma: There are ways to fix things but the fundamental problem with trying to fix a nation through illegal means is only that it will cause more instability. Please wake up and see the reality. Pakistan finally had elections and a peaceful transition of power. No elections may not have been perfect and maybe there was cheating here and there as happens in all developing countries. However I doubt the outcome would be markedly different. The only thing Pakistan has going for it is a slow developing democratic system - otherwise the nation will be as unstable as every other Muslim country like Iraq, Egypt, Syria , Libya etc. Why can't Imran Khan understand it is the system that is more important and above all any stable system will lead to development if we give it a chance. I am disappointed in Imran Khan even though I supported him in the last elections. I thought he was a bigger man than this. I would have voted again for him after five years but no more. He does not have the maturity to lead the nation. Zardari looks like more of a statesman than Imran Khan. Look at what Imran did to the economic growth of the last year and the positive press Pakistan was getting from western financial analysts. Now even criminals are entering Islamabad while the army is beating the criminals in FATA. Is this the time for agitation? No. Shame on Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri. I hope the government does not give an inch to these shameless opportunists who care more about themselves than the country.
Media should not give live coverage to these marches. These are just few thousand people and their live coverage for 24 hours is not understandable. Media should act justifiably.
The people of Pakistan have rejected negative politics of marches. People have given a verdict that they want to see continuity and economic development. This is evident from very little number of people in the march.
Nawaz Sharif respected the mandate of PTI in KPK. Nawaz Sharif prayed for Imran Khan in his public rally when he fell down from the lifter in Lahore. Nawaz Sharif postponed his election compaign for 2 days when Imran Khan fell from lifter. Shahbaz Sharif went to the hospital to see Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif has never done character assassination of Imran Khan. On the other hand, Imran always does character assassination of Nawaz Sharif. There should be no doubt that Nawaz Sharif is the best man in politics nowadays.
All economic indicators in the country are improving. I appreciate the performance of present federal government during last one year. If this government continues for 5 years, it will be very good for Pakistan and democracy.
Real bone of contention is Pervez Musharraf. Army is using Imran Khan and Qadri to put pressure on the government for early release of Pervez Musharraf. It is very sad that there is no value of Parliament in Pakistan.
Why did PTI welcome all politicians who wanted to join PTI before May 2013 elections? Where was vision, ideology and merit of PTI? PTI only needed electables and all were welcomed. What is this? It means that Imran did not have confidence in himself and his team. Imran has gathered traditional politicians in his party. Where is the merit and Insaf of PTI?
Imran, you had to build new KPK within 90 days. Where is that new KPK? Can you please give us any new timeline? On the other hand, Shahbaz Sharif performing very well in the entire Punjab. KPK needs an energetic Chief Minister like Shahbaz Sharif.
Imran always used the name of Shoukat Khanum Hospital for his politics. Nawaz Sharif never used the names of Ittefaq Hospital, Sharif Medical City and Sharif Educational City for his politics. This is the difference between Imran and Nawaz Sharif. Only hope for Pakistan is Nawaz Sharif.
This march and Protest becomes legitimate if it has legitimate objective, motives and demand.. What Khan is demanding is all illegitimate and unconstitutional… No sensible patriotic Pakistan will allow this N if Nawaz Even think about resignation or assembly dissolving,, firstly he has to answer me for my vote..!!
@enigma : we don't sit behind screens, we go out to vote, and then respect the mandate. We believe in evolution within democracy and not revolution on the roads. We know It takes generations to build a functioning democracy, and we are not impatient like PTI to look for shortcuts.
To the people criticising IK, a leader like IK is way past what our nation deserves. Look at yourselves and think what about what you've done, or the people you support have done compared to him. All you can ever do is sit behind screens composing paraghraphs on paragraphs about how bad IK wants Pakistan to be and how NS is the best thing that ever happened to Pakistan. You're the same people who compare Pakistan to developed nations and whine about how bad things have gone and how things happen "only in Pakistan" When people rise up eventually with plans to fix whatever is going wrong, you reject them and try your best to demoralise them. I say these actions justify that you deserve to stay under these corrupt businessmen, and their children, and their siblings, deserve to stay an underdeveloped nation, deserve to stay peasants in this monarchy.
Are these Charter of demands/Orders issued by Chief Martial Administrator Gen Qadri ?
East or west. Nawaz Sharif is the best.
PTI has ruined KPK and now they want to ruin Pakistan. They could not build new KPK but they want to build new Pakistan. Strange.
I feel seriously pity for PTI fans. They were making noise since last 4 months for this mini-march. This mini-march cannot change the mandate of millions of voters in this country. PML-N all the way. Pakistan Zindabad.
I request Imran Khan to please tell PTI's performance before demanding resignation from the respected Prime Minister. PTI has badly failed in KPK while respected Prime Minister is performing well.
Deport Imran back to UK & the Dr. back to Canada.
I feel bad for the man who was branded as "Gullu Butt of Islamabad" by TQ and his supporters. The man was pleading to speak and clarify his position but TQ didn't give him the chance and instead created a drama by hugging and then portrayed him as someone who came to assassinate.
At this time with only 30 thousand people coming out or so and a growing sense of disrespect in Punjab against their vote it is clear N is not going any where. That said, Imran got played by people and it is very sad this fresh air in pakistan politics is now over.
These people talk about Gullu Butt all he did was smash three cars in a country where child rape is common. How many times has TUQ changed his demands he is an attention seeking stooge IK is a joke he didn't do any March during Zardaris term
I never take Imran serious because he never speaks truth. He is always busy in abusing and blaming others. He has never given evidence for all his blames.
I firmly believe that establishment is behind all this drama of Azadi March and Inqilab March.
Budget of KPK and zakat of Shoukat Khanum Hospital being wasted on this so-called march and dharna. PTI should forget the victory from KPK in the next elections.
People are dying in KPK due to heavy rain and Chief Minister and all his ministers are busy in Dharna. Shame for provincial government of KPK.
Imran Khan is always busy in character assassination of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. I have never listened any wrong word from the mouth of Nawaz Sharif about Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif a very mature human and politician. On the other hand, Imran Khan is the most immature and childish person.
Imran, where is your Million March. You could only gather few thousand people from all over Pakistan. Where are those 100,000 motor cyclists which you planned to bring from Lahore. You are always busy in telling lies. I have never seen you speaking truth.
Why does PAT have a flag that resembles and looks like indian flag. Couldn't he made a flag more atone to Pakistan with more greens and white?
Establishment is in full action alongwith their favourite puppets (Imran Khan & Tahir Qadri). Establishment cannot stable democratic government in Pakistan. All this is not good for Pakistan. Allah bless Pakistan.
PTI's fate was sealed when they reached Gujaranwala, and IK realised there are not enough supporters. Then PMLN supporters booted PTI towards Islamabad at warp speed, where their leader left them alone in the rain. Now the end of PTI at Aabpara should be a lesson for Pakistanis, not to support any anarchists who want to destabilise the nascent democratic system in Pakistan, and try to work within the system to improve it.
Imran and Qadri are enemies of peace, democracy and political stability. These are not Azadi and Inqilabi March. These are Barbadi March. Nothing good can be expected from these two.
It was court's decision that this Azadi March is unconstitutional. Imran Khan should be immediately arrested for violating the court's order.
Why should respected Prime Minister resign. He has done nothing wrong. He became PM with the votes of Pakistanis. He did not conduct the elections. There was independent Election Commission. Name of Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim was nominated by Imran Khan. He was nominated by Nawaz Sharif. Imran should wait till 2018.
Allah bless Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif. We voted for Nawaz Sharif and our best prayers are with him.
Imran's demand is unconstitutional. Mandate of millions of voters cannot be changed by gathering few thousands party workers.
Zardari and Rehman Malik must be having a good laugh at the political mess PML(N) govt. is in. In hindsight Zardari was a far smarter politician. Nothing of this sort happened during his 5 year rule.
First of all I beg your pardon as it is the internal problem of your country but I feel that this is not the correct way to bring down an elected Government they must wait for the next election or approach the Election commission or court and what is the guarantee that the new elections will be free and fair the same Election commission and same employees will conduct the fresh elections.
@Qandi Gul: Whats wrong with people like you. Punjabi, Sindhi, or whatever ethnic background is a NON-ISSUE!!! Actually, this sort of profiling is a very big ISSUE!!!
This is it. There is no going back. Punjabis in government should have their bags packed.
LOL! These leaders who ran away from Rain for comfortable 5 star night sleep and kept the ordinary marchers to face the extreme weather will bring Revolution? Can someone tell them revolution does not come with a march of 40 thousand people.
When will we call a spade a spade.. Does not seems likely the media will ever decide this for themselves
I feel bad for naive people of Pakistan who fall he trap of political demagoguery of these people. Before looking beyond the podium from where Qadri is speaking, he needs to look on his left and then right and just look at who are his partners? The biggest crook this nation has are Chaudhrys of Gujarat - Biggest support of Qadri's march!
Zahoor Elahi, patriarch of Chaudhrys, was an ordinary police constable when he realized that collecting money on the road would not take him anywhere, He became a politician and that was beginning of Chaudhrys fortunes. They can't have chateaus in France or villas in Spain from their income. From where they looted all this money and on how many loans they defaulted? They even ate banks, like Bank of Punjab, and still their is no NAB action against these crooks as they are too powerful.
Look at their Chaudhrys children. According to a Swiss report, Monis is one of the richest man. What qualification this boy has, or does, beside being Chaudhry.
It is a shame that still people believe on these jugglers and get fooled by them.
I have said it before and I say it again, Inquilab has gone to become the most hated and the most loathed word in Pakistan today. Thanks to these two bit jokers and con artists who pray on benign people.
"...I will not leave until Nawaz, Shahbaz are arrested, says Qadri.."
Both IK and Qdri should make promise that they will not take an another breath untill until Nawaz, Shahbaz are arrested and government not dissolved. NS won't dissolve the government and IK and Qadri won't take an another breath any longer and circus is over, khel khatam!' All the pakistan's political problems will be solved in 5 minute.
The lies of Imran Khan have been exposed and he has become a history. He is waiting for his supporters but only few have shown up so far. On the other hand, fake revolutionary thug has started entertaining people. Let's listen and enjoy.
Gov't will be resolved within 72 hours as GHQ has warned gov't to take their way also GHQ has directed courts to stay within limits of constitution and let them also be arrested who ruined the lives of 8 people in Model Town. I salute Musharraf once again who choosed two heroes ,,,Imran and Qadri.Wow. Wait for only 24 hours to see the scene how it changes.I have seen but let it happen practically.
Don't know why we are listening to these morons!!! CM KPK was eating corn-on-the-cob while his province was drowning with so many dead.
Meanwhile, TuQ is a miscreant who is not only inciting violence but also conducting violence .
I wish Pervaiz Khattak and swati could come and see this sight,or at least be there to show token support.Such a blunder leaving people under sky whole PTI leadership vanished such a disastrous end of revolution it's over for PTI..
Pakistanis with their comments look so hopeless, they want the status quo to exist, and anyone who wants to improve their lives seems to be a dreamer.. Let longer marcher be the dreamers and see if they can being a change.... Atleast they tried
During last 2 days, I havent watched any drams or movies. Long march was enough.
I felt pity on the Gullible and Innocent people of my country Pakistan who fell for these marches and fake dreams.