Pakistan

Zardari and Gilani should resign: Qureshi

Opposition leader also calls for resignations; Nawaz Sharif back in Pakistan.

Afp/express May 07, 2011

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE: Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday criticised the government’s handling of the Abbottabad Operation and demanded the resignation of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

Qureshi, who is a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee, termed the United States raid ‘unprovoked aggression’ and said that Zardari should have addressed the nation during the time of crisis, but instead he chose to write an opinion piece in a foreign newspaper.

He asked party leaders to convene the CEC meeting to give an explanation as to what had happened in Abbottabad and said that he will ask both Zardari and Gilani to step down in that meeting.

The former foreign minister urged the prime minister to summon a meeting of the Parliamentary Defence Body and called on top officials to go public with details of the operation.

Qureshi, who was Foreign Minister before a cabinet reshuffle, was dropped out of the newly appointed cabinet “over his divergent opinion on the Raymond Davis issue”.

Resignation calls from the opposition

Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday said that those responsible for negligence in the Abbottabad raid should resign.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Nisar said that all law enforcement agencies and security departments were responsible for intelligence failure which led to Osama bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad.

"The operation tramples on our honour and dignity, and the president and prime minister must either give an explanation or resign," Chaudhry Nisar Ali told reporters.

"The government is keeping silent and there appears to be nobody to respond to propaganda against Pakistan," he added, saying that people in the country were feeling "insecure" after the covert US mission.

"Those who are responsible must admit and quit," said Ali.

He also criticised the country's powerful intelligence agencies, saying that Pakistani institutions had "deviated from their real role".

Nisar said that a meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) was scheduled to be held on May 10 and all aspects regarding the Bin Laden raid would be discussed in the meeting.

Nawaz Sharif back in Pakistan

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan after a successful heart surgery in London.

He has returned after spending two months in Britain for treatment. Doctors had advised Nawaz Sharif to limit his political activities after the heart surgery.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, former President Rafique Tarar, MNA Hamza Shahbaz and other party leaders received Sharif at the Lahore airport.

He is expected to chair the May 10 party meeting.

COMMENTS (52)

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply The question Pakistan needs to ask is whether we are safe from foriegn aggression. Sure Osama was a criminal who needed to be knocked off but it showed that our defense system is lacking in its ability to prevent strikes on the nation. Who will prevent India from violating our air space and attacking of our radars can't oick up foreign planes. How can we sleep at night knowing that Afghanis and Indians can atack us at will with no air defense warning?

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply @Sue: This whole Banana Republic talk started with Musharraf. He started all the drone attacks and all the presnt problems with anti state criminals and foreigners. Musharraf didin't resign and was forced out but he still wants to come back despite all the problems he caused. What makes you think that an elected leader will step down when a dictator who takes over in a coup illegally won't step down?

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Asmat Jamal | 13 years ago | Reply This man is really fake. Please observe the way he talks and convey his point of view.

syed Imran | 13 years ago | Reply Zardari and Gillani have made this country a banana republic.They do not know what dignity is,one can just pray Almighty Allah to condone our sins and remove this curse from this country. Shah Mehmood,the whole nation supports your view point.

Khalid Javed | 13 years ago | Reply @ Ahmed: To camouflage your animosity against Mr. Khan, you have exploited the killings of innocent kids and women . Any voice of resistance (like Mr. Qureshi’s), against the corrupt, rotten, unconscientious politicians or any voice challenging the status Quo is reviled at as that of a voice of a Lunatic, Anyone daring to rebel against the callous colonialism like that of Your Uncle Sam (in case of Osama) is maligned as an effort of a bigot. Unconditional acquiescence to the corrupt, unconditional bowing of head is admired as liberal approach by so called liberal elements. Look at the history, look at the movements of resistance, they were all labeled as terrorists & their struggle- as a dream of a lunatic. Look at Iqbal’s dream of a separate country, look at Nelson Mandella’s struggle, look at the Prophet’s (PBUH) struggle! Were they not labeled as lunatic!!!! Yes they were by all those whose interests & benefits were threatened. But the next turn on the road of history vindicated, who really they were, what significance their so called lunacy (as termed by you) carried……….. All should have some sense before commenting while influenced & brainwashed by this wave & flurry of Western Media……….. Come on, grow up, learn how to read more into the stated facts to reach closer to Reality……………

Saman | 13 years ago | Reply Who's going to take over if the Fake-Degree-Lot resigns??? Mr. Qureshi should've come up with a solution as well..

bs | 13 years ago | Reply Well, we now know whose coattail Quraishi is following! He wants to assign no blame to the Army and the ISI, the main architects and protectors of the jihadi terrorists. Instead he wants to blame the civilians who have no power in matters of foreign policy, intelligence and security. Zardari and Gilani are puppets of the ISI/Army, nothing more.

vortex | 13 years ago | Reply @Faraz: True! But that is what we have to fix.

muhammad rahman | 13 years ago | Reply yes i totally agreed wid mr.qureeshi nd requested to our president nd primeminister resign all paki nation very thankfull to ur.

Shoaib Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Actually,every politions make our nation fool. Our nation need to loyal and honest ruler. May Allah bless our nation.

Khalid Masood | 13 years ago | Reply @Fahad Raza: Frankly, we in Pak do not have that much radars to completely cover each and every inch of Pakistani border and other air space at tree top level. Out of available resources, maximum low level radars are looking towards India. Surely some radars were looking towards the West but there are gaps. By flying in these gaps and behind ground features US black Hawks evaded detection and reached Abbottabad. If you like to cover each and every inch of Pakistan at tree top level - that is possible - Than surely PAF needs more radars. **Question is - Can you spare that much money for Defence Budget for buying more radars.** Most of us already criticizing size of present Defence Budget.

Rehmat | 13 years ago | Reply @Khalid Masood: You talk about not bein Indian or Japanese and not having such traditions. True. Your army showed no remorse even after it lost half of its country. But are you proud of the lack of accountability of your army and ISI? Are you OK that Shuja Pasha is rushing to USA to explain but no-one from army has gven any explanation to Pakistanis? Is this an example of ghairat that Kayani was talking about - nowing in front of Westerners and showing contempt to towards Pakistanis?

khan | 13 years ago | Reply funny. no one talks about the generals. but how can any, this country is occupied by the military

Aamer | 13 years ago | Reply @Mirza from USA You're still in USA, everybody please note he's in USA. While army and ISI failed for sure, our inept civilian government, the 'peoples' government's head wrote and article, while the PM went for a joy ride to France.

a ercelan | 13 years ago | Reply Q is a turncoat. he should resign his seat. then say what he wants. and we may listen

Mirza | 13 years ago | Reply It is proved beyond a shadow of doubt that after Shah Mehmood Qureshi was dumped by the PPP he has become a snitch. He did not demand the resignation of complete failure from ISI and army is proof enough, who he is trying to protect and divert the discussion. People in the civilian govt are having a hard time defending this abject failure by the ISI/army and this PPP "supporter" is demanding his own party's resignation? What a shameful back stabbing and duplicity to take over power with the help of army? Shah Mehmood Qureshi should remember that no PPP traitor has had any political futurei. . That is the only reason he is still sticking to the party, even though if he had any shame he should first resign and the open his mouth against it. While army and ISI failed yet another time, their bedfellows are demanding bloody civilians to resign who had no clue about who was hiding OBL. While whole world knows who was hiding OBL except Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Shurm tum ko magar nahi aati. Mirza, USA

@@ | 13 years ago | Reply I AGREE with Qureshi. I demand the RESIGNATIONS of President A.A. Zardari and Prime Minister Y.R. Gilani & their cabinet and SERVE EXPLANATION from Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC), Chief of Army Staff (CAOS) & Chief of Air Staff (CAS) immediately on 'Abbotabad Mutiny'.

Paki | 13 years ago | Reply Thumbs up...........Shah Ji. Take another wise decision and join Tehreek-e-Insaaf.

Fahad Raza | 13 years ago | Reply @Khalid Masood: Sir Why shouldn't we start having these "traditions" ? I can't believe Air chief coming out and saying ..Oops radars were "SWITCHED OF/NOT ON" .....My bad.... What's the use of all these equipment Air force got Saab 2000, AWACS and JETS if People who are supposed to guard us or our "Guests/Trump cards" in any safe houses we have. Absolutely right!! you are.. we are not Japanese coz we are not standing together after hits we get.. or Indian for that matter coz we don't ask tough question and grill the criminals and Negligence of our top dogs.

observer | 13 years ago | Reply @Khalid Masood Do we have such traditions? We are not Japanese or Indians. We are different. Very true sir. Japanese Chief of Army and Secret Service would have committed 'harakiri' by now, and the Indian counterparts would be sacked by the civilian leaders for such colossal deception. But in Pakistan the Generals end up giving themselves long extensions. And now one of them is going to USA to explain his conduct instead of offering an explanation to the people of Pakistan.

S.M.R | 13 years ago | Reply OMG! I have been saying the exact same thing for yearssss, mr qureshi. Why the hell was i never featured by the express tribune.... :S Anyway, a great deal of respect for Qureshi for his stand for principles and national integrity in handling the Raymond Davis case. Its good to have popular sentiment represented within the ruling government for a change in that case and in this one. IF I may make a suggestion, someone high-profile should push for the resignation of top Army brass as well. In any democratic nation in the world, any COAS would have been hard pressed to be able to keep his job after an incident like this, let alone the lower ranked officers. Kayani is not even a very capable one.

Saad Durrani | 13 years ago | Reply @TightDhoti: "Bloody Civilians" like PM and Perez should have addressed the talked with the nation. One went to eat French food and the second went on to write an op-ed...

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply If civilian gov can not control army and isi, it should resign and seek fresh mandate from people, what is so complex about it? If they dont do this, they are responsible, people of pakistan and they selected army chief and isi chief and gave them extentions...... Primary responsibility of governing this country and keeping it safe is theirs..... But alas, they are calling all corrupts and lotas toncome together and loot whatever is left, before people or army kick them out again....

Fahad | 13 years ago | Reply We have to stay behind the army no matter wat events arise.No country has absolute control over its territories. If it did then 9/11 would have been prevented. 7/7 bombings wouldve been prevented further more mumbai attack wouldve been prevented. The obl incident is wake up call nonetheless. Shah mahmood qureshi in my view was one of the best foreign ministers we ever had. He was the only to stand up on raymond davis issue. Him and javed hasmi have one thing in common. They 2nd party policys for the good of the nation. Ive seen so many articles grilling the army. Pakistan stands today only because of the army. God bless pakistan!

Samar Mahmood Apml | 13 years ago | Reply Hmmm Mr. Shah You Are Really Nice And Honest Person.. May MOULA PANJTAN PAK BLESS YOU...

Fareedi | 13 years ago | Reply We are talking about Zardari, Gillani, Kiyani and Pasha. Eventually the blame shall be shifted to a poor Radar operative or even a trainee and made a scape goat… This is Pakistan. What happens in the Civilized world, doesn’t happen here! Not going to happen…. Be real!

Fareedi | 13 years ago | Reply We are yalking about Zardari, Gillani, Kiyani and Pasha. Eventually the blame shall be shifted to a poor Radar operative or even a trainee and made a scape goat... This is Pakistan. What happens in the Civilized world, doesn't happen here! Not going to happen.... Be real!

sara akmal | 13 years ago | Reply exactly,qureshi is absolutely right,but army cheif n AIR MARSHALL should also resign because our army is responsible for protecting our sovereignty, pakistan has been defamed worldwide n our govt. our army is silent,why?we want the answer

Uzair | 13 years ago | Reply I would agree with Mr. Qureshi's comments. Surely its high time now that the top leaders must be questioned. Our country is going through tough times since the PPP has taken control. Unity is the only option for us now...

Faraz | 13 years ago | Reply @Vortex: Since when were Kayani and Pasha answerable to anything other the the US dollar?

mansoor | 13 years ago | Reply shameless LOT , the PPP.

mansoor | 13 years ago | Reply dear Mr. Qureshi, People who have dignity and honor resign, but you are asking the wrong question from wrong people. May God rid us from these shameless leaders.

Imran | 13 years ago | Reply This shows where his strings are attached. He didn't ask for the resignation of Kiyani and Pasha.

ashwin | 13 years ago | Reply haha what an opportunist, i guess all politicians are the same, no hard feelings.

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply People like Shah Mehmood Qureshi are not much different than the other lunatics in Pakistan (Imran Khan and Jamaat-e-Islami). Before we ask any one for resignations, we should ask, is the killing of Osama-Bin-Rabbit good for Pakistan. My answer is yes. What you see common among people like Osama and Imran Khan is their lack of respect for Women and Children. This is why the terrorists kill Women and Children without remorse. I call Osama, Osama bin-Rabbit, because he was multiplying like Rabbits. In a war zone you do not multpily and put your children in jeapordy. But this evil person had no feelings for anyone including his own children. Everything was okay for him. This is why he and his fellow zealots killed thousands of Shias asnd other innocent Pakistanis. Only people like Imran Khan (who does not care about his daughter in USA) can make stupid statements. To me he is worse than the Taliban. Ask Imran to zip lock his mouth for a month. Stop criticizing our government and our people. Just be happy that the rabbit got what he deserved. Ahmed

Sue | 13 years ago | Reply Did Mr Querashi quit when US was droning Pakistan 3 times / week? Did Mr Querashi quit when Mr . UBL was living in his country during his tenure as FM? He didn't know!!! Was he FM of Pakistan or Islamabad? Mr. Querash himself loudly announced several times that Mr. UBL is not in his country but give me more $$$s for drought, flood, war, poverty, hunger, etc.. etc .. Truth is in a Banana Republic no one should Quit. All part of same BANANA!!!

Khalid Masood | 13 years ago | Reply Do we have such traditions? We are not Japanese or Indians. We are different.

Talha | 13 years ago | Reply Indian should just be aware pakistan eastern border only has a few 1000s frontier corps soliders, the western border is light years ahead in defence terms

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 13 years ago | Reply Why is he asking for the civilian set up to resign???? Is he afraid to ask the same from other heads of our jack boots including Mr. Pasha??? Why he did not resign himself during the passage of KL Bill and drone attacks???? This shows that he is working for some "In-coming Set Up".

Mahmood | 13 years ago | Reply The fact that he doesn't mention the failings of the military or ISI might make one believe that this is nothing other than sour grapes from a guy who has been excluded from the cabinet.

AnisAqeel | 13 years ago | Reply Nation is screwed up because of extremism, hypocrisy and denial. But the people like you, who know the situation, should come up with truth and where national interest is at stake must fiercely oppose to the point before going to the weaker party. You are asking a weaker party to resign but leaving the real culprits for the fear of repercussions. Be bold and have some moral courage and come up with truth. Our military infrastructure must be designed and practiced to obey the constitution instead of constitution to obey the military. Almost entire political leadership is made in GHQ and afraid of their bosses and the bosses are so strong that you cannot mention that they should resign instead you are asking a weaker party to resign. Come up with truth, Sir.

Vortex | 13 years ago | Reply I thought we had democracy. Qureshi is correct in asking Zardari and Gilani to resign. Kayani and Pasha are answerable to Gilani.

Tahir | 13 years ago | Reply Leave PPP if your honest.

Someone | 13 years ago | Reply Totally agree sir! This country has become a joke because of these sitting at the top level.

talha | 13 years ago | Reply Pasha not Pasta, lol.

talha | 13 years ago | Reply Ask Kayani & Pasta to resign.

Nadeem Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply In Pakistan no one resigns, they are kicked out like you. Please wait and pray. Unfortunately that time is not near, those who could do that are in mess themselves. They are running like headless chickens.

Fahad Raza | 13 years ago | Reply Absolutely right. What a valid point the President of USA makes a speech and our president write some lines in foreign Newspaper.

Khalid Javed | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Qureshi's daunting stance on Raymond Davis issue previously & now on this Osama Saga was greatly appreciated by all except the inept PPP govt. Once again, he has voiced the sentiments of the common people daringly. He is one of those elements from within PPP who express utter dissatisfaction over the policies of the govt. The national interest [oft-repeated to be the factor leading to certain decisions, alliances and political manipulations actuallly aimed nothing but to prolong the rule] has been mortgaged to US Imperialism. Mr. Qureshi by distancing himself from the ruling band (Zardari, Awan, Rahman) & demanding resignation of PM & President, has proved himself to be a true patriot. Mr. Qureshi, instead of flying alone, joins hands with Imran Khan who is honest, committed & having a politcial vision. The corrupt, unconscientious ruling band has to be ousted, if anyone really cares for the totally depressed common people who are mourning over the ever-diminishing sense of national pride.

TightDhoti | 13 years ago | Reply Really? Come on surely this cant be pinned on the "bloody civilians". Unless the Army has over night decided to suddenly quietly accept civilian control. Those who should resign are giving themselves extensions, please spare us the political opportunism.

bushra | 13 years ago | Reply salm / Hi yes m agree with Mr . QURESHI he is right person . v are not like president and all aother minsters . mna. be coz thay not able to save protect pak . and nation thay have no right for govern. plz v shold v important roll for protect and save our nation country. so plz try try. and come out agasinst all leaders thy r not deserve to caaled leaders. . (zalim hukmran) Bushra Bano thnx

haroon | 13 years ago | Reply Well said.

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