ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has condemned the killings of members of the Hazara community in Balochistan, terming it a ‘planned genocide’.
The question arises, said Imran, that why has the leadership and members of the organisation involved in unabated sectarian killing not been identified and arrested.
This shows a failure of both civil and military intelligence, complete helplessness bordering on indifference of the Balochistan government and criminal neglect by the federal government, he added.
The PTI chairman said that sectarian terrorism has emerged as an existential threat to the nation; it is not something that can be ignored as a routine.
He further said there is also suspicion that elements working on the behest of those outside may deliberately be trying to create a widespread sectarian conflict.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (36)
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He left open the door to foreign conspiracy at the end unfortunately.
At least he's termed it correctly as a genocide and criticized all state wings, including CJ earlier, and this is important and helpful. More to be said and done to remove all doubt, considering Taliban apologist comments (claiming they have legitimate grievances) and party connections to DPC sectarian extremists.
@Eye:
Well said.
Thank you for your support for innocent Hazaras at this time.
@Umer: "IK is very clear that Afghan taliban are not terrorists… "!!!!!!!!!!!
At least you are admitting that much..... and it appears you are also in agreement with him that the 'Afghan' taliban are not terrorist. there is really not much left to argue when you have an opinion like this.
Interesting thing is that myself along with probably most of other people on this board want to give IK the chance and by pointing out flaws want to make sure that he is successful and give him strength to say and do the right things. But I fear that his chances of success are minimal due to blind following by people.
People are criticizing him and because they have expectations but unfortunately is falling short even in words.
@casim: u r my true follower............Allah bless us
Imran Khan (PTI) boycotted the year 2008 election not because he does not believe in it but because PTI probably did not have the required organisation for general election, Let us see how his popularity converts into NA seats in upcoming election.he is maturing in politics.
@Haris Chaudhry: lol.......LIBERALS always critisize poor IMRAN... Doesnt matter he condemns the genocide or not, either way, these people arent happy... I feel sorry for you IMRAN, people dont realize your worth, even after you have done so much for them
@zeeshan sheikh Violence starts from narrow mindedness and intolerance of people like you and your refusal to accept that you could be wrong about your beliefs.
Muslim history is too bloodstained for you to pretend it's squeaky clean. You cannot declare traitors and warmongers from history, people whose hands are red with the blood of thousands of Muslims shed unlawfully, as above criticism. Thats absurd, its like if Italy one day passed a law saying that the old Caesars of the Roman Empire must never criticized and punishing that criticism with the death sentence. Thats how absurd your stance is.
now the people who was terming pti of being sectarian should stop. they should now ask pmln for a statement about it.
If Talibans are his brothers, then sectarian killers are his cousins. He should talk to them directly.
IK already raised his voice on shia killing, during his visit to Imam Bargah in Quetta. This is way way before when Altaf Hussain or any leader even thought about it. IK is the only leader who not only condemned these killings but have personal visit to different shia communities.
Oh he speaks - finally. Any observations about the Rimsha Masih case? or are you too scared being a JI tout....
He is copying Altaf Hussain's statements, as they are trending on social media now
there is no genocide going on! Pakistanis are being targeted to create unrest among different sects & communities so that it falls into the trap of a civil war just like Libya, just like Syria & Just like Iraq! our leaders are incompetent & so are we as a nation!
@shoaib well said bro you summed it all up
Its too late to speak as now its a political stunt to win Shia votes. As Altaf Hussein issued very strong statement regarding Quaid Azam being Shia and Shia killing. Now every leader is trying to board the critic band wagon. Even Sheikh Rashid was criticizing Shia killing on TV then who else can stay behind.
Too little;too late.
@Tasaduqq A person should do some research before writing anything, because it can mislead anyone who will be unfortunate enough to read your comment. IK has already talked about the christian Girl, but IK critics won't be satisfied, they want a statement from a person in opposition (not in parliament) on everything that concerns them. But in the end the case with my Shia brother's, minorities and every other problem in Pakistan the root cause is lack of governance.
@Raza He is not in government, at the moment the most he can do is hold protests or condemn. You should know that
@Haris Chaudhry with ur obvious bias u r claiming things that are not factual. which is unfortunate. IK never claimed TTP as friends. He wants ceasefire so we can talk with all the Tribal Elders, take out the motivation/rationale of TTP to fight then isolate the hardliners and let the Tribal Elders deal with them. but you continue in what you believe. Its been 8 Years since Waziristan operation, how do you think its going? have we eliminated the TTP ?
@Fahd: war will stop when all taliban and extremists are purged from pakistan. Pls see example of sri lanka and tamil tigers. Eventually it was military solution and they were wiped out.
@MA76 you need to read more often .. just check yesterdays issue of et imran khan had used the word shia.. people like cant fool us anymore by creating a negative propaganda all the time
a true though late move.......
just waste of time leader
Yes Killing should be condemned and also the hate speech against the noble people of Islam and acts against Islamic traditions should also be condemned. Remember violence starts from words
Oh, what a 'courageous' and unexpected stand stand by Imran Khan. Better late than never. How about taking a stand against the poor Christian girl; that would a little more courageous, isn't it? But I bet that this will not happen.
@Haris Chaudhry: Chaudhry ji, do you want him dead. I reckon this will satisfy the likes of you, who are silent over the incompetence of the current govt, but see IK as the core of the whole problem.
@ Haris Chaudhry Dear Mr. Not so wise IK is very clear that Afghan taliban are not terrorists... he tells to cease fire so that any element which either part of TTP, RAW, Mossad etc can be isolated, pointed and targeted. please listen to his talks every week there is atleast one. You'll know his agenda "clearly"
Mr. Khan, what about surge in beheading of Pakistani Soldiers by TTP & Co.?
Wow you have condemned, now what next? All they can do is condemn.
When has Imran khan called taliban friends?? you peole are bizzare, he has always said negotiations, war is not the solution. The IRA were terrorists yet the british negotiated with them and the fighting stopped. you people call yourself liberal and at the same time support war?? Enough of Imran Khan bashing, at least he has a clear stance on the taliban issue, if you dont agree, please suggest a solution and timeline as to when this war will end?? anyone??
Are you serious?- Imran Khan.
Thank You Imran Khan
This is a very appreciable step. I request the leader to make arrangement for a rally supporting this cause.
Point to note. He did not say shia, he said members of hazara community! Dear Mr IK, you cannot call terrorist your brothers, launch campaigns to support them, announce to undertake march to their hiding place in order to provide them with supplies and then complaign about what they have done. You cannot fool us Boy!
Finally Tiger awakened from deep slumber and roars!
This govt is not going to stop terrorism.
Dear leader:
You cant chase with the hounds and run with the hare at the same time !!
You keep telling (hoodwinking) the nation and the gullible youth of this nation that Taliban are our brothers, that TTP isnt against Pakistan, that we need to negotiate with them, that their is no sectarian divide and that Shias are not being persecuted yet under immense pressure also provide a limp statement on 'planned genocide'.
Please come out and state CLEARLY and tell us what do you stand for on the sectarian genie and your position on Taliban.
We need your clear stance on this issue.