The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan is a slave of the United States (US) and Europe because he labels himself a liberal, a BBC Urdu report stated.
Speaking to BBC Urdu, TTP spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan said that "liberal" was an English word, and that if Khan thinks he is a representative of the people, he should talk in the language of Pakistanis, which is Urdu.
The TTP spokesman said that Khan was not a supporter of the Taliban and neither were they his sympathisers.
Ahsan said that the word liberal defined someone who “thinks they are from all religions, including Islam. A liberal person does not believe in any religion, and also do not believe in Islam and tauheed.”
He said that Khan had termed some Pakistan leaders ‘slaves of America’ and said that he wanted to inform Khan that he was the “slave of those Americans who are no longer in this world.”
In an interview with The Express Tribune in May, the PTI chief had said he was “often made out to be the naughty boy who supports the Taliban.”
Khan had clarified that his ideology had always been to conduct dialogue with militants and not to support terrorism.
“Terrorism in Pakistan is a reaction to drone strikes and military operations; suicide bombings are a tool of the weak used to attack oppressors,” he had said.
He had admitted that it was this stance that earned him the notorious title of “Taliban Khan” and that he was aware that “America-loving poodles” label him “the naughty boy who supports the Taliban.”
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It is nice to hear that word 'Pakistani Taliban' in a Pakistani newspaper!!
Maryam we can not eradicate suicidal bombing by military means only.Even American are now begging Taliban to come for negotiations.How can Imran Khan join hand with ANP and PPP who are corrupt to the core.
Only an honest leader can solve country's problems.
American Talibans Speaking the language of Americans Finally :)
What rubbish. We ALL know:
Taliban is the enemy of all Pakistanis. They have killed more Pakistanis than the Americans, despite Obama's best efforts to win the race. The Taliban takes its orders from the CIA - they very conveniently act up just at the times the Americans are sabre-rattling and making claims about Pakistan being unable to handle militants etc.The Taliban are in no position to lecture anyone about ANYTHING - be it Islam, English, or Liberals.
Why waste media coverage on these criminals?
It might just be a smokescreen.
@Ali Tanoli: Don't laugh, cry man, at this drama.
In my humble view Mr Khan is beginning to Show the hypocritical side of his, holier-than-thou, personality. Watch out Mr Khan, there is a very high risk of crash right after take-off to your political career. Sir, aap Raaton ko dua maanga keejiay.
@bigsaf: Very well said. Ditto on everything !
Imran Khan in keeping with the interests of his establishment backers is asking questions only about the PPP politician’s assets. But he chooses to not share any information on: 1. His own assets which he has not declared. 2. Assets of his own party members and supporters. 3. Source of funding for his party. 4. Accounts of how his party is spending the funds he is raising. 5. Assets of PML-Q and JUI politicians. Also, why is he accepting large amounts of money from foreign sources for his party which cannot be traced? In his manifesto, Imran says that Pakistan should be free of dependence on foreign aid. But his own party is accepting foreign funds from unknown sources and is unwilling to identify the source of these funds. Imran’s actions do not match his words.
The statement of the TTP spokesperson comes as no surprise. What I find astonishing is the PTI Chief’s statement that “suicide bombings are a tool of the weak used to attack oppressors”. Which “oppressors”, may one ask, is Mr. Khan referring to when schools, mosques, shrines and public offices are being attacked by suicide bombers? Is he referring to the innocent citizens of this country including the minorities our constitution pledges to protect? What dialogue could one possibly have with people who see no reason-one need not look beyond the contents of this news report itself. Terrorism is not a reaction to drone attacks or military operations. The poor victims of such heinous acts are not its perpetrators..
@Raj - USA: So, the drones appeared overhead long before 9/11, long before SWAT was handed over to the Taliban, long before the attack on Mumbai? You would think that someone might have noticed!
Dont pin up too much hope on Mr. Imran Khan. Having spent 18 years of his life in the political wildeness, he is going to get so desperate to win the elections, that he will accumulate a tremendous amount of 'political katchra' from all parties, and so despite all his good intentions, he will assimilate in the current political hotchpoch. This romanticism with Imran is going to meet a tragic end. Get ready for another disappointment. Call me the messenger of pessimism, but that is the reality!
This should be enough for the critics who used to call imran khan as pro taliban. there should be no doubt now that Imran is pro pakistan.
Is Imran Khan is caught between the military and the mullas? Or is it that he is caught against the military and the mullas? Will he go with the "Apne Log"? Or will he go with the "Bhai Log"? Time will tell .................
@u_too: Your question: Who came first; terrorists or the drone attacks? Answer: It is the terrorists who were killed by the drones that came first.
This issue has brought into stark attention the following problem: English-educated people cannot speak the language of the majority of the people of Pakistan. It not that they don't want to, it is just that they can't because they are alienated from their own culture and religion. They neither have full command on English nor are are able to communicate in Urdu. Their understanding of their own religion is shallow, their point of reference are western terms and history. Taliban spokesperson is correct in saying that even through Imran is not a poodle of the West, he is deeply influenced by it. Pakistan needs a better version of Ahmedinejad of Iran, a man who deeply rooted in his culture and religion and thus his confidence when dealing with West. We need someone like Khomeni who will give a sense of dignity and identity to the majority of its nation. Otherwise like India we will continue to deeply insecure people and that is a real turn off.
Taliban And PMLn has same views on Imran Khan... hmmm..:)
It's apparent that neither the American's nor Taliban are going to dance to Khan's tune -- that leaves corruption as Khans last viable promise. If Khan gets into office you may discover what American's felt like after Obama was elected --- lots of promise quickly turning into bitter disappointment.
@Rizwan: Islam is surrounded by enemies .Taliban are in Pakistan and Afghanistan , but what about those who are among us and unrecognizeable , you can observe their poisonous comments that directly hit Islam,its rules and muslims and I think no enemy is more dangerous than "munafiqeen".who are within us, many are abroad.
who came first; the terrorists or the drone attacks?
Everyone trying to claim there's some intelligence agency conspiracy that created and supports TTP are just digging their own graves. If you don't come back to reality, you're just making it easier for them to blindside you. Though feel free to keep it up. Just try to make it out alive since it's not as much fun to say "I told you so" to a corpse.
What Taleban are stating is neither funny nor with any sense of humour. People of Pakistan must realise that TTP has a set agenda to enforce sharia and are dreaming to rule the country one day. However, IK increasing popularity for the last three months dawned to TTP that their anti-American agenda has been successfully used by him who is tipped to be the next PM of Pakistan which is too close to their comfort and posing as a major hurdle to their grand plans for the future. No wonder TTP has taken an anti-IK stand branding him as liberal, un-Islamic and pro-West. I seriously apprehend that Imran Khan's life is in danger now.
When you get based by both side, you MUST be correct.
Thanks TTP for the comments about our Kaptaan, now he's all set to head the new King's Party and become the next PM.
buuuuuuuuuahahahahahahaahaha!!!! don't even have any words to express how funny this is. if he's considered to be liberal than what did conservatives do. They sold pakistan inch by inch
Definitely...enemy of Nawaz Shareef is enemy of TTP!!! I was expecting such a statement!!!
It is abundantly clear now that Taliban are the enemies of Pakistan and muslims,
It is abundantly clear now that Taliban's are the enemies of Pakistan and muslims.
Oh GOD .I am so relieved.. I had thought Imran khan at some corner in his heart as a sympathizer of these terrorist TTP............... TTP are the looser in this world and INSHALLAH in the next LIFE toooo ...Would love to see them in JAHANNUM !!!!!!!!! with special 2 feet littters !!!!!!!!! for killing innocent kids their mothers and fathers.....!!!!!!!!!!! ALL OUR BUDHUWAAAAAAS are for you TTP.
Welcome to the reality Mr. Imran Khan. In your world these crazies do not exist, or are merely innocent tribals reacting to the drone strikes. Please wake up and smell the coffee: TTP is a reality, has an obscurantist agenda, and are NOT a product of drone strikes. Time to refresh your narrative of what ails Pakistan - a prerequisite to before you can claim your stake on the leadership of this suffering country.
@MarkH: If you mean Imran, he's been to Oxford, FYI. Where have you been?
i am not sure about american's but British ..... yyup :)
A timely statement from Taliban to show that Imran Khan is not a Taliban. How timely and easy to misguide the public?
equal opponents, leave them alone
@Tahir Javaid: "There is a huge investment being poured in print n electronic media just to stop this change in Pakistan…..this same media used to call him “taliban khan” now there is a 180 degree shift “american slave”"
It isn't the media who has called him an American slave. Anywaymedia is not one individual. There are some media people who support him and some who challenge him. The words of these 2 types of media people are bound to be opposite of each other. DOn't go looking for conspiracy theories where there are none.
There is no such thing as TTP its all CIA. It's really proved why would TTP have any reason to say anything about Imran Khan when it has never said anything about him in the past. All of a sudden after a successful rally US wants to regain its control by manipulating peoples opinion of Imran Khan so he cannot gain power and on the other hand this news tries to get Imran Khan to be tough on Taliban (if People still choose to elect him) because he should be concerned Taliban considers him liberal and non - urdu speaking whatever all this Good for nothing Terrorist had to say
So much for people who call IK the Taliban sympathizer.
@juniad hassan: It already is. Though that's even hard to say since you've never had real possession of it to begin with.
Hey, we don't want him. You keep him. Just have some of his "educated" supporters tutor him.
CIA's counter-gang TTP shouting like a US outlet they are.
This may be a trick of Imran Khan! because grooming and training department at the back of him has taught him how to climb a political fence now.He has learnt a solo swimming atleast in his home pool. He has been facing an allegation of being inclined to Taliban and this was tarnishing his iamage as an "acceptable to all politician", the talbani label might stop him to gain sympathy from many of the educated people, and it seems he has approached to this guy for help to save him from the attack. TTP now will play a role of "dhobi" and wash all of his dirt. A deal is a deal. dont take their " nok jhonk" seriously. Wait and see.
imran khan is also having lots of indian friends in media and wouldnt do them any harm. This is a truth. If he comes to power kashmir will be lost forever.
Does this guy from TTP know what he's talking about - shows his mental caliber
I am waiting for the day TTP will declare TTP bunch of infidels.
Its not important what Taliban say about Imran. Their statements are not confirmed and no one knows who is who in Taliban ranks. Their actions speak louder than their words. More important is what Imran says about Taliban. If he calls them Barbarians, terrorists and killers of innocent people and calls their ideology and way of life in contradiction to Islam, then I am with Imran Khan. Otherwise its a useless statement to please Imran's supporters.
That is what Imran Khan is constantly reprimanded by sane writers about these militants that they cannot be friends with any one. Imran Khan need to join hands with other political parties like that of ANP and PPP to eradicate this menace once and for all and denounce Dehshat Gardi and Suicide Blasts of these fanatics to free the people of Pakistan from their miss-interpreted version of Islam.
No language other than Pakistani language URDU or the Islamic language ARABIC is acceptable to TTP. Therefore all TTP members are requested to only communicate in one of these language. Pushto also unacceptable.
When the same TTP say that they have nothing to do with CIA/RAW/Mossad then nobody believes them.
This is what is known as Pre-emptive strike.
Everyone knows that Imran Khan wears his 'anti-US badge' proudly and that he is also a supporter of Taliban.
And Taliban wants Imran Khan's support but wants it secretly so that Imran is not judged or tainted guilty by association. It can help the political career of Imran by implying that both of them don't have any affiliations.
Taliban wants people to think: "Look, Taliban would not have said this if supports them. They are saying this because, Imran is a biggest critic of Taliban."
Judging from the reactions above, I feel the tactic is going to be hugely successful.
LOLZ! So he sticks his hand out in friendship and they take a dump on it.
Try again 'Kaptaan'
"Terrorism in Pakistan is a REACTION to drone strikes and military operations." Wow! I thought it's the opposite. Drone strikes and FAKE military ops were a reaction to terrorism. Anyway, it shows that Imran is confused. Take a(one) stand, Imran!
Their are two types of people who are against Imran Khan.. Conservatives like Taliban and other religious fanatics in the country (mostly illiterate people) who oppose him because they think that Imran is a "liberal".. The other are a handful of highly educated people liberals (highly skeptical, habitual of stereotyping and having trust issues with everyone in politics) who end up labeling him as "conservative" and refer to his party as "good looking jamaat e islami".. What an irony..
if even Taleban is not going to listne to Imran Khan then whats the use of Imran Khan
Should shut all those up whove been calling Imran Taliban Khan.
Good luck with those negotiations, Inram! Better be prepared to give them everything they demand if you want peace. Unfortunately for you, they will likely demand your head!
Imran khan is an american slave since he speaks English. As Taliban speak Pushto, they must be Karzai's slaves..!! As per TTP, all those who speak Urdu; must be true Muslims... TTP, you Rock!!
Ahsan said that the word liberal defined someone who “thinks they are from all religions, including Islam. A liberal person does not believe in any religion, and also do not believe in Islam and tauheed.” Greatest definition of the word liberal. The oxford dictionary must adopt and send a letter of thanks. God help where is Pakistan awaam going???
What an intelligent guy !!!!This guy has got serious black humor. He should write the script for "Hum sab umeed say hain',i can bet he will beat Yunus Butt,definitely,in terms of popularity.
This timely TTP statement sounds like mind games by you know who to keep the confused confused and help Immy bhai along.
all internet brigades of PTI becarefull in your remarks handle it carefully
Talk in Urdu otherwise you are Kafir. Very funny
They are those who labled Jinah as 'Kafir'
It is not funny. it is all planned by people who are playing Imran. Only few days ago people saw imran khan first time saying Talibans are bad. And yesterday Talibans reacted in this way. It is all goes in Fav. of imran khan. Imran and taliban's statements are infact direcet to USA and west. It to make USA believe that imran is anti taliban and will fight the war on terrorism in pakistan
For pti lovers: Tsunami comes for a short time but it take years to repaired the damages caused by it. After looking at recent actions of pti (accepting turncoats) and "warm welcome" for them from supporters. I can say that imran's Tsunami would be short lived (provided it happens) but damages to pakistan would be huge.
seems like imran khan asked ttp to say this!
Taliban're feeling the Heat. They know, when IK will come in power. He will hold credible negotiation with Tribe People and they will kick Taliban out...
Funny how both liberals and extreme rightists try to absorb the majority in the middle.
This is the second article of the day so far, trying to portray the soft image of Imran and PTI and now i can sense insecurities as people are now countering and questioning Imran and PTI's policies as they lack practical approach.
@AK
I think you couldnt understand what it means. It means that Imran is wrong. They are not pushtoon nationalists, but religious extremists.
Right, so the Taliban clearly dont wont to negotiate. They continue to wage war on us, kidnappings, assasinations, bombings continue. So can we go after them now? Or is it more important not to look like we are doing what America wants than to protect Pakistan and the citzens of the country?
But i will agree, what a big joke (sad as it is coming from a person condoning genocide and ethnicide based purely on the clothes his targets wear)
Crazy Taliban... seriously funny .. taliban have humour. thanks god
Is it hypocrisy or fantasy? it is hard to say. But having this said it is such bigotry through which a band of bearded illiterates high jack a peaceful religion such as Islam. May i ask TTP to explain a bit of their medium of communication. If Imran Khan can be deemed a stooge of America merely because he speaks english then these monsters who communicate in anything but urdu should be declared stooges of RAW. It is such brazen statements that they use to justify using boys for bombs and cars for missiles. Ironic as it is to learn of agents from those who themselves are acting against Pakistan.
Crazy Taliban....
We know one thing he is the savior of the nation.
The so-called TTP leader really needs to sort out his understanding of a "liberal". There is no problem with being a liberal AND a good Muslim.
Well atleast we know they arent supporting him, Khan sb is truly becoming a leader in Pakistan!!!!
somewhat serious, somewhat funny, serious in the sense TTP could attack PTI rallys, or imran khan directly, funny cause TTP discredit themselves even more in eyes of pakistani public after opposing Imran khan and with there ridiculous and ludicrous interpretation off word liberal :p
At this stage when Kaptaan is being dubbed as Taliban Khan, nothing could have been better than a we-don't-recognize-you statement from TTP. These guys have earned my respect today! Thanks for taking it off Kaptaan's shoulders. :)
We gotta admit, TTP has a sense of humor!
I wonder what all those who call him a Taliban sympathiser will say now?
Funny!!
Let's take this news positively rather than looking on the cons. side: At least it may temporarily shut down those desperate people who keep calling him pro-Taliban.
With political heavyweights such as Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Allama Iqbal family joining the ranks of PTI, critics can no longer call it a one man show or a Taliban right wing party. The days ahead will be good for PTI,
My only message to Talibans and anti-PTI secular/left wing propagandists: Go screw yourself. No body is going to stop the PTI tsunami!
Where is PPP and other political parties now...
The secular-liberal wing calls him Taliban Khan and the Taliban themselves call him an American slave. Just shows how Pakistan is hijacked between these two extreme wings.
We need to get rid of both elements from society: Taliban and the secular-liberals
Negotiate!! Give peace a chance! Looks like they just dont get it! America out!
I am astonished at the IQ level of this Ahsanullah Ahsan guy. He probably doesn't know a word of English and here he is, making up his own definition and lecture of "liberal". More astonishing is how these illiterate goons get press/media attention.
Forget English or Urdu. The only language TTP thugs understand is the language of guns, bombs and warfare.
Nonsense from Taliban, to say the least
LMFAO, Talk in Urdu or you'l be killed.