Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has refused to attend the India Today Conclave in New Delhi after learning about British author Salman Rushdie’s participation.
In a statement released by senior PTI leader Shireen Mazari, Khan cancelled his participation as a key note speaker at the conclave stating that he could not even think of participating in a program that included Rushdie, who has caused "immeasurable hurt to Muslims across the globe".
Quoting Khan, Mazari said that the party leader received the full program of the conclave last night and made his final decision early this morning.
Khan has expressed regrets to the organisers of the program.
India Today regrets Khan's withdrawal from event
India Today Group’s Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie on Wednesday said, "We deeply regret that Imran Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Tehreek-i- Insaf will not address India Today Conclave 2012 due to begin in New Delhi from March 16 because of Salman Rushdie's participation."
In a statement issued, Purie further said, "India Today Conclave is a platform for free and frank exchange of ideas. We do not endorse views of any of our speakers but we do stand for freedom of expression in all that we do; it's an essential principle of a free nation and free media. India Today Conclave now in its 11th year has established itself as an independent and credible forum for thinkers and leaders from around the world, not all agreeable to everyone. We wish that Imran had used this opportunity to express his views at the Conclave with all the force and lucidity that he possesses. We can all agree to disagree but we must present our argument."
On Tuesday, the organisers of the event had announced that Rushdie will speak at the conference on a speech titled “The Liberty Verses – I am What I am and That’s All That I am”.
Rushdie’s 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses” is still banned in India for allegedly blaspheming Muslims.
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor and US former diplomat Henry Kissinger are also due to speak during the two-day event at the luxury Taj Palace hotel.
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COMMENTS (273)
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@Maryam: just prove your this statement!
freedom of speech without limits and ethics is as dangerous as freedom of action which may result in terrorist activities ...... any indian british national if speaks or acts against their country would the state or people allow , they should not call him traitor ??.. its coo l freedom freedom freedom ... should we remove every moral ethical religious legal code,,, free people n enjoy freedom u want this LIBERALS....????
Very disappointed with Imran Khans decision.All those supporting this are obviously not looking at the bigger picture. we are a country of emotional fools - whatever happened to freedom of speech - why cant we "agree to disagree." I wouldve have supported Imran if he had attended and spoken his mind - rather then act like a child and refuse to go! Sorry Imran Khan but you just lost my vote!
Talking about freedom...no Islamic country gives the freedom to build places of worship to other religions. Also if anyone chooses to leave Islam...his punishment is death. Islamic scholars routinely talk about how other religions are false, but throw a huge fit when others say something they don't like. The matter of satanic verses was recorded by Muslim scholars. Since it is already in existence, Rushdie may have found it acceptable to incorporate it into his book. Why not address the real source of the verses? Why do we only see the faults in others and not in ourselves?
How many of those who bash Rushdie in every forum possible have actually read the book?
It's just politics. However, this move would cost him a great loss of liberal votes. But on the other hand, he hardly had one in the first place.
With all this hoopla around Salman Rushdie, do his haters even know why they hate him, or they parroting what they have heard (and thus giving up their own will and personal choice)?
If the objection is on the basis of the book Satanic Verses, then aren't the REAL satanic verses a true incident in the life of our Holy Prophet PBUH? What's WRONG with writing about an event from Sunnah? Seems to me my dear conservative fascist brothers and sisters are confused and/or ignorant about our own religion i.e. Islam. May Allah help them find guidance!
@Adnan: You are so rite Mr Adnan. Love you for putting up such an apt comment
Pakistani liberals are confused bunch ...
Btw Good Descion By Kaptan :-)
Freedom of speech does not mean insulting other people's religion. Imran Khan vote bank would have suffered if he attended India Today Conclave with Rushdie! He only attends events where he may improve his vote bank.
Sensible & excellent decesion IK...... there is a well known quote for this particular situation "Don't argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you".
Captain IK. I am prude to be in your team. You are the leader Pakistan need for last 65 year. May Allah give you health and long life. Our prayer are with you all the time. I will be running LA marathon on your motivation.
Imran Khan doesn't have the gravitas or the equanimity to speak at a conclave in the presence of such intellectual heavyweights. It's so much easier to childishly cross your arms and walk away, than to rationally counter people with dissenting views.
I know you we hate Rushdie, and I won't say that your annoyance with him is completely unreasonable, but in all fairness he is one of the English greatest writers in the world today. Sorry if his presence disappoints you, but the world doesn't revolve around you alone.
Petty, pathetic and puerile. That's all I have to say.
Freedom of Speech? Why they never invited late F M Hussain who was forced to live/die in exile because of Hindu extremists? . Freedom of expression should not be limited to anti-Muslims!
Very good..it means he can go to the next 'Difa-e-Pakistan' rally himself instead of sending a representative :)
As for the fan business..even if he wasn't a fan of Imran Khan..he could have been like a lot of people. Please keep in mind that before Satanic Verses, Rushdie's book 'Midnight's children' was already considered a groundbreaking work in literature. He must have had a lot of fans and Imran might well have been. So there is no reason to get so worked up about this
just politics. why he marries yahudi.just politics.
What a sad experience to see the comments here----this is supposedly educated folks here, I must say I'm amazed to see the closed minds. They are so terribly limited and narrow that even education could not induce any independant thinking here. My only hope is that this represents only those 'born again' few, otherwise we who really care about a Pakistan as we know and cherish it, must prepare themselves either to die to protect it or kiss it goodbye and let it sink into that horrible ditch of religiosity.
Salman Rushdie is too viral to be joined in for a discussion.
Yes, this is a very wise decision made by Imran Khan. At least we have some sane person among us.
@Maryam: in past i used to watch porn movies ...sooo
@Tribune Reader: given notoriety to rushdie by being there, this is not what IK had in mind. and i'm perfectly fine with it, but again you won't understand....cheers!!!
Can anyone of the above geniuses quote me one passage from the book "Satanic Verses" which you think is blasphemous?
If by miracle you seem to take a personal offence to some passage, can you please elaborate why?
The only fault of Salman Rushdie is blaspheming in the book, but speaking against organized Religion, that includes Christianity. Quite right he is. Religion has replaced spirituality in people's life.
Stop acting like people belonging to a cult and stop abiding by popular opinions of your fellow members.
Think different. Freedom of Expression is supreme! At least is in India.
@American Pakistani:
so sad, not really, what's really sad is your sad state of mind. where ones thinking becomes so fogged up with his own identity, that he finds it conveniently easy to blame rather then stand up and make a difference. ask your self why IK chose not to engage with a man, who for 2 decades has demonized and cashed in on the expense of muslims and he was from one of us. now what parallel you want IK to talk to him about that he doesn't already know. mullah and terrorist, where did that came from?
bad decision by boycott khan :(.
Imran Khan was a brave leader on cricket field with innovative ideas.But it seems he is just an average politician taking the easy popularist way.
Exemplifying the intolerance that plagues our society. Well done IK, thanks for reinforcing my decision to not support you or your party
@Mumbai Dude: hey dont u think freedom of expression must have some limits ???? and if that limits are crossed , the oppents have right to make appropriate response. .. hmm ??
@well-wisher: Turkey is not a muslim country rather a secular country. The Muslim Koranic law has been replaced with European civil code, drawn from several countries.
Imran Khan was a brave leader on the cricket field with innovative ideas. But it seems he is just an average politician taking the easy popularist way.
@amrit: amrit cola; plz be reasonable
@Maryam: Who told you he is a fan Ms. Maryam Nwaz. You need to have a detail study on subject matter.
real intellectual don't live in hiding. what is his contribution to humanity? india today conclaves could have done without him. seems like anything derogatory toward muslims is acceptable and promoted. in todays Europe the denial of HOLOCAUST is a serious crime for the right reasons. Mr Arun Puri with india having a population of 300 million muslims, what's your obligations to them. PS: IK is better of with out having any association with scum bag name salman rushdi!!!
@Maryam: If he has learnt to stand, its a sign of his improvement.
True use of freedom of choice. WELL DONE KHAN.
No stance on "Henry Kissinger's attendance" at that conference?? =O Not to forget, Henry K who is a war criminal and whose evil foreign policy views is one of the backbones of the current neo-liberal war hawk stance of the past, and current US administrations.
...And he has no problem sharing the rallies and getting support of killers from DPC...Gud going IK..u r ideal to rule the 180 million treacherous fanatics.
It's simply astonishing how the entire Muslim community can get offended by something they haven't even read. I'm not going to defend Rushdie or criticize Captain Khan - Rushdie's plot was indeed a little insensitive to Muslims and Captain Khan needs votes. But the hate and outrage Muslims expound against Rushdie is unbelievably ridiculous.
Calm down, guys. He just wrote something offensive. That's all.
Bad call, cap. Sorry, major dislike.
Yes, how stereotypically rightist of Imran. At least, he didn't threaten to torch the Taj down. Democracy is about dialog, about expressing ideas freely, and about accepting parallel worldview. Judging by the poll here, even by the relatively liberal standards of the Tribune readership, there is overwhelming support for Imran. A sad country.
Politically correct decision.
IK giving in to mullahs and terrorist. So sad.
@QB: You like what you see without seeing it for what it is. The perfect PTI supporter outlook. Count through them. See how many are just generic lines from his supporters that he automatically gets each time that literally never change. I'd throw myself out in the middle of traffic if you can find one article that doesn't have at least 20 or so complete copycat first responders. That's not including the stragglers. It'll probably come out to something like 30 actual comments on a good day.
@Khan: Khan, we arent policing.
We are saying we won't be a part of this, it is our right to say no.
Dont be fooled into belieiving that anyone will be allowed to confront him. Plus the undue rousing welcome that he will receive will put any muslim at unease.
I have nothing against any human being, but if his words / actions hurt our most precious / sacred Prophet PBUH, I should have the right to say no.
We meet people from other faiths, there is nothing wrong in that but if those same people turn abusive, we will choose not to meet them or share space with them.
This is a dissappointing move by Imran Khan. On one hand he speaks of liberty and freedom of ideas, yet his actions show an inherently conservative side..or perhaps that is simply an illusion for winning votes?
Imran made absolutely right decision. BTW please see the link below and see the other side for the story. http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/Lahore/2012-03-15/page-10/detail-7
Imran Khan wants to connect with the common man by making this decision, but in reality he is only avoiding a confrontation with a great intellectual like Salman Rushdie. He cannot match wits with Rushdie.
Imran Khan should stick to cricket and take on a job as a color commentator on GEO TV and leave politics to career politicians and intellectual debates to academics and scholars.
@Maryam: And when was that?
Seriously, just how right-wing is Imran Khan? or is he faking it? If he is not, why must the religious cap be worn at every little thing in life? why why why why? Khan will not become a traitor to his own people by attending such a seminar, he will not become any less a Muslim by sitting next to Rushdie, Rushdie is not even worth skipping an important diplomatic opportunity. I guess the blind and naive Imran Khan followers will follow and stand by each of his decisions.
I don't know why people love to hate Imran. Is it because he has shown more grit and resilience than they themselves ever could ? Or is it that they feel threatened by him ? If he had gone to this conclave,these same people would have accused him of having a Jewish/Hindu agenda,or of being their mouth-piece. Now that he has refused to go,they are calling him a Fundo-Taliban sympathizer ! Get a life people ....and get off IK's case. He is a much better person than most of you can dream of becoming...ever ! As for his ex-wife Jemima, she was never Jewish, she was a Christain and CONVERTED TO ISLAM....Judaism passes on from mother to daughter,not father to daughter !!!!
How many of you sheep have actually read any thing by Salman Rushdie? Is it ok for him to sit with violent extremists at difa rallies but not next to a writer?
@Mandeep Vaid: Shalwar Kamiz is our pride. Indians still have such inferiority complexes!
Only if Imran Khan was as allergic to people like Hafiz Saeed as he is to Salman Rushdie. Frankly, I did not expect such close-minded bigotry from Imran Khan.
good , if he still go in to this thing then don't expect Islamic vote my uncle khan sb . SO we want you to win . Dont do something stupid to spoil every thing .
Freedom of expression for all. If this is the future Pakistani leader, heaven save that country!
Bad decision by Imran . He , by the force of his religious piety and rectitude , could have
influenced the apostate Rushdi back into the fold . As a good Muslim , Imran should
never despair of reclaiming those who have gone astray .
Ik has used his freedom of choice.why all this hue and cry ?
@Shadab, Are you not ashamed to call yourself Indian, when you have such a peaceful and noble heart. Please go to Pak and make it super power..lot of Rinkles waiting.
Great Khan we love you.
This is utterly disappointing. Why is Imran Khan reinforcing one of Pakistani society's biggest problems: religious intolerance. That is why we don't need someone who is so far right and only adheres to short-sighted political gains. Is this the kind of parochial policy he and his so-called "Tsunamic" party advocates?! Disappointing!
Yes, by all means, lets avoid people with whom we have different opinions than us. He wrote a fiction book. Especially when that such a meeting would help the free sharing of ideas and perhaps communicate why that book was so hurtful. But no, typical Pakistan, lets just ban and avoid anything that is possibly offensive to Islam.
It's a double-edged sword for Imran Khan. He has been the victim of character-assasination on multiple occasions- also, keeping his political career in mind- i believe it was a wise decision. Rushdie is by no doubt a fantastic writer- however, that said, please do not be fooled to think that he was unaware of muslim sentiments when creating his publications. He knew he would stir up a tsunami of responses- anyone of such great intellect would. But as far as this particular decision of whether Imran Khan attends or not- he definitely made the right decision for his political career. The world of politics is a dog-eat-dog one, no matter what decision he made, he was surely to be attacked. Brave and wise. Well done.
How many of these steadfast Muslims will ban/stop watching Kareena Kapoor's movies after this? She was also there :D
@Indi-Pop: Sitting next to Rushdie implies taking Pakistan forward?? Wow!
hahah I can't believe so many people are applauding IK for doing this. I think he should attend and a small thing like some writer who wrote a novel which offended Muslims should not stop a future leader. Once in power, he will have to deal with people who are against Muslims, but that doesnt mean you just stop engaging the outside world and sit in your cave
@Mumbai Dude: thats good bcz rushdie and india is involved in anti islamic and anti palistan activities you r real MUJAHID.
well done imran khan proud of u and my wish that u will become prime minister of pak and make pak one of super power nation
Nice! so if he gets elected Pakistan will stop participating in international conferences, diplomatic mission etc where critics of Islam are also present/participating? Is he planning to isolate Pakistan from the world arena?
We are in a habit of speaking without true knowledge. Atleast appreciate that person(IK) who atleast dared to show his character to global media. He needs our support. We all can not migrate to europe or usa, we need to correct our own land.
@Uza Syed: says who...??? you....??? who you...???? you think you know IK better than he does himself.... BUhahahahahh.... your sense (if at all) beats me...
@Maryam: his previous PERSONAL choices do not matter at all... the choices he makes being a representative of the people is all that matters... back in days if i remember right then Quaid e azam used to be pal with the goras and congress... but when he became what he eventually became he chose DIFFERENTLY... ITS ALL ABOUT PREFERENCES DEAR....!!
@Sarah: "The Shiv Senha threatens SRK when he wants to bid for Pk players for his IPL team; yet India’s equivalents of the taliban are revered "
No. They are not revered. The home minister of India and even BJP leadership said that Khan was an Indian and had every right to show his movie. Police protection was provided and goondas not allowed to disrupt screening. BJP chief in fact even had a private screening arranged for himself to send a message that they did not support Shiv Sena on this issue. The movie was a hit in India which means Indians did not buy into Shiv Sena's bigotry either.
@Pakistani First:
Yes, all the time. His sympathies for Taliban are no secret.
What would have Imran earned by visiting such an inauspicious seminar except for hurting the preponderant majority of muslims.
@ARUZ: "@Mumbai Dude: Oh see how Indians are talking here.. freedom of speech? if so why his book is still banned in India? Is Sulman Rushdie allowed to write something hatred about your Gita or watever is it? Or he will be killed instantly by Hindus? "
No. He will NOT be killed instantly by Hindus. In fact M F Hussain DID paint some very sacrilegious paintings. People brought a lwsuit against him but no-one made death threats.
@Usman Masood: "Australian fashion designer, designs the hindu god onto a dress. Hindus protest. The Australian apologizes. And the media generally forgets “freedom” of expression.
But when Muslims protest against something that hurts them. Suddenly its an attack on “freedom of expression”."
There is a difference between non-violent peaceful protest and violent death threats. The non-violent protest too is part of freedom of speech. Fatwas of death threat are not. Hope youf get the difference.
Imran Khan is just pandering to the millions of intolerant philistines and alienating the educated people of Pakistan by pulling this stunt. He will never be able to unseat the PPP or weaken their stranglehold over the politics of Pakistan. I don't understand how an Oxford educated blue blood who was married to an English woman can act this way. Will the real Imran Khan please stand up?
Another U-Turn lol
love u imran khan!
Amazing how any statement by IK attracts such a massive response. I don't see so many comments on any other news. Love it. InshAllah time is coming for IK and PTI.
@ Mandeep Vaid
Shunning your ethnic garb and adopting Western sartorial tastes does not make one enlightened. On the contrary, wearing Shalwar Kameez only shows pride in one's culture but I agree with you that Imran Khan should not shy away from political discourse and debate. I guess Imran Khan lacks intellectual depth to face a man with the stature of Salman Rushdie.
@Buzz Valley: What exactly is a "liberal fascist"? That's a contradiction in terms. The term is bandied about by a lot of people who don't really understand it. It's similar to calling somebody a "capitalist socialist".
Those of you who have pointed to the Indian Government's ban of The Satanic Verses are making a justifiable point. India espouses to be a free society but its government acts cowardly when it comes to making hard decisions reg. free speech that may offend certain section of society. The Indian democracy is not fully evolved in that regard.
In that respect, your point is well taken.
Great decision Imran Khan, love you...
Hurting the sentiments of a particular group is not freedom of expression - it is abuse and insult. People have to realize that there are limits to be set. If this is what is meant by freedom of expression, I believe it will only fuel war and hatred.
Now that Imran Khan has boycotted the event, he is called a Taliban Khan. Had he attended it, he would have been called a member of the Yahoodi lobby. I, as a Muslim, would not sit with anyone who insults and abuses the beloved Prophet (PBUH). It is one thing to criticize and another to insult and abuse.
Well done, Captain IK!
@Adnan:
You answer your question right here,
A believer is who thinks in a Creator or God and believes that there is a life after and has been told that everything you do or say, all your deeds will be punished or rewarded accordingly. Then why do we act as policemen, We are told to preach not to force down the throat our belief just like there is no God or afterlife? We purely practice atheism in reality on the name of religion. The problem with our people is, that they forget all logics and their own belief when they get emotional.
Not for the sake of making jokes, watching porn and drinking alcohol is lesser sin than only hearing or supporting Rushdie. Blasphemy can not be tolerated in eyes of Allah. One can not afford to see the blasphemy of parents, spouse, sons or daughters. How Allah (who loves us 70 times more than real mother) will tolerate blasphemy of Rasool-e-Allah? May Allah shows Right Path to Mr. Rushdie or people like him.
A very predictable cowardly and opportunistic move by imran khan. No surprises here.
He has previously attended a program where Rushdie was invited in the recent past. The program where the organizers switched off lights when IK was giving a speech because it was getting too long was the one in his recent tours to India where he attended that book event or something where Rushdie was the chief guest there. This is his typical KALABAZI.
Its surprising how short memory people have when it comes to IK.
@Umer: I did not defend Imran Khan either.
IK once again you proved to be my LEADER, well done, and all the best for the challenges coming ahead, dont ever feel alone...God bless you.
I feel that IK has taken the right decision keeping in view of his aspiration for the top post and sentiments of Muslim community against the author of The Satanic Verses. India had taken the lead in banning the import of this book a month before it was done by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, BD and other Muslim countries. Khushwant Singh, the most liberal but a well respected writer, immediately after publication of the book wrote in his Illustrated Weekly of India that this book should be banned in India since it would hurt the sentiments of the Indian Muslims. Incidentally, Turkey is the only Muslim country who has not banned this book till date. Salman Rushdie in 1990 had apolgised to the whole Muslim community for writing the book and stated that he had full faith in Islam which was rejected by Iran and fatwa of death still stands against him. The fatwa has been criticised by many Muslim scholars including the younger brother of Khomeini who issued the fatwa, stating that he should be pardoned and death sentence can only be passed in an Islamic court.
Get real guys! Do you think anybody cares if Imran attended or nor? Holier than the Pope. There are more Muslims in India. Besides by writing bad about our Prophet (PBUH) do you think it affects our respect and love for our prophet? No not at all.
@Mumbai Dude: Look who is talking, "The pot calling the kettle black".
Well done Imran khan!!!
Imran Khan thinks that he will beome PM by these actions ? inactions! He is too naive to understand that it highly unlikely!
This is not the sort of behavior one expects from an aspiring leader. Politics is all about compromising with others to get to the ultimate goal - which, in Imran Khan's case is a welfare state. He has delusions of grandeur if he thinks he's sending any message other than reinforcing the view that he has yet to grow up and join the adult politicians. Not sure he's ready for prime time if he pulls these sort of stunts.
Imran is acting like a real "Pakistani statesman", not to do what is right rather to do what could win him more seats. Just one word "pathetic".
Good to hear. There is no point in meeting or discussing any thing with Rushdie. He has hurt our feeling badly and bring bad name to Islam. Anyone can sit in their study room drawing either caricatures or write articles against the reverend personalities of our religion but this show their sick mind and cheap popularity tactics. All the best Khan Sahib, we are with you. It is not freedom of speech thing.
@Maryam: obviously maryam if IK was fan of rushdie before 88, so whats wrong because IK or any ordinary human doesnt have hidden knowledge regarding someones' future blunders.
IMRAN KHAN = Man of Words GOD bless you Mr.Khan....
@Adnan: love u fr writing such great lines...excellent bro...:)
@Umer: Have you ever heard what IK has said himself or made up your opinion by listening to what his critics say. He clearly pointed out that not all Taliban are fighting the 'holy war'. A large number of them have joined the terrorist organization not on idealogical basis but because of economics and/or vengance(loss of family members due to drone strikes and millitary operations). IK has always said that we can rehabilitiate these people back into the society and get them on our side to go after the real Taliban who are the brains behind all the mess that Pak is in right now. Educate yourself before forming an opinion. Thanks.
@Pakistani First:
Imran Khan is himself is in favour of talks with Taliban so obviously he has no issue with talking to those who are extremists and closed minded except that in this case Imran needs to score cheap publicity points with the extremists. Imran's stance is not principled but rather self serving.
It is quite amazing. For 2000 years, first the christians and then also the muslims have been calling hinduism all sorts of names. They offically give the hindu religion epithets more demeaning than what Salman gave in his book. We are guaranteed places in the bowels of hell with no redemption for eternity. Vatican has very deprecating dialogue about hindusim in its official review that it periodically conducts which is on its website
Do we hindus protest ? Do we do fatwas. Do we promise to kill. Do we burn effigies ? We simply ignore this all. This is real peace. Something that the younger religions have yet to learn.
Boycotting and runnng away from challenge is not a good move. Why this man is in politics. I see another term of most corrupt government in the horizon because of Imran's politics. Five more years of sleepless nights for all of us..
@ All the liberals and Indians.. You guys advocate that no talks can be held with Taliban as they have closed minds then in the same way this guy (Salman RushDIE) is also an extremist and has a closed mind.. unwilling to open up to a different religion.. The Taliban kill with the weapon.. this guy kills with his pen.. "The pen is mightier than the sword"
If Imran Khan goes to India and if he really tears apart Rushdie's stupid and insane mindset. Will this event organizers allow IK to do that? (I don't think so.) This is a narrow minded liberal fascist event. These fascists will only support and celebrate the carnage and ethnic cleansing of innocent Muslims all over the world. For the rest of the world, at present the only hot news and the most popular event is "How many innocent Muslims, get killed?"
Well done
@ Those so called 'educated liberals' ; First his decision has nothing to do with the politics as he is Muslims himself who feels humiliated to be accompanied with some one of who thrashed his religion he brought up with and violated the code of freedom of speech .. and you (so called) liberals are yourself have an extreme and ignorant vision towards other beliefs and feels pride to bash the view of billions ... Respect others religion and shame on you !!
What are you scared of Imran? If you have guts you could defend your position. Political posturing for mass consumptions is one thing and defending a philosophy in-front of learned men and women is altogether different thing. Based what you have been uttering all these months and your position on this conclave we could safely conclude that our Kaptaan lacks "aql & himmat" to face intellectuals who dare to question everything under the sun!
very good sir....
Khan sb can u handle this situation now?
@Khan: Khan sb, what is the point of meeting him? How would you like to meet a person who in your opinion and understanding wrongly and unjustly insults your father or any person who you hold in deepest regard? For us, the Prophet PBUH means more than anyone else in this world.
Once you open the door to accepting the insult of your Prophet PBUH you will not be able to draw a line. Do you know the topic of his speech; it is “The Liberty Verses – I am What I am and That’s All That I am”.
Would you like to hear his speech and share space with him? Unless one is allowed to confront him on this; there is no point in attending it.
If he is allowed to openly remain derogatory to your Prophet PBUH, aernt you allowed to say no, thank you, I wouldnt be a part of this?
@Ahmad: This is just the beginning mashaAllah. And only the first step is the most difficult. I hope Allah keeps you on the right path, mashaAllah brother.
I don't know if the conference was of any worth of not but if Imran would've gone there it would have given PMLN another opportunity to do their cheap politics
@Abbas: The hate book wasn't published back than!
A wise decision. This freedom of speech only applies if you are talking against Islam- try expressing yourself under this freedom against Israel in the west and instantly you be an anti-semite.
Thats the side of Imran Khan that I love the most!
Great decision
I read a book from Tibet's spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama. In it was mentioned very correctly and nicely about the education. It states, the modern education deals mainly with materialistic view. The complete education should include the teachings of warm-heartedness and compassion in the students. 100 percent of the commentors in this article are all educated, but such a disrespect of others and hatred makes me appreciate the value of wisdom shown by the The Dalai Lama.
welldone
Yes, i agree with Khan sb decision, but it would be far better that IK participate the conclave and face Mr.Rushdi on table and prove that he is wrong and ISLAM is correct religion.
Masha'ALLAH! Excellent decision Khan Sahab!
This is not a conclave sponsored by the Govt of India but by the private m edia group LIVING MEDIA which has several periodicals, tv channels and a huge printing press called Thomson Press in Faridabad. Gen Musharraf used to attend these conclaves till the Indian Govt banned his entry for his self confessed role in the Kargil war. Imran Khan is politically correct in boycotting this conclave becaue of vote bank turning hostile if he sits in the same h all with rushdie. But at an intellectual level it is a wrong decision, but then IK is no intellect. He has his eyes on the Prime Minister's gaddi. Anything to reach there.
Good Decission by Khan...pti zindabad
@Adnan: Totally wrong, belief in Holy Prophet PBUH has nothing to do with sharing a stage with some one who doesn't have belief in him. Whatever Rushdie said or wrote, He shouldn't have as, it was not freedom of Expression or speech but freedom to insult others but whatever he does, Its between him and his Creator and will be rewarded punished accordingly. Prophet PBUH used to meet those who were against his religion and himself and were even involved in insulting him but that didn't stop Him (PBUH) from meeting them. Imran Khan should have gone to the gathering and could have present his own arguments but obviously, majority of our people will not understand this point and thus he will lose many votes which is his main aim and thus the boycott.
Why so much fuss about IK not attending a conclave. This is a principled decision and I am sure no political leader will attend it. It has nothing to do with left-right politics. AntiPTI trolls are not liberals please, we all know what rightist party they belong to.
good move
@Khan:
That happens all the time in Pakistan; anti-Shia, Anti-Ahmadi, Anti-Christian, Anti-Hindu and so on....has Imran Khan boycotted any of those religious groups too? No, he is in cohoots with them instead. Imran Khan is scoring cheap points here using religious emotions.
@American:
Hoping you're genuinely an American...your comments are greatly appreciated. What Muslims want is dignity for their identity and ideology the same way any other group demands. Strange that liberal Pakistanis seem to be even bigoted against Islam than most foreigners.
@Mumbai Dude: I'm all for freedom of expression but the thing people call FoE these days is 'freedom of insult any one'. If I start abusing your parents and elders does that make it freedom of expression as they are not my relative and I shouldn't care as I don't respect them? I guess not .. People deliberately want to hurt others under FoE and this should not be allowed. Mr Rushdie is entitled to his own views but knowing that saying such things will hurt millions of those people who have done no harm to you isn't a wise thing to do.
Man you just earned my vote today!
@Maryam: That was before his book "The Satanic Verses" came out.
yes it takes courage of conviction to do the right thing, thankyou imran khan.
I salute you IK
For a community that constantly emphasizes on the 'sunnat' of the Prophet, I'm surprised that they don't think twice before issuing death threats and warnings and causing people to go into exile. Always ask yourselves, 'what would the Prophet have done', when dealing with any situation. The first reaction to any difficult situation must be peaceful and logical, otherwise you end up stooping much lower that the culprit himself. Instead of the ayatollah asking for rushdie's head, he should have called upon him to enlighten him about the essence of the Prophet and Islam. The same goes for so-called leaders of the Muslim communities across the world. You need to act with dignity in order to be treated with dignity. Peace.
I hate Imran Khan and his policies, but yeah 'well left' this time as Ramiz Raja would say..
Will someone look up this? Don't reply with angry "He is a Liar" comments. http://twitter.com/SalmanRushdie/status/179874568314433536
@Mandeep Vaid - The Shiv Senha threatens SRK when he wants to bid for Pk players for his IPL team; yet India's equivalents of the taliban are revered and not condoned for their shallow and limited thinking! But when it comes to an Islamic leader standing up against a blasphemous writer, everyone is so quick to judge! Shame! The double standards are just appalling!
I was so looking forward to hearing Khan at the India conclave. Why did the organizers have to include Rushdie and that too after everything was already set without him. Its sad not to be able to hear Khan in such a high profile arrangement. However i agree with his protest.
Great and brave decision!! I wish other leaders of Pak also learn a lesson from him and stop kissing feet of the west!
Good decision by Imran Khan. And strange move by organizers in India...
If someone so much as mentions the holocaust or African American slavery, they are rightfully thrown out of a job (regardless of how high their status) and slandered all across liberal media in the US. Liberals defend the feelings of others human beings. No one in the West would allow groups like the Jews and Blacks to be insulted the way Rushdie insulted Muslims.
And the anti-Islamic group here, don't twist this into another Muslims are rigid argument. Look around the world and open ur mind.
It would be great, if he and his team could have avoided attending extremist rallies which are determined to cause “immeasurable” violence not only against non-Muslims but also against Muslims…..isn’t it hypocrite
@Maryam: back this Mr. Rushdie hadn't write his infamous "satanic verses" Miss Maryam..
This is the most logical forward thinking decision by the great one Imran Khan. Excellent Let the liberal cry over it
how silly. when (if ever) will IK and fellow muslims grow up?
Imran Khan is a tool.
@maryam and @babur... that past was before Rushdie wrote satanic verses in 1988. Just goes to show, Imran khan is a true Muslim and no matter how great a writer someone is, if he write anti Islam, blasphemous and hate material, that person is gone from the good books. Plus, all Muslims know before Iblees became the satan, his rank was among the angels and then one deed got him where!!!
Thats the decision of true Muslim and he must do that, where such blasphemer attending this useless seminars.
It is not a surprise nor breaking news Imran is a finest Muslim, Prophit(PBUH) lover and Brave man ever after Great Allama Iqbal. He is a symbol of pure Pakistani Nationalism. Rushdi maluoon is a very small puppet personality of anti Islam and anti Pakistan shameless forces.
This is a political decision and has nothing to do with IK's beliefs
Imran you send a very good message to the world. I am proud of you!
@Maryam: That was when rushdie had not written 'The Satanic Verse'
@Sanjay Sharma: Agreed
Haha Racism at his best!
@Rajendra Kalkhande pls dont compare shahrukh khan with imran khan sharukh doesnt even come close
It really shows who is important in India ... Imran and Shreen or Rushdi... India belives in Democracy... and solves the problem democratically .... It really shows the pakistan psyic about religion ... All the best
@Maryam: This is an absurd and illogical comment. Please try to understand that a person undergoes massive transformation in 30 years.
We will never have a leader like him in our generation. May Allah always protect him.. Power to PTI.
One again TRUE FACe of IK comes out....
very very good decision.
congratulations to indians on victory of freedom of speech and general human brain matter. bad luck to those pakistanis who thought they had found a reliable sensible leader in imran.
Wel done Khan Saaaaaaaaab!!!!!!!!!!!!
Imran should have some balls and face the world, boycotting is not a solution, lead a better life and be an example so that Rushdie is attracted to you.
@Akka: @itp:
okay one answer here. Satanic verses was written in 88 or 89 long after 1982 when IK was Rushdies fan. my second point is that IK is facing a tough election campaign ahead and attending would have lost him votes. Its as simple as that, He would have been stupid to go there. Its not personal just politics in the same manner that Imran Khan and PM GIllani still remain good friends who cant openly meet each other due to politics.
Silly decision! Lack of leadership qualities. He could have gone their and expressed his views and openly confronted him. I think this time Rushdie will not be asked to leave to please Imran Khan!
@Haroon Farooq:
Typical PMLN mentality. Instead applauding his brave step, you are trying to make up issue out of it. It doesn't matter if he has joined them or not and to be honest it wouldn’t be an issue even if he had joined that seminar. The best thing for boycotting is the message he has sent to the whole world particularly indians that he stand for a normal muslim's ideology. Thats you call a leader.... People think he speaks for you and stand by you.. How about the accusation NS is facing these days? This is reeking and if you still think PMLN is a better option then good luck to you and your thoughts... Well summer is around the corner and Dengue alone is enough to keep your leaders busy as they spent the winter in distributing laptops and visiting Turkey..
@Maryam
what is your source madam?
Mumbai dude you better stay away...its not about mullahism or fanatism its a matter of GHAIRAT which Imran has shown....Well done IMRAN.
And what about those fanatics who defamed Islam and caused immeasurable hurt to Muslims across the globe ??? You don't mind spending time with them !!
He would run to be in presence of Taliban and other fanatics engaged in sectarian slaughters of Muslims and others though.
Also 'sentiments of people' that want to kill people for disrespecting Islam are not the civilised sentiments but very problematic sentiments. The whole world is offended by these kind of sentiments being bandied around.
@Zeeshan H: Lol !! Yes, boycotting has become a habit with the Kaptaan. Will somebody please tell him to at least not boycott the next election? Nobody has EVER won an election by boycotting it.
To all those Indian friend who are criticizing Imran's decision, please first ask your dear government to lift the ban over satanic verses.
@mad @spacer
yeah...they are ROSHAN KHAYALS :D
Respect for Imran Khan .period
@RizwanTKhan.. There is only one King Khan, Saharukh Khan and certainly not the Imran. Britain gave knighthood to Rushdie. Why Pakistanis of all sorts visit Britain and no one raise a finger? India was the first to ban his book. However we Indians don't believe in banning the person to speak. Even Kashmiri separatists have freedom of speech often to the disliking of all Indians. Muslims should have the guts to hear opposite view points.
@Tech TV nice comment..
Imran khan made a good decison...
@Haroon farooq Quoting Khan, Mazari said that the party leader received the full program of the conclave last night and made his final decision early this morning.
I am amazed how the kingdom of noon league trembles whenever they hear Imran Khan and PTI
Retrieved from @SalmanRushdie (1 February 2012) "30 yrs ago @ImranKhanPTI was a fan at my 1982 Delhi lecture and 100% secular. Now my work "humiliates" his "faith." Which is the real Imran?"
Well, not a good decision but not a bad one either.
Everyone has a right to have their own decisions and their own views and thats freedom.Imran just did that,if it has hurt Salman Rushdie's followers it can also hurt Imran Khan's followers.If he has done it he has done it for the masses that follow him,trust him and have faith in him.Salman Rushdie did the ''negativity gets positive attention'' based writings to get people to follow.If liberalism is about free minds then i believe it doesnt believes in a system and if it doesnt then its out of this world.Now if you blame Imran Khan for being Taliban Khan you just prove your level of thinking.If so,How do u call urself a liberal?
@Dajjal , Very well said mate. I feel sorry, sad and mad for Pakistan. Its just the courage thing!
Anyone who believes that our Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) is the final, true messenger of Allah, then He can never imagine participating in such a gathering. There is a difference between freedom of expression and freedom to insult. Why is rushde a darling of the west and gets extensive coverage? He was after worldly luxuries which he got all and in abundance because of that book.
On the other hand look at the life of our Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him). How much will the world try to bring down our beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him). Believe me you can't. Read the Quran and find one scientific error in it, you will not be able to and that in itself is proof enough of its authenticity.
And this man may become one day PM of Pakistan! All the best Pakistan. No one really has the courage to go against right leaning sentiment. No one. May be he actually did not like Rushdie and had nothing to do with public pressure who knows. Well if the latter is correct then he is just a refined and glorified Taliban.
Would not Pakistan love Imran come to India and share the stage with Salman and have a proper debate... defeat Salman in proper intelectual talk... tell him why many are offended by his work. If he becomes PM of Pakistan he will have to debate.. negotiate in world stage. What will boycott achieve??
P.S: But to all those proud and devout Muslims, the book which caused controversy is not banned in many Islamic countries.
@MAD: What? All five of them?
It is a decision by IMran as a party leader. We should respect that and refrain from making value judgement on that, He has his freedom to attend or not to attend any conference/meeting. I thought he excused from the meeting of DeP also. Good on him not to support extremist view points.
Any true liberal would have condemned rushdie.. i dnt understand why do our ppl think of themselves as liberals when they would appreciate anything tht is anti-muslim... liberalism gives u right of freedom but a freedom tht does not harm the sentiments of others.... Khan has always condemned him ever since he has written this crap.
Imran must not visit US or allow any leader from it to visit if he becomes prime minister of Pakistan, as the US has caused innumerable pain to Muslims all over the world....! It will raise his stature even further.
Y all the hue and cry over a peaceful means of protest.Good decision Mr. Imran Khan.
@Mumbai Dude: Oh see how Indians are talking here.. freedom of speech? if so why his book is still banned in India? Is Sulman Rushdie allowed to write something hatred about your Gita or watever is it? Or he will be killed instantly by Hindus? OH so freedom of speech is only and only if you speech or write about Muslim stuff.
please remove rushdi face picture, what's he doing behind our heroes face, hopefully in future do not show his face in any newspaper,its so off putting and annoying
@Maryam: The Past is the Past...People change...it is what he believes in now rahter than what he did in the past...evryone is entitled to their mistakes....it is how they rise from them is the question.....
A politically shrewd call - the negative PR from his attendance would far outweigh any positive impact he could possibly make from this trip.
What a COWARD!! Iran still has the bounty on Salman Rushdie's head... and adjusted for inflation it would run into the tens of millions... at a time when Pakistan needs the foreign exchange, Imran Khan has taken the easy way out of doing Jihad, achieving martyrdom and helping his country out.. This is exactly why Pakistan will never succeed, our leaders, are always sending other people to die, but can never make a sacrifice themselves...
@Maryam: tch tch that was back in 1983 but his book was published in 1983, it seems that its you who is a big fan of sulman rushdie :)
Long Love Imran Khan for this decsiion.
We all want that if IK comes to power, one of his first steps should be to behead the likes of Rushdie..
@TECHTV lolz yes thats maryam nawaz .A gr8 decision by imran khan
keep it up IMran......We are with you. God bless you, and Shaitan hates you
we are greatfuly thankful to imran khan for his natural Dissision not to attend,but India,yes that India with vast Muslim population arranging this conference is a total ignorance of the justifiable sentiments of peoples.as always i suppose Indian government must have motive behind this,so its intentional arrangement by its other two partners the us and Israel all in colobration to stir up heated violence to paint Islam negative image in the already existing anti Islam phobia,its a provocation with hospitality.
I am an Indian Muslim from Lucknow and I support Imran Khan. Salman Rushdie is an apostate and a disgrace to Muslim ummah. Sir Imran Khan did the right thing by boycotting this useless seminar
Excellent ...
Thanks God he didn't do a 'khudkoosh' on Salman Rushdi
ahahah.....Imran khan runs after the whole media reports this thing on the net and in the national newspapers today that imran khan will speak with salman rushdie...well done Team PML(N) for making imran khan run and now we should make him run to UK, to his wife and leave our Country and Nation permanently
The best and the only fruitful boycott by Imran.Hopefully he limits his boycotts to meaningful things, which definitely do not include elections.
This is a great decision....
Those persons who didn't like Imran's decision I ask a question to them.
"Did u love with Prophet Muhammed Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam...????"
First of all kindly know about the stupidity of Salman Rushdi......!!!!
Is he still honorable......????
@Maryam: OOh really?? he must have told you on cell phone, ryt?
@Mandeep Vaid: Pretty ignorant of you. Very good decision King Khan.
It is game over for Pakistan, literally.
Is Salman Rushdi that important ???
@MAD, it's not about being liberal, it's about our mentality of running away/hiding and denial of our problems/issues. IK's decision to boycott reflects that mentality.
Don't you think it would have been better for him to go and represent us and counter Rushdie? Stunts like these only add to popularity of "intellectuals" in the western media. I really think the Kaptan needs to grow out of the boycott defeatist mentality and actually participate in something worthwhile.
How many of you know that novel “The Satanic Verses” is still banned in India for allegedly blaspheming Muslims?
The apple doesn`t fall far from the tree!
With his decision not to attend the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, he has demonstrated his narrow and shallow intellectual horizon. Salwar kameez and Taliban cap suits his personality.
@maryam Whats your full name? Maryam Nawaz oh sorry, Maryam Safdar, well your hand writing matches a lot.
And plz provide some proof after alleging someone of Shirk. Thanks
Ms. Maryam, Let me tell you something; IK is never been a Fan of Rushdie. Do not spoil IK's reputation if you know nothing. (For reference go through IK's recent Book 'A Personal History')
@MAD: As if what you think is very very dear to us and makes or breaks our day...
Bravo... very wise decision....
Great Decision by the brave leader
Actually Imran has no real problem with Rushdie or whoever, but the conservative voters will see it as a proof of some sinister conspiracy
@MAD I am a liberal but I fully agree with IK's decision. Not all liberals are a fan of Rushdie.
No liberal will allow anyone to make hate remarks on any community, be it Sunni, Shia or Ahmadi.
I understand what you are referring to, but the so-called liberals of Pakistan need to know some the fundamentals of liberalism. So please refrain from calling them liberals..
Masha Allah- excellent May Allah make u steadfast in islam and such decisions.
don't care about hollow inllectuals/liberals.
you know he is a Leader, A Cricketer, A writer, some how he is a poet too i believe :) World respect him and they invite him in conferences !! he received Talk schedule last night (as Sheren Mazari said) and he made decision today morning after consulting his party and some senior persons!! mean while Worshipers of Status Quo tried to burn him in this fake news by spreading a Nation Wide Campaign Against him!!! ALLAH is with him no one from Noora Leage or any other party can harm his Status and Personality!!! We are with you Captain and i have learnt a thing from you never b afraid from any one but ALLAH!!!
It wan't make any difference
Well done!! Would anyone participate in an event also attended by someone who has slandered your parents? No, right? And in this case it's the messenger of God, which means a definite unequivocal NO!
Rushdie is a fantastic writer, but the problem is that some of his supporters and perhaps he himself doesn't/don't realize exactly how deep the love of a pure Muslim is for the Holy Prophet(S). The Satanic Verses may be a great piece of literature, but the content can be very hurtful to Muslims. Freedom of speech requires religious sentiments to be taken under consideration just like things such as racism and hate speech are to be avoided. The response by the Muslim community in my opinion was still extremely wrong and should never have been so violent. It is the fault of Muslim leadership that they have not conveyed to the world exactly what religion means to Muslims, and what could hurt them. The horrific events of the holocaust are never spoken about in different contexts because the Jews rightly made their sentiments clear. Knowing how devout a Muslim Imran Khan is, i can understand his decision.
......and I thought Imran Khan was taking Pakistan forward ! Alas I was wrong!
well done KhAN sahab!
Imran Khan Zindabad!!
How silly, what a limited mind----just to please few petty fundos around---sorry Imran Khan you are letting yourself be painted in colours that simply are not you. Wake up before it's too late.
Now the antiPTI troll on social media is calling him Taliban Khan. Had he decided to attend the India Today Convlave they would have called him 'Yahoodi Lobby Conspirator'. Regrets!
EXCELLENT IMRAN KHAN! Rushdees face make me feel so sick! I am proud of my captain IK
Very good decision by Imran Khan. His opponents had already started a campaign against him without knowing that Imran Khan has refused to attend.
Mullah Imran Khan is scared of Sir Salman Rushdie. Freedom of expression and speech wins. I am so happy :) Rushdie is back in India.
Disappointed. How can we expect him to conduct diplomacy if he can't be seen in a room with a writer, and on the other hand has no problems with sending party representatives to sit on stage with self-professed killers at DPC rallies?
Good job; now wait for the so called Pak liberals to criticize this
WELL DONE IMRAN KHAN.
Oh the liberals are going to have a field day with this today. to bad no one really cares what they think.
well done ik.
Very Good Imran Khan
What's with Kaptaan & his obsession with boycotts?
But back in the past, Imran Khan was a great Fan of Salman Rushdie.....
Excellent
If he goes then problem, if he doesn't go then problem.
MASHA ALLAH - Brave decision.
Well done Imran khan!!!
This is probably the first time i feels Mr. Imran as sensible...!!