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PTI’s nationwide protest to kick off from Karachi

Party leader Asad Umar condemns killing of PIA employees

Our Correspondent February 03, 2016

PHOTO: PPI

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's nationwide protests against 'economic injustices' being meted out to the people of Pakistan will kick off from Karachi, starting February 6.

Party leader Asad Umar made the announcement at a press conference at Insaf House on Wednesday. The protest will start from Karachi and will be led by Imran Khan, said Umar. The government is imposing huge taxes on petroleum, utilities and infrastructure, which is tantamount to economic exploitation of the common man, he said. The leader also expressed solidarity with the workers of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), who are protesting the privatisation of the national airlines. Two of the protesters died in the firing at the rally on Tuesday. Umar condemned the unfortunate killing and said that PTI stands firm with the struggling employees.

PTI to launch countrywide protest

Umar claimed that Pervaiz Rasheed accused PTI of being in favour of PIA's privatisation, which is absolutely wrong. "We have always demanded that such institutions be made independent, instead of working under ministries," he claimed.

He criticised the government for privatising the national airline and added that its bill was passed by the National Assembly within one-and-half-hours, without any debate over it. Commenting on the tax amnesty scheme introduced by the government, he said that it was a malafide act that would only benefit corrupt people. He said that PTI will support the decision of PIA's joint action committee in their struggle against privatisation. He expressed his suspicions that PIA's privatisation will personally benefit certain Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz leaders.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2016.

COMMENTS (18)

Usman | 8 years ago | Reply @sabi: Economic revival!?!? You mean Corruption, Tax Amnesty, Kickbacks are economic progress?? Yes for those involved it is, but for the rest of us it is getting harder and harder to manage household finances

raider | 8 years ago | Reply @pervaiz: why you peoples do bite each time from kpk, when had you been there and visited school and found zero progress, is kp or was kp a province with substantive share in GDP, kp makes add some points in GDP indirectly

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Karachiite | 8 years ago | Reply Guys, our economy is going down the drain, true, but we need to look at the PIA fiasco in a proper light. The workers were protesting because they would be laid off. What will eventually happen if PIA eventually grt privatized is that somebody from our corrupt government will buy it and make it even worse so Shaheen Air can succeed. With this Shaheen monopoly, the prices for air fare will rise and we will have to pay it because we have no other choice. What do i think? Let PIA keep declining till 2018 when Khan will finally put somebody capable in power and it will become the fabled success story it was in its throes. With increased competition it will only be to the common man's benefit.

Afghan | 8 years ago | Reply KHAN the great leader for Pakistan, some friends above said, PIA privatisation is a right thing, but actually they don't know anything about economy, in a simple words tell me how it can be possibl,they are going to sell state own one of biggest assets,despite taking steps to make it profitable, and saying this will be good for economy.shame on u mr nawaz shari,, and 1 more thing brothers,if they are sincere with us and state, and rulling Pakistan like kings, then why not they privatize their own properties for the sake of PIA and State to boost the economy.

Ali S | 8 years ago | Reply IK should sack the idiot giving him advice for dharnas over every issue - it's things like these which will sabotage the PTI's support.

abdullah | 8 years ago | Reply Heading to find a new wife.this time from karachiii.hope this one stays.

pervaiz | 8 years ago | Reply @Radar, Sodomite &Mana, GDP development @ 4.5% which is highest in last 8 years, is this not achievement. This all happened despite of dirty politics of IK and his DHARAN. What is development in kpk during IK tenure. Please go to any school and check international institutions for Pakistan development since last 3 years. It seems you are competing IK for false statements.

GAK Wazir | 8 years ago | Reply Mr. Imran! this is not time for agitation. Better to take up the problems in the Parliament which is the best forum for public representation. Holding protest demonstrations on roads in cities like Karachi will not only bring business activities to a stand still but will add to public miseries. Think for the interest of the country and amelioration of the people instead of protesting against the a clique of a few wrong doers.

Pakistani | 8 years ago | Reply Peaceful protest is the right of all citizens of a democratic country.

raider | 8 years ago | Reply @sabi: fine job dear, i could not help bewildering each time, record high loans, decreased FDI, declined exports, and lowest GDP in south Asia is economic revival

Sodomite | 8 years ago | Reply @sabi: From where did you hear this breaking news that the General ain't going but is here to stay for 4 years. This could change everything.

Aftab | 8 years ago | Reply I think IK was uneasy since last dharnas to find an issue for protests. Luckily PIA privatization emerge all from sudden. His recent protest will have bad impact on the PTI overall good will. None wants to stop the privatization of PIA except inefficient PIA employees.

Cultbuster | 8 years ago | Reply @SKN: Well said. Parliament is the right forum to bring up issues and legislate on issues you support. Its a shame that IK and PTI find it beneath them to visit the National Assembly and represent their voters. Accepted that economic conditions & govt performance should improve but I do not see grounds for street protest given that country is in the midst of a war. Terrorism/extremism is our #1 enemy and sorry I do not see IK or PTI feel that way

jojo | 8 years ago | Reply This is the real opposition who keeps this incompetent and corrupt government on its toes, not like muk muka which is now revealed by the sitting minster, except PTI there is no one who talks about the issue affecting common man, these protests are necessary and food for a real democratic atmosphere.

Dan | 8 years ago | Reply plzzzzzzzzzzzz khan sb dont start dirty politics againnnnnnn, Karachi is in peace now after a long time so let it be. Let them run the Govt and protest in NA with logic.

Mana | 8 years ago | Reply @sabi: which economic revival??? Wake up buddy. have some mercy on the poor country.

SKN | 8 years ago | Reply IK, my entire family voted for you but we do not support this type of politics. We helped you reach the assembly in good numbers. You should make a noise in there. Standing behind protests is really below you. PIA privatization is the right thing. Opposing it just to get some political mileage is just so disappointing. I think you are about to shoot yourself in the foot yet again.

sabi | 8 years ago | Reply Its 2016 the general is firmly behind the prime minister and prime minister is firmly behind the administration.Let us see how dare they (dharna jokers) sabotage the economic revival of Pakistan. And one more thing,the general is not going for next four years.

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