Shame on you, Mr Khan
‘We have local affiliates and supporters. Sure I can give big statements against the Taliban but that would make them [supporters] Taliban targets.”
Shame on you, Mr Khan.
Since you have chosen to present yourself as a potential leader of this country, let me make something clear to you: leaders can’t be cowards. And for you to make that statement while also purporting to sympathise with a girl injured precisely because she stood up for principles that you don’t have the courage to defend is not just cowardice but hypocrisy of the highest order.
Let me break down my last statement. Malala Yousufzai was attacked by the TTP because she stood up for things like the right of girls to a fair education. You have condemned that attack. That means you think Malala was right and her attackers were wrong. At the same time, you refuse to display the same bravery as Malala by openly condemning her attackers.
What does it say about you, Mr Khan, that a 14-year-old girl has more guts than you do? Had she been awake, what would you have said to her? Would you have told her not to be so stupid next time? Would you have told her to just accept the TTP’s belief that women are inferior? Would you have told her that Pakistan needs more cowards, not people like her?
Shame on you, Mr Khan.
Since Mr Khan dropped his clanger, the sentient part of the PTI has attempted to cloak his cowardice with a lot of doubletalk about drones, the war in Afghanistan and the root causes of evil. None of that suffices to excuse Mr Khan’s cowardice.
Let’s begin with drones. So far as I understand it, his argument is that the root cause of the evil is the US war in Afghanistan and that militants like the TTP are driven into acts of hatred by the violence unleashed by the US and now perpetuated through drone attacks.
This is bullshit of a high order.
The fundamental fact that Mr Khan and his cohorts either fail or deliberately refuse to appreciate is that the TTP and the Afghan Talibs are two very different groups.
The Afghan Talibs consist of groups indigenous to Afghanistan whose primary aim is to overthrow the US’s supported government of Afghanistan and to take over power in Afghanistan. Afghan Talibs have a beef with the state of Pakistan only to the extent that the state of Pakistan helps the US in fighting those Talibs. Many of the leaders of the Afghan Talibs have taken up residence in Fata and Balochistan, just across the Pak-Afghan border. It is these leaders in Fata who have been targeted by the US through drone attacks. If the US was to leave Afghanistan tomorrow and if the Afghan Talibs were to retake power in Afghanistan, the Afghan Talibs would have no fundamental dispute with Pakistan.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan consists of groups indigenous to Pakistan whose primary aim is to overthrow the elected government of Pakistan and to take over power in Pakistan. The TTP does not accept the legitimacy of the Pakistani state. The TTP attacks the citizens of Pakistan through suicide bombs and kills Pakistani soldiers. Even if the US leaves Afghanistan tomorrow and even if the Afghan Talibs take over Kabul, the TTP will continue to fight in Pakistan, continue to kill Pakistani soldiers and continue to attack people like Malala Yousufzai. Conflating the TTP with the Afghan Talibs into one giant amorphous mass is not just stupid, it’s criminally stupid. It is at the same order of analysis as “two legs good, four legs bad.”
The distinction between the two groups is in fact made more evident by drone attacks. The state of Pakistan does not have drones and therefore does not use drones to fight the TTP. The US does have drones and it does use them to attack the Afghan Talibs but with a few very limited exceptions such as Baitullah Mehsud, there have been no drone attacks against the TTP. Trying to justify the TTP’s actions with reference to drones is therefore idiotic. One may as well justify the TTP with reference to poverty in Swaziland or Pakistan’s failure to win a World Cup match against India.
Please note that distinguishing between the TTP and the Afghan Talibs is not the same as saying that drone attacks are justified: that is an entirely different debate. It probably does not behove the sovereign state of Pakistan to meekly accept the invasion of its airspace by the US. But even if Pakistan should be aggressively acting against drones, that has nothing to do with the challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty by the TTP. And if you, Mr Khan, cannot understand that logic, then you are unfit to lead this country.
Let me make another thing clear: Mr Khan says that it is a tragedy for Pakistan to be bombing its own people. Actually, no.
States use violence against their own citizens their whole time. A citizen who steals is jailed for theft. A citizen who kills another person is executed for murder. And citizens who take up arms against their own country are guilty of treason and thereby liable to be shot.
The same goes for the “root cause” argument. Frankly, I couldn’t care less what inspires or motivates the TTP. I know that the TTP doesn’t accept the legitimacy of my country or my elected government. I know that they kill my fellow citizens. I know that they kill the soldiers who fight for my security. I don’t need to know the “root cause” of the TTP’s beliefs any more than I need to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath threatening my family.
Pakistan doesn’t need cowards, Mr Khan. Shame on you for adding to their number.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (262)
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I certainly don't agree with the thoughts of the writer and some others.How on earth can you blame Mr.Khan for not openly criticising TTP?One mustn't forget that none of our leaders have vehemently criticised TTP and Mr.Khan is no exception.Ok Altaf Hussain issued a strong statement but he resides in London and has nothing to fear much about.Mr.Khan todate,is the only leader who stood against the drone attacks thereby condemning them.His stance so far been quite clear.It's a shame to write him a coward.I think it's a case sheer prejudice.
Mr. Imran Khan. It is high time for you to come out openly and CONDEMN the so called "taliban". You are supposed to be the cheetah right. Act like one. Otherwise, we are voting for Zardari and party again. At least, they openly condemn the taliban. Why don't you have the guts to do the same? They have killed over 30,000 of our people including women and children and you want to "talk" to them??? Get a life. Until I hear in clear words from you mr Khan that "I condemn the taliban" you are not getting my vote. Period.
Mr. Feisal Naqvi is too harsh with his caption and tag line "Shame on you Mr. Khan" The lead itself tells you all he means to say in full essay that follows. It’s excessively biased, and visibly seems to fit some pre designated clientele. The purposeful ignorance is about the collateral damage and human cost. In addition of breach of nation's sovereignty. Why should we agree to US doctrine of pre-emptive attack anywhere and everywhere? On what account our prime minister shameless congratulated US for 2nd May attack unilaterally. He never dared to ask who our sovereignty was compromised. Just because our government is just a stooge of US.
I am a regular reader of Feisal Naqvi’s columns and consider him a valid and someone respected for his opinion. And would have appreciated if he would have forwarded a sincere advice to Imran Khan instead of this scornful piece
Please do not blow one line from Imran Khan’s statement too much out of proportion; He in fact seems to be the only person trying to harness the bull of terrorism and all problems confronting the nation today, from front, from its horns. As I know him personally, He will never seek personal interest above national interest, and that makes him bold, fearless and uncompromising leader. He is the one who is hope for change in present corruption riddled political scenario. Please support him with advice from your experience.
What to speak of IK even the Americans are not clear about the policy to follow with Taliban. They first eulogized them as Islamic Mujahedeen fighting a glorious and pious war with the Russians, without realizing that anyone, I mean anyone, animal as well as human being, engaged in a fight is partially mad. They glorified terrorism as heroism when it was to their advantage. After the defeat of Russians, Americans were so comfortable with Taliban that a delegation of Taliban was engaged in business negotiations with the Americans in Washington D.C., when all of a sudden 9/11 happened. Poor and half mad Taliban became the scape goat for the U.S intelligence failure regardless of the fact that none of perpetrators of 9/11 was an Afghan. The cardinal sin committed by Pakistan was to make an attempt exploit the poverty and madness of Taliban to to its own advantage to get to the mirages of Strategic Depth and Kashmir. Why Pakistan is in this mess because it tried to fish in the troubled waters of Afghanistan instead of quenching the storm. Why Americans threatened to bomb Pakistan to stone age because Pakistan's immature and adventurous dictator had made India a mortal enemy by launching the disastrous Kargil Adventure. Poor and weak people as well as countries must remember that for them honesty and sincerity is the best policy. Terrorism and bullying are the ornaments of the Rich and the Powerful.
Imran Khan may be a coward or inexperienced, Perhaps his new face may attract Taliban to the negotiating table or he may come up with of another plan in event of failure of negotiations. People sometime do get averse to old faces. Imran Khan may not very inspiring. But from the Taliban point of view, just imagine how inspiring are the old faces; the Crafty Zardari, the devious Maulana Fazal ul Haq, the mumbling Chaudry Shujaat, the Dinosaur-like Chaudri Pervez, the Bhaiya's of MQM with gift of the gab, the forever confused Nawaz Sharif.
Why shame Imran Khan when he is not been given a chance. Why not shame on Benazir? It was in her tenure that her Home Minister Naseerullah Baber called Taliban "our boys in Kabul", while they were beating burqa clad women in the streets of Kabul and she was the first woman PM of Pakistan. Why not shame on Musharaf? It was he who destabilized the whole South Asia by his Stupid Kargil Adventure. And why not shame on the present Army Leadership? Shame on them if they hid OBL in their backyard, Shame on them if they could not protect him from the Americans. And shame on them for not knowing if he was hiding under their nose. And finally shame on them for not anticipating that the Americans must be looking for him.
Instead of shaming each other, I once again repeat that Terrorism and Tricks are reserved for the Rich and the Powerful. Poor countries like Pakistan must remain contented with honesty and sincerity. That is our fate.
Has Mallala recovered? Has Waziristan been conquered?
We support Imran Khan. The title is arrogant and rude. BAD TITLE.
The pathetic truth is that Imran khan and most people do not have even ten percent of the courage of Malala. The infamous PTI trolls may try to whitewash their leaders major blemishes but people are not fools. The people outside the PTI troll bubble can see through the silly game. A coward or a closet Taliban supporter has no business to claim the leadership of the country unless you want Pakistan to regress and end up in a worse mess than it already is in.
@Sabih Zafar Ullah: "Why single out IK?"
Because IK wants to be leader of the country. That's why.
First of all i condemn the attack on malala who ever done. Before commenting I thing we should go at least 25 years earlier when Afghanistan and Rassuian war is going on there are so many bomb attacks in Pakistan and the people which are caught against these are indians and also many people caught which are indians which can be verified from indians or other. Think what they got from attacking Malala nothing. Some ........ only want to open new stage drama in Pakistan. If we go to this attack i would ask question from all the Pakistanies that how many common people are daily killed in Karachi at least as mentioned by news agencies at least 20 to 25 people killed daily. But unofficially this figure is much higher and nothing has been done against them. Every one knows that who they are but nothing because of politics.
Think about who suffered only the common man. It is the time to unite against these forces and established true sprit party.
It is pure engineered media hype of Malala incident, no doubt it is sin to kill children of any religion but none in the world voiced against continuous masacre of innocent children in drone attack, why Malala is exception ?.Are those children are orphans and Mala is above al of theml.Who painted Malala as symbol of Swat and ignored other children living with desire of good education in Sawat ? Have anyone got evidence about the involvement of Taliban except so-called statement issued with tag of TTP, It might be result of an american agent to harm Malala and then they fueled media hype just to gain theur vested interests. Nobody cared about other two gilrs injured in same incident .It is least but not last that parents of Malala left behind and never allowed to accompany with her ailing daughter. Kindly look into other side of Malala issue and think about other children being killed everyday on name of attack on militants. At the end, why Imran Khan is being targeted becuaes his thinking based on patriotism and gainst anti Pakistan lobby.Please trace the enemies of Pakistan hiding within our society instead mud slugging on each other.
Most of the people I know joined PTI, after IK distant himself from religious parties like JI. People register themselves in PTI through SMS & website, last year after Lahore Jalsa. Acc to PTI the membership has reached to 900,000+ . But now after realising IK's smpathy with TTP & recently "no strong voice against Mala's incident", I know many people who register with PTI earlier have changed there mind, and now they are no more with PTI. The number of PTI registers, may increasing day by day, but people who registered earlier are leaving with double speed.
I believe if PTI start registration again, they won't get half of the members, as in one year many people have changed there mind due to IKs smpathy with Talibans.
@JAVAID Ahmed KHAN: Oh really he is honest????? then Bhai why didn't he take Khawaja Asif and PMLN to the court..that he pledged in a his press conference, and what about his moral bankruptcy...you know Quran does not punish a chore with death but a person having extra marital relation with proof.... have death punishment... stone to death.....for supporting such a immoral person you should be ashamed. The win money of 1992 world cup was supposed to be distributed among the team members... which he donated to his own hospital without team members permission....is that you call honesty???????? shame on you too.
the writer wants Imran Khan to openly condemn the TTP so that they target a few of the PTI offices. and then the rest of the PTI people will go down in hiding. Then the writer and his type will say that IK has no support base in KPK and FATA...he attacked the US and the Talibs at the same time....He is so confused....and see he wants to be the Prime Minister??!!!! Fool. I see a sinister plan here....hmmmm
@Seema: Shame on you Seema for such negative comments about a man I know personally for past 20 years.He is the most honest politician of Pakistan and has a clea vision for the country.
@Seema:
Let's all pray for Mallala again.
Shame on you the "EMPTY HEAD" so called writer!
@Sabih Zafar Ullah: It should be safe in Altaaf Hussain, for sitting in the safety of Britain, and trying to influence Pakistani politics!
@Sultan: Well well... Mr I think you have seen Mallala without makeup and lipstick ...sure she did challenge those monsters, fearlessly, knowing the fact that in same waters these crocodiles swim freely..... Why are you challenging me..... I admit I can't be Mallala.... and you have to admit that Imran Khan have no heart of Malala too, being leader he failed.
Unimpressive and highly opined. Need to be revised.
"Let me break down my last statement. Malala Yousufzai was attacked by the TTP because she stood up for things like the right of girls to a fair education." WOW... what a bunch of idiots and fools we have in our media and newspapers. Don't try to fool people just for the sake of name and liberalism. Now talk LOGIC with all your senses OPEN. Was Malala the only GIRL in that school bus who was coming back from school? There were so many other girls in the van so if so called TTP or whoever those people were SHOULD have killed all the girls because they were all taking EDUCATION. So get your facts right before writing anything, yes it was a very unfortunate incident but it was a result of something else and not the EDUCATION. If you are so brave and have the guts which Imran Khan doesn't have as you have written, write something about SINDHI WADERAS who also deny education to the people, why no one writes about them and why everyone just writes about talibans. Because you don't have guts to face the reality and if you start facing it, you won't be called a LIBERAL. So be LIBERAL and state wrong facts all the time. That really suits you.
For once PTI supporters heed this call! I still believe you are a party that COULD make a difference provided you show your true skin.The liberals in Pakistan that crave for the vision of Jinnah's Pakistan and thousands of young men and young women who have joined this party are slowly becoming disillusioned by the lack of character and courage in IK.And don't take me as a PTI basher. I have personally enrolled hundreds of students in your party who have remained nameless supporters__they are slowly sliding into hibernation.Like I wrote in an article 'It seems Malala is the only Man among us'. You owe it to the Youth of Pakistan.Remember age is on their side,they can probably wait until this brave girl can lead them.
Being someone from FATA, and having suffered directly at the hands of taliban, I can see Imran has either no concept of what is going on in FATA, or he's a pure hypocrite. His attitude towards taliban and the extremists shows as to what level this man would stoop to get in the PM house. Wonderful piece, Shame on him alright...
He cares for his supporters unlike PPP or MQM who do politics on their"so-called shaheeds" by being abroad..next thing what do you think Imran khan is??? a suicide politician who needs to blast his head to what "you" dislike??? He is against 100 wrongs in this country and facing ruthless bashing from every-side and yet you want him welcome a row of madness suicidal attacks from TTP (Americano supported)..If he cared for his own life, he would never address by standing on a car's roof openly in FATA and Baluchistan...please"Reham kro us pe yar"..Bas kro
sad to read your comments about ik@AHMED BALOCH:
@Fahad Khan: Thank you Fahad you wrote well..we should all save our Pak land by defending leaders like Imran Khan who is brave and there is no doubt about it.Why,nobody is saying shame on those who are in power and not doing anything for Karachi,shame on those who are not doing anything to illuminate poverty,and corruption,shame on those who are spending our money on their luxuries...stop criticizing Imran cause he is our last hope.we love Pakistan that is why cant support those who are destroying our country and not coming out of their shells...wake up u all
such load of crap
@Hasan: MQM could not stop target killing by being in power for 12 years.Why should people vote for them again.
ET is jealous of Imran Khan rising popularity in Pakistan and abroad and hence publishing such articles.
The thing that really surprises me is not Mr. Imran Khan's unwillingness to condemn TTP's action but what the writer in this article wishes to propagate as a sensible idea; that TTP and Afghan Talib are totally different from one another!
This I guess is the height of hypocrisy and not Imran Khan's words because while he has maintained the same Taliban-friendly view all his political life, the writer of this article wishes readers to believe that Afghan Talibs are a peaceful people with no ill-intentions towards the state of Pakistan!
I usually keep myself away from writing comments about articles that are published on the internet but when I read the title and then the article, I found myself reading a text that is as apologetic about Taliban's action as any other confused middle-class Pakistani found everywhere in the urban fabric of the country. Differentiating between Taliban? Seriously? ! As if they are specimens of Mangoes!
As long as we will remain a country that houses soft sentiments for Talibans of what so ever kind, we will continue on a path of self destruction, and the events unfolding in front of our shameless eyes should be testament enough! I wish and pray to see a leader like Late Mr. Salman Taseer who openly stood against barbarian forces who continue to plunder every ounce of serenity that the conutry has! I pray also that little Malala finds a refuge somewhere safe, somewhere where she wont be gunned down for being a school-going girl.
imran khan a man with multiple faces
dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C04%5C02%5Cstory2-4-2010pg3_6#.UH2Szg3q-sw
http://tribune.com.pk/story/451890/shame-on-you-mr-khan/
http://tribune.com.pk/story/451490/drone-me-out/
http://jang.com.pk/jang/oct2012-daily/11-10-2012/col3.htm
http://jang.com.pk/jang/oct2012-daily/09-10-2012/col5.htm
@Jat:
Not at all. I am just using the same words that got your tongue wagging in the first place. After all, what is good for the goose is good for the gander ;)~
whenever any article against the lier khan all PTI people bashing that this is biased article because they cannot face true picture of IK, i think pti people should change their attitude, Imran khan is not angel that he cannot do anything wrong. the real fact is that Imran khan big nonsense in Pakistani politics he don't know anything about politics he should start cricket again.
Is IK responsible for all that nonsense ? Was he in power when it started (so called war on terror) or is he now in govt ? What a nonsense article. What about those who are in power and bring our country at this stage ?"""SHAME ON IK BUT HAIL FOR OTHERS DOING VERY VERY NICE JOB" Han na!
Shame on you mr naqvi,don't give him any credit for what bravery he has already shown,always blame him as if he's in the govt,of u want a reply,watch hamid Mir ka capital talk,he has given an answer
The same goes for the “root cause” argument. Frankly, I couldn’t care less what inspires or motivates the TTP. I know that the TTP doesn’t accept the legitimacy of my country or my elected government. I know that they kill my fellow citizens. I know that they kill the soldiers who fight for my security. I don’t need to know the “root cause” of the TTP’s beliefs any more than I need to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath threatening my family.
Perhaps this is the problem... if you dont know what motivates them how can you effectively combat them, or even convince others to do so? People need to be able to make sense of what is going on. Its no good simply painting everyone as psychopaths.
@Tariq Bashir: is there any argument in this comment?? can anyone locate it for me please? Or you are just another media bashing individual???
Mr. Naqvi, thank you for your comments as I could not agree more to them. Shame on him for calling on such a brave young girl when his words stand against her ideals. He ought to dedicate his time to charity and cricket, nothing more as each time he utters words, one is disgusted by his views that certainly would not favour the future of Pakistan.
@Jat:
Not at all. I just used the same language that got your tongue wagging. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander ;)
I am afraid Imran Khan has put himself in an untenable position by supporting TTP barbarities and Afghan Taleban. The writer though calling spade a spade has painted the PTI chief as a person suffering from a serious personality disorder who is incompetent to lead Pakistan. However, Imran only himself be blamed for taking sides along with the enemies of Pakistan and openly admitting being afraid of them which would have even rattled his die hard supporters who are now trying in vain to defend him but the damage is already done. He has certainly lost a large chunk of his voters in Pakistan and also many admirers from across the border including myself.
Although the author makes some very good points and has successfully explained the disctinction between the afghan talibs and the TTP but has made some very unrealistic assumptions. first of all, one cannot assume that once america withdraws its forces, the afghan talibs would not threaten pakistan in any way. Pakistan supported USA throughout the war and given the nature of afghanis, they would want to take revenge (i am not saying that they will, but this is also a very realistic possibility). Moreover, as someone pointed out in the comments above, both the organizations operate on the same principles and militant islamic ideology so saying that one wont be influenced by another is a faulty assumption too. As far as Imran Khan is concerned, i am a PTI supporter too but this action by imran khan has let me down too. I support imran since his initial political career and one of the best qualities was that he wasnt afraid to express his tru opinion loud and clear. Its saddening to see that he is also acting like a typical pakistani politician practicing cheap diplomatic skills.
oh and someone in the comments above also said that altaf hussain has been very brave in condemning taliban etc. I only have one response to that, he does not even have the guts to visit the country, the city where his supporters are and where he governs. He is anything but brave in my opinion.
Shame on You Mr. Naqvi. You call Imran a coward who has the guts to lead a rally to Waziristan & Quetta? When you write such partial articles, it robs you of any intellectual honesty! Shame on you for not raising your voice for hundreds of innocent Malala's killed by drones. Lastly shame on you Naqvi Sahib, for indirectly endorsing the most corrupt and inept parties (PPP & PML-N).
@Mano Masood: ( I being a tribal know of dead infants, children and women from debris of drone hit houses)
I thought that TTP condones off each drone attack site immediately and bury the dead secretly without letting any civilian getting close. But if you do have evidence of dead infants, children and women, please share it online. It will be a great service to people like me who hate Taliban but oppose drone strikes nevertheless because of perceived collateral damage. Imagine the public outrage when the pictures of innocent victims of drone strikes are regularly flashed online. Maybe TTP are not media savvy but you can help their cause tremendously. I shall be waiting.
@JS: Let me remove your confusion.It does not matter whether they are called Taliban, Afghan Taliban, Punjabi Taliban, Al Qaeda, Jaishe Mohammad, Lashkare Jhangavi etc etc. What really matters is their stone age world view and willingness to kill off each and everyone for not sharing their barbaric ideology (if you can call it that). There is no law against holding extreme views regarding religion and culture. The trouble starts when you start butchering people without any remorse.
(Why are the Baloach insurgents “rebels” and not “Taliban”?) Baluch insurgents are fighting for their political rights and control of natural resources. They dont care how we live our lives. They dont march in Punjab and bomb funerals, Masjids, markets, mausoleums etc. You can talk to them but you cant talk to these ideologically motivated barbarians. They dont want any material comfort or school / college, employment, voting rights, social development, political rights etc. They are on a far higher plane. They have one innocent demand only i.e the whole of Pakistan should submit to their stone age barbaric ideology with zero tolerance for any dissent. THAT MAKES THEM THE UNIQUE MILITANT MOVEMENT IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD.
Where the article has exposed the cowardice of Mr. Imran Khan, the comments it attracted have exposed the lack of democratic spirit among his supporters. This, I believe they have got from their leader as he often gets irritated when someone gives him a bouncer of tough question or a yorker of hard issue... where the sportsman spirit has gone Mr. Khan? If its still their then please do pass that on to your supporters as well, so that they could understand that criticism is the hallmark of democratic system. And now I have realized why PTI always boycott elections...simply because its democratic process and PTI neither have tolerance nor the patience for such norms, at least that's how its supporters are conveying to the world.
@Tariq Bashir: This is funny. Anyone with a slight brain and ability to logically deconstruct IK is labelled a "pseudo-intellectual" "pseudo-liberal". I actually want to know what a "real liberal" is? And since obviously you have the intellectual prowess to answer that, also tell me what a "real intellectual" is?
@Sultan: Truth hurts ! :)
Instead of bashing ANP govt of KPK for not providing Malala enough security or making SWAT Taliban free through political process. here you are bashing IK.i wish i could thumbs down this article cuz this is the worst article ever in history of tribune!
Excellent articlee, well said! These Taliban animals only understand violence as they follow Law of the Jungle. Treat them worse than animals and eliminate them for the survival of Pakistan! Anyone who argues otherwise is a supporting Traitors and risking the very existence of Pakistan! What's more important to Pakistanis? Pakistan's survival or Taliban's?
http://tribune.com.pk/story/451128/is-imran-khan-really-pro-taliban/
Another perspective!
PS: Shame on trivialise Malala's tragedy by bringing up drone attacks. I am anti-drones but I refuse to allow anythng or anyone to justify what happened to Malala. The suffering caused by drones should be tackled separately
I had thought I'd probably vote for IK but after the Malala incident I have decided not to. Am shattered by this somewhat because I had some hope and now that hope is lost, I cannot bring myself to vote for a man or a party that isn't brave enough to take on the toughies that are trying to destroy my country. I am not a blind follower like the majority of the PTI jiyalas. I need to believe in him and I don't any more.
@Sabih Zafar Ullah:
many other leaders have as well...
Shame on you Mr. Writer, you intentionally bash Imran Khan to sell your Article.
@Jat:
Shame on you Jat!
If Imran says something stupid and completely unnecessary aginst the savages we have raised over the past 30 years just to join the Mallala Brownie Points Challenge and gets killed, the Express Tribune headline will be: "Imran the Idiot Gets Himself Killed." Or "Taleban KIll Taleban Khan" or some such fantastic excrement. All reflexive hatemongers, retired communist op-ed writers will bathe in the light of self-adoring glory and from Khyber to Karachi, a frenzy of patting each others on the back will ensue amongst our dumb, mean, vicious media! Congratulatory SMSs will jam the networks and profiteering from a war economy will continue by the bloodsuckers.
All of this hate has only one common root: the spoilt, money-wallahs don't want to pay any taxes, period--the rest is pure drama by IDL (Imran Defamation League).
We are a a nation full of "patriots" who will do "anything" for their motherland, but not pay taxes. Full speed ahead Imran, we are all with you to make them pay their fair share!
@Munir Taufiq: "All those people who question IK’s guts, instead of posting messages against him, I would request you to walk in to Waziristan and tell this to a TTP representative on his face, thanks."
Despite claims of doing so IK's march also never went to Wairistan. It returned form Tank. Also it is IK who is wanting to be the next PM despite having no administrative experience either at provincial level or federal level. So why should everyone Tom, Dick and Harry expect to have the same courage as IK does? IT is he who says he will get out of US war and stop drones and instead negotiate with TTP. How will he negotiate with people that he is so scared of?
Very well articulated! We also say, Shame on you, Kaptaan!
Triple shame on you Imran Khan , You are a coward and You are so EXPOSED by a 14 year old Kid.
IK shame x 1000 for you , you have double standards .. God a 14 year kid has exposed Imran khan's so called revolt by so much !
Khan has a large followig .. unlike this writer. He knows whats best. Theres a fine line between bravery and stupidity and Khan isnt stupid.
Shame on you, Mr Khan.
SHAAAAMMMME ON YOU TALIBAN KHAN...........now we know your actual face....you are a true hypocrite...........you have disappointed Pakistani youth......
IK is right why should he make his supporter targeted in such a war zone which is in other words a big game of war. who r taliban? first answer it
@GP65
"You cannot encourage chanda for Afghan Taliban and discourage it for TTP when both have similar mindset and ideology – AT for Afghanistan and TTP for Pakistan"
You hit the nail right on the head. I don't understand why the narrative in Pakistan indulges in obfuscation of issues. The real issue is the Durand Line. Pakistan has devised a play from the divide and conquer playbook of their colonial masters' by keeping the Pashtuns and Afghans mired in internecine warfare so the issue of Durand Line will be forgotten. The Afghans and the Pashtuns are well aware of this now and they are also resorting to dirty tactics in the so called Great Game.
The Afghan Taliban might have started off as Pakistani proxies but they never compromised on the Durand Line and they never will; this great game will continue at the expense of thousands of Pashtun and Afghan Malalas' unless Pakistan changes its course and shifts the paradigm.
@numbersnumbers:
There is simply no doubt that the Taliban, have no connection to the TTP. The TTP, is not the Taliban, but only takes the name of Taliban, to confuse Muslims, about the Taliban. The TTP are being trained in Indian embassies in Afghanistan, and then sent to create terror and destruction in Pakistan. Imran Khan is 200% right, when he says that by talking to the various groups, the tribals can be won over and the TTP, and other criminals will be isolated and ultimately eliminated. This is the truth, which the bigoted secular mindset fails to understand. Shame on Faisal Naqvi, shame on the secular mindset, and shame on India, and Indian mentality.
Another low in journalism. Going by his track record, you can fault Imran Khan for anything else but cowardice. The fact remains that Whatever its aims and standing TTP operates out of Afghanistan that is firmly under the US occupation and control. Should we not be blaming the Americans for not curbing its excesses?
Significantly, TTP has never acted against US interests either in Pakistan or Afghanistan and as Mr. Naqvi himself points out, the US does not target it with drones or anything else either. If it is an extremist militant organisation fighting for Islam, as is alleged, should it not be at least giving a helping hand to its brothers the Afghan Taliban in fighting the enemies of Islam? The fact that it doesn't is reason for pause and reflection on our part.
A great piece of work, MR imran khan is not only coward but he is also confused, il-informed of the ground realities and a shadow of zia-ul-haq and modern jamat-e-islami. God-forbid but if MR kahn get the power he will not only crush the minorities but will also make pakistan and purely male dominates or male centric society running towards its end.
Mr khan's ideology will take us back in to Late 70's and 80's, where women were suppressed and forget about minorities. while seeing the behaviour of pti's youth wing towards imran critics there are possibilities that he will also ban a media. PLEASE stop this hossni mubarak and qadafi from coming in to power
Pakistanis cannot be equivocal about this. We need to condemn these heinous crimes in the strongest possible terms. There's no other argument around this. If Malala were your sister or daughter, would you be equivocating? If Islam is your faith, is this what you want it to represent? Imran Khan disappoints badly! He knows better. There's no compromise with murderers.
this article doesn't seem rational but purely emotional with the purpose to arouse emotions. IK did condemn the attack on Malala though there seems to be some conspiracy involved behind this incident. Secondly no one can call IK a coward only because IK is against the military solution to this menace of Taliban rather he his stance of solving this problem with dialogue makes him the only SANE leader in Pakistan right now. Einstein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." and the same is going on here in our motherland. We have been engaged in this war for so many years but with no satisfactory results as yet. Adhering to the current policy would only result in more and more losses to our country both in terms of money and human lives (soldiers+civilians). Having dialogue and making truce do not necessarily show cowardliness but sanity as was shown by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at the time of Sulah e Hudibia.
I usually agree with most of what Feisal Naqvi writes but it seems this article was written in a paroxysm of anger and logic took a back seat. You write at the end:
"I don’t need to know the “root cause” of the TTP’s beliefs any more than I need to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath threatening my family."
Going by this logic, someone whose parents, wife and children have been killed by the merciless drones and their supporters does not need to know the "real reason" for the use of these drones by the US and the concomitant Pakistani liberal support any more than he needs to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath who would have killed his family and the doctor's explanation to give the psychopath a chance.
"And if you, Mr Khan, cannot understand that logic, then you are unfit to lead this country."
Oh pray tell me Mr Naqvi, who do you think is fit to lead this country? let's pick one up from our pool of unlimited sincere and genuine potential leaders, shall we? :)
This article is such a disgrace.
IK is a true taliban in disguise and writer perfectly shown the face of IK to the readers.
IK willing to become PM through the help of Talibs and afterwards will beg to become ameer ul momneen.
A disappointed post of a disappointed man.
Did u know What Taliban means in the First place? Bunch of ....... sitting here. It means "Jo apne Deen ka illam hasil kar raha ho". So, than we r all Taliban. As far as it goes for the article, IK n every else knows that this is a sham story, just a cover up. So why blame some1 who has nothing to do with them. The writer just needed to blame some1 n IK was the man. Bhotan lagana bohat bara ghunah ha, so u might wanna re think ur words before u speak against some1. The shareef brothers have done much more worse things than this.
Excellent Article, how can you negotiate with terrorists? with this logic we should let go of all the criminals in jails who are serving time for murder.
Shame on you, Express Tribune.
Your proofreaders are asleep at the switch.
A respected daily does not allow the usage of unparliamentary words. Even the notorious Daily Mail does not scribe the "BS" word in its entirety in both the print and web editions.
shame on you MR naqvi because ur an educated man though u talk like immature person ..if condemnation would have destroyed TTP thugs then there would have been peace log time ago..dont make fools.
Mr IK you have lost my vote...you really a double standard person. Pashtun won't accept an afraid person like you and by your stance on Taliban you have lost your vote of liberals.
General Niazi thumped his chest but surrendered meekly to the Indian army at Dhaka; a maulana Niazi, delivered brave sermons in Lahore and talked of shahadat, but shaved off his beard and hid in a burka to escape arrest. And now Imran Khan Niazi!
A good piece of writing, its time to show the double standards of IK and the author did that, Bravo Thumbs up.!!
@Nasir Khan:
Ik went leading the rally Where lies the risk.? He is supporting the people of Waziristan . Where is the risk in friend circle.. if he is afraid of the extremists for fear of back lash on his supporters how he should be awarded as a Hero or coward ? When you fear from the non state actor how people will treat you a fearless personality.
But TTP spokesman claimed the responsibility of attack on Malala . what reasons led you to disbelieve TTP spokesman. or dil hai ki manta nahin.
Imran Khan is anything but a coward:) I think he is bolder than all of ur main politicians combined--> Altaf, Nawaz, Shahbaz, Zardari etc etc etc
Imran in not trust worthy for Pakistan. He has contradiction in his words and doings. He says one thing then re-confirms it and denies himself and says it is a politics. He is no more reliable in youth. He is also above 60 years and is an old man. He has taken U-turns and nothing else. You can not make people fool for long period. This is my opinion after reading and looking at facts which may be wrong and can not be challanged bur i am an honest person. He has bad company of dirty and shouting people.
My vote will still not be watsted on PML or PPP....Vote for PTI
good article . Atleast some 1 distinguished between TTP and afghan Taliban
@ ijaz mir so u hate all the politicians so what do u prefer ? Military rule?
Bravo! Thank you for saying what needed to be said.
@P: "Oh come on, Imran Khan is anything but a coward."
Well how do you describe the quote provided by author which certainly has been denied by no-one. Act of courage?
What about changing the peacemarch against drone from NWA to South Waziristan and eventually turning back from Tank because it became dark?Earlier when governmet had not given him permission he said he would defy government because he did not care for his life. On day of the march though he meekly obeyed the army. Act of courage?
What about the following url? There too he justifies being circumspect about terrorists due to fear Watch this one from 0:58 to 2:00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNW6YE3Y5M
You may still think he is the best person amongst available options. But support him with your eyes open please..
an extremely biased article. hope u got what you wanted. any how plz mend your attitudes and be positive.
I smell a bigger conspiracy in connection with MALALA's attack. Seems our government & NGO's are in need of more american money!!!!
If you don't condemn America's drone attacks on Pakistani soil then what does that make you Mr. Writer?
@Syed: No buddy... if we had enough guts we wouldn't have submitted to the American war on terror! It is easy to forget how elements like TTP, Haqqanis etc came into being because of our cowardice!
@The-Author and everyone IK-basher: I dont idolize IK and certainly do notice his shortcomings clearly. This article questions the bravery of IK and I think the author has got the concept of bravery all wrong.
He went to see Malala believing what happened was wrong. But he didn't denounce it in a typical statement to the press so that the TTP or whoever else was behind it doesn't start attacking his local affiliates. I'd say that is a brave decision... not scoring a point indifferent to the cost. That also shows he cares about his team... unlike the typical Pakistani politicians who would kill their own to get headlines and blame it on someone else... drive over the bodies of those injured or wounded by a bomb blast at your party's rally etc.
What a stupid and illogical attempt to defame IK...really TTP is not connected to Taliban....lemme ask you this.....where was this TTP before 9 / 11...y didn't we see any attack on our soil at that point........it was only when we chose to side with US that this threat emerged from 2004 onwards....so get your facts right...before writing such crap.... obviously Imran has condemned the attack which implies the attackers...what he should spell out 'malala' for you tooo......how is a girl given the peace award in 19 dec 2011 ...9 months later...attacked right at the moment when IK was drumming up the anti-drones beat.... what were they waiting for in 9 months..a baby.....so malala incident despite being unforgivable justifies the 178 children kill in drone attacks...to date..the writer is another propaganda buying critic who can't connect the dots and is a clear supporter of war on terror.........the TTP is a threat becuase of our choice pro 9/11....we have made them into a threat for us...and only we can undo it...........u disagree with taliban social life....then fine...also disagree with iran...go on war with everyone...learn the see the big picture...God help us....
All those people who question IK's guts, instead of posting messages against him, I would request you to walk in to Waziristan and tell this to a TTP representative on his face, thanks.
Well said, Mr Naqvi!
Mr. Naqvi, you being so good at identifying things....could you please, for the love of God, tell me what/who exactly is a Taliban?!? lets not even go to the differences between the Afghan Talibs and Pak Talibs....just tell me how one is branded as being a "Taliban"? is every pathan/punjabi that opposes the govt a "Taliban"? Why are the Baloach insurgents "rebels" and not "Taliban"??????? They are guilty of everything you claim to hate????
Can I say shame on the writer condemning Imran Khan. Whatever Imran Khan does or does not do is criticized. It is quite a hard task trying to create order in a country that is Pakistan. Mr Khan said the right thing.
Jailing or shooting by state is one thing, genocide is something else Mr Naqvi. You cant understand this? Shame on you!
I am sorry Mr. Naqvi, but if you dont want to understand the root cause then you will never be able to solve the issue. You will keep treating the symptoms without treating the disease.
Why we condemn Taliban? Do we have undeniable proofs that this was a Taliban's attack. and if so which Talibans attacked her? What if she is attacked by Blackwater, CIA or any other agency or CONTRACTOR?
If you live in lahore and you might have come across "asli student biryani - karachi wali" do you believe them to be true cuz they have named it like that?
There are too many questions and ambiguities and i think its a very positive show by Imran Khan that he didnt name them.. As Mufti Muneed said Taliban is anyone who is searching acquiring the knowledge of deen.. why are we blackening this term?
Just recently CM daughter is caught on tape getting a person beaten in bakery. CM ordered an inquiry.. Now CM want an inquiry when we already have a video proof. Still inquiring n doing a proper investigation is considered important and it should always be done.. but in case of Taliban we blame them before any inquiry.. Where is our own internal justice or we are just too inhumane for it now?
@Sabih Zafar Ullah: and he too only condemns them as he himself is in London where there is no threat of taliban...
PTI is an entity born out of wedlock of the Deep State and Taliban, with a fair sprinkling of sperm from religious parties thrown in.
Hence similarities with a crossbred mulatto having questionable pedigree and dubious parentage.
Mr. writer have u ever said a word about drone have you stood up against america on drones and if malala's case deserve sympathies then so does other hundreds of our kids who became target of drones. and there is not much difference between barvery and stupidity...musharaf was not brave who allied in war against terrorism and we all know that. so please be a little tactful.
I think the need of the hour is a strong and brave leader who has a clear vision & is not afraid of anybody be it TTP or any damn fundamental religious organisation. And I feal Imran does not belong to that category.
A Very well written article Mr. Naqvi, bravo. The real face of Imran Khan is now in front of the public. he is a clear supporter of Taliban and extremists like Jamait-e-Islami.
TO PTI SUPPORTERS (IM ONE OF YOU) But learn to take criticism! That is the essence of improving oneself is to listen to others -- it is the core principle of democracy.
DO NOT ATTACK TRIBUNE FOR THE SAKE OF ATTACKING. IF YOU DISAGREE BE POLITE AND ARGUE YOUR POINTS WITH INTELLECT.
Mr Naqvi is right --- and is giving constructive feedback to IK.
I am a PTI supporter and Mr Faisal Naqvi you are absolutely right.
Imran Khan its high time PTI tells TTP to put down its weapons and the PTI should have a policy on how they will curb violent extremism in the country....
Shame on you, Imran Khan !
@harkol: I think you will find that Franklin Delano Roosevelt said that, not Churchill.
Shame on them who created these Taliban and other DEHSHAT GARD everywhere in Pakistan for the LUST of power and money
How can you blame someone for problems with law and order when he is not even part of the Government?
"Let me make another thing clear: Mr Khan says that it is a tragedy for Pakistan to be bombing its own people. Actually, no.
States use violence against their own citizens their whole time."
When PTI people call these guys scum and liberal fascists, they're right on the mark
There's even a good number of American citizens that are ashamed of the bombs dropped on this region
@C. Nandkishore: and then u wait for ur end.. ur nxt
Naqvi Sahib, I agree with your view that Mr. Khan has shown less (or no) courage when it concerns relgious militancy and inter-faith conflicts. He seems to have a policy of appeasement towards the religious brigands. In that, he is following the same expediency-based strategies which most conventional politicians adopt. We expected a purely PRINCIPLED stance on all things from him. He seems unaware of the contradictions in his thinking. Nevertheless, you seem to have written the last few paragrahps in a fit of rage - a rage so overwhelming that you apparently condone the lack of "due process" which is attendant in the bombing of local populations. Thieves are imprisoned, murders are executed after (hopefully) a fair trial - and cannot be equated with other forms of state sponsored violence. Sincerely
@Shahbaz Asif Tahir: Please give us some references to support your comment that "The TTP has nothing to do with the Taliban. They are criminals, who are being trained in Indian embassies, in Afghanistan..."! AND NO THIS IS NOT A WELL KNOWN FACT!!!!! The REAL "well known fact" is that the Taliban/TTP have maimed and murdered tens of thousands of Pakistanis over the past decade, AND HAVE REPEATEDLY TAKEN CREDIT FOR DOING SO!
@Ahsan: Me too. Had enough. Un-favouriting this site right away.
And people still say that PTI youths do not behave. Bravo
All those politicians who condemn the taliban having 24/7 security. Does IK
And does the state always use violence against its people without a proper judicial process?
I have disagreed with nearly all the op-eds opined by Feisal Naqvi except for this one. I was once a supporter of PTI - the history of comments on this site would attest to it. However, I have left the party and won't be voting. There is not a single party which deserves my vote.
@Muhammad Yousaf Gandapur: For all of you PTI peaceniks, the negotiations route has been tried at least four times since 2004 (Shakai, Sararogha, Miranshah, and Swat accords). Each time, the militants used the agreement to expand their territory. and violated the agreements. They never disarmed or stop their destructive activities. What makes you believe that they will behave differently this time?
Shame on you Taliban khan Very appropriate comment. What can you expect from clean shaven Jamaati. Qazis hussain Ahmed and IK have same philosophy and why not they merge.
People like IK is the reason pakistani army is not successful in tribal areas. If they will take any big action IK along with other mullahs will come outside and damage the country. Pakistani people please wake up! This is ur own war and no one can win it but you! Be united against these talibans.
I could not agree more with the author. He is great.
I was hoping Imran Khan will be Pakistan's saviour. But my doubt is starting to rise.
I am an American Citizen of Indian origin, a Hindu by birth with deeply rooted sympathy for Pakistan. It hurts me to see Pakistan bleed. Only recently I got interested in Pakistan and 100 % of what I know about it has come from Pakistani press, Pakistani TV News and News Magazines like Sochta Pakistan, Javed Chaudhary, Hamid Gul, Hasan Nissar, Tariq Ali, .... and of couse stupids like Zaid Hameed,
@mir ali:
The TTP has nothing to do with the Taliban. They are criminals, who are being trained in Indian embassies, in Afghanistan, with the sole purpose of causing brutalities, disruption, chaos, and anarchy inside Pakistan. They are being funded by the enemies of Pakistan, using the name of the Taliban. This is a well known fact. Imran Khan is sincere, and speaks the truth. All of us Muslims, trust him. Shame on Faisal Naqvi, shame on the secular liberals, and shame on people who support the secular, liberal agenda, and above all shame on India, and Indian mentality.
a thought provoking piece for all nation especially the rudimentary activists of PTI To blame everything on the drone strikes is incredibly stupid and naive... we have an undertone of extremism in our society that's why the symptoms are too many. These were there even before the 9/11 but have only changed form or gets highlighted easily by know-it-all media.
@Tariq Bashir: Problem lies with IK because of his silly views on national and international matters.
If you can not fight them, confuse them. IK is doing that on behalf of TTP
This Is the incident that would keep me from voting for Imran khan...never again would I get swayed by unbriddled passion....how did I not see the hollow promises...Imran khan has betrayed my trust..he is a coward, a bigot and an opportunist...malaala ki azmat.ko salaam...
I like it, he should not have said that i watched that show, but still i m in for PTI. Now can you please write an article, how to win this war? I really would love to see how you differ with IK policy?
Let's be simple and realistic, TTP did admitted and It's sad what has happened, no matter what leader or politician should condemn it, if it's wrong than it's wrong there is no space for indirectly changing phrases. As a national level politician he should have sent a clear message, all thou it is understandable that what he said could be taken opposite as well.
Yes he I admit that he has stood up for Tribal people and against drones but that doesn't mean he shouldn't clearly give the statement, what it appears to me that he is engaged with elements which he think would have favor him in near future whereas, TTP is not just one but several groups in which external forces are clearly involved he shouldn't be supporting any wrong at any cost.
@Keen observer: Would you trust someone whose stances contradict their actions?
IK and many have a flawed logic and keep repeating to address the root cause. Rather the efforts should start with ensuring that the poisonous fruits that the tree is already bearing are taken care of and that these poisonous fruits do not sprout new seedlings as the TTP was born out of the Taliban group. If the branches are cut off and the fruits are destroyed it would prevent new roots from sprouting. Additionally, You can address the root cause if it is a genuine freedom struggle or fight against oppression. How can you address the root cause of the Talibans. Talibans are fighting for an ideology and it is not a freedom movement. If you agree that the root cause has to be addressed, you essentially agree with their ideology and want to find a way to implement their ideology.
On another point, IK says that he is afraid of giving statements against TTP because they may target his party workers. Altaf Hussein showed courage here. His was not afraid that TTP may target his party workers. Altaf also knows that without his party workers his political career is also finished, yet he has the clear vision and courage. With Malala in UK, I am sure IK will avoid visiting UK for fund raising. PTI is a closed chapter now. IK repeatedly boasts of his courage and says that if he becomes the PM, the Army shall report to him and obey his orders. Only the most ignorant shall think that he has the courage to order the Army, when he is so afraid even to criticize the Talibans. It is not just him, but the entire PTI has no courage.
Imran Khan wants to Talibanize Pakistan; the Taliban want to 'Imranize' Pakistan. They have the same agenda.
I urge the readers of this column to open the eyes and face the reality. If this TTP problem was so simple then our Army in Musharaf days would have resolved it.
Every armed conflict ends with table talks with Militants or those simpathizers who stand a chance of being convinced.
IK is trying to lead this nation towards resolving the problem without blanketing all groups across the country who have a level of affiliation/sympathy with MAD TTP ideology.
He is giving you a way out..... He is giving leaving at least one Door open.... I hope and pray that we resolve this cancer by least use of Force in very near future under IKs leadership.
@Ahsan Malik:
Exposed you and your ilk is more like it..
What is the real truth ? Be careful before we judge people by there sentences and ignore their actions. Only time will tell the real truth.
@Sultan: Totally off topic but you're mixing up movies; Dobbie was in Harry Potter. I forgot the name of the similar creature in LOTR. Thought you'd like to know. Carry on. Cheers.
@Omer:
Is that how PTI works? Btw where is money for PTI coming from?
By the definition of this writer Altaf Hussain is the only brave leader. Then bring him on and we will make him PM. He seems brave from distance. Everyone is brave on TV and talk shows.
@Seema:
Bravo Seema. Lets's meet at the main square in Wana and finish off these monsters. Don't forget to bring your lipstick with you!
Agree Ik u a coward
I don't know whether IK is brave or not but one thing I can say that he is loyal and sincere to his cause.i.e -"I'm the best".
@Seema There is no drought he belongs to the family of Naizis. one of them surrendered to India with 90,000 troops. he has coward blood.
@Khan:
Ah, the real Khan is heading the posse for a showdown with the Taleban at OK Corral. Don't forget to bring your iPod with you--you can kill a few Taleban with loud Bhangra music!
@Sheikh Gabbar:
Stop exaggerating. 201%? You remind me of Dobbie, the ghoul, in the movie Lord of the Rings. Dobbie must serve master; Dobbie must exaggerate; Dobbie must post BS!
Only Quaid E Tehreek Altaf Hussain The Strongly Condem Talban And Talbanization
@Zalmai: Well spoken Zalmai. It is for exactly the reasons you indicated that the good Taliban/bad Taliban distinction that the army and government has tried to create has been unsuccessful in wiping out this extremist mindset of throwing out elected government, tearing up constitution and installing sharia on either side of Durand line. People conveniently forget that even during 1996-2001 when Afghan Taliban were installed in power by Pakistan and only 3 countries (Pakistan, KA and UAE) recognized that government, the Afghan Taliban did not acknowledge the Durand line.
You cannot encourage chanda for Afghan Taliban and discourage it for TTP when both have similar mindset and ideology - AT for Afghanistan and TTP for Pakistan.
"Though I find PTI’s logic to be very damaging and confusing, but personal rhetoric must not be placed as a column in a national daily. Writing ethics must be ensured for objectivity and neutrality." It's an opinions section. Opinions are personal. Opinions can come in the form of rhetoric and usually aren't neutral. The only time an opinion becomes neutral is when they're worried about the opinions they'll receive from saying it out loud. Not in their original state.
Shame on you Imran Khan... death is inevitable, day is prescribed for everyone in the book of destiny .... why to show cowardice.... it is better to live one day of courageous life of lion rather then living 100 days of cowardice of jackal ..... Bhutto chose death and still lives in the hearts of ppl. he preferred immortality over his mortal life ... look at Malala the whole nation is praying for her bcoz of her courage.....
Dear intellectual, Easy way to gain fame and article read. Now a days you can use the name of Imran Khan and get rating but its ok you have kids to feed. It was the question asked by Mr Talat hussain which you have put they you want. Now I understand why Pakistan is in hot waters.
I cannot believe Imran Khan did not condemn the attack on this 14 year old unarmed helpless girl, who was singled out in a bus full of schoolgirls and shot in the head for her outspokenness on EDUCATION. I just find his politics mind-boggling.
There are a lot of people banking on him coming through for Pakistan, but unfairly or not, he's NOT the man!
Feisal, incisive, hard hitting, bold and straight from the heart article! I like Khan Sahib but detest his compromises on Taliban and the ideology that they represent.
Imran Khan have disappointed me on two occasions, once when he jumped over the wall of his own house to escape the arrest - IK is supposed to be a leader not a criminal therefore I believe he should not have fled like one, and then by his statement or lack of it against TTP. Both of the times he made those decisions out of fear - so Feisal Naqvi does have a point - not out of his love for his country or country men. Although, in the latter case, he may also be motivated by politics; he does not want to upset any potential voters that may have a soft spot for TTP and other similar groups. That being said, he is not the only leader that has shown cowardice, like another commentator noted here. Which makes him just like the others in this matter. However, does he poses some qualities that the other leaders in Pakistan do not? I tend to believe he does. I believe he is sincere about ridding Pakistan of its corrupt culture, its education woes, its infrastructure problems, and its law and order situation. He may be the one person that can save Baluchistan from being separated. I'd say, he is still a lot better of the lot we have to chose from.
Feisal, Kudos for ,to the point, article better can not be said.Ik should better get retirement and return to cricket world.
Feisal H Naqvi i would like to start condemning your views from the word go. Almost every Pakistani including myself believes that people like yourself are the main cause of the downfall of this country. I don't know who you are or where you come from and lastly which political background you belong to? (Quite evident) But i know one thing and i know it straight that such articles as yours can damage a lot. So, shame on you for being deliberately blind.
You call Imran Khan a coward for him being patient and trying to complete yet another cause,
Now if i remember correctly, Waziristan has been a playground for more than 10 long years, where people and i mean innocent people have lost their lives. Infants and children becoming orphans, parents losing their young ones, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, the list goes on. You still think bombing our own people is not tragic? There exists no collateral damage? Its time for you to change your perspective about the poor people of Waziristan and all the other concerned areas. Only mentally demented leaders have bombed their own people and only fanatics have supported them. So, shame on you for being ignorant!!
Moreover, what i don't understand, is that how many of you made it a point or write and call for peace and wrote/called from the deepest core of your hearts. None!! I salute Imran Khan for going and step in the Den and try to clear and remove all the misunderstandings/misinterpretation/misapprehension and undone the blunders that the goons (Pakistani Leaders) are accounted for.
Will the author apply the same criteria to other political leaders, say Nawaz Sharif and the rest? Why single out Imran Khan. He is not in power. The most deserving of the "shame on you" should have been the people whose responsibility it was to protect Malala. The author's arguments may hold weight but I just don't get the fixation with PTI/Imran. I am not a PTI supporter but the emphasis on Imran only does sound very biased.
Feisal Naqvi Kudos for ,to the point, article better can not be said.Ik should better get retirement and return to cricket world.
Mr. Naqvi - Your stance is valid and appreciable but I'd simply wish for you to be wise enough to understand Pakistan Politics and understand what stance actually IK has taken here.. I wish u were aware of under-curtain scenario of this Malala attack. You would be seeing drastic changes in socio-political environment of our beloved country in near future and then i'd appreciate, if you write again with open mental paradigms.
Well surely Mr fake Kublai Khan has lost my vote. Pity a 14year old girl had courage to stand up to these yahoos and fake Kublai Khan couldn't even condemn TTP in clear words. You are a coward -Shame on you Khan....it hurts me to say but certainly you have let me down and many more who thought you were a ray of hope.
Biases aside - for simplicity, I would like to agree with the author but also pose a question - suggest an alternative please? The only leader who openly the Pakistani Taliban was Altaf Hussain BHAI! Make what you want of it - to me its not a battle of right verses wrong - that ship sailed long time ago but the lesser of the two evils!
khan should not be condemned ,he is trying for an acceptable solution
@Sabih Zafar Ullah, Altaf Hussain in the only leader who is brave from the UK. Let him come here and then speak against Taliban. The writer said it right that cowards are not leaders but was hinted at Altaf Hussain.
Khan is hero and brave. He can't be branded insincere and coward by any definition or dictionary.
Excellent article by Mr Naqvi who has rightly exposed the dual face of Taliban Khan. Shame on you Mr Taliban Khan!!!!
What can you expect from PTI which rubs shoulders regularly with Difa-e-Pakistan Council in the name of 'engaging' them. PTI, DPC, and JUI are pretty much the only Pakistanis who have not shared the rest of the nation's cry of anguish to crush Taliban before they destroy us and our way of life. When you have a moment, Mr. Imran Khan, please look around and you will be shocked to see what company you are left with. The rest of the nation has moved on to understand and call out the threat posed by the monster. Case in point is Aamir Liaquat Hussain - whose open support for the Lal Masjid and Swat bandits was unrelenting - stood in front of the AFIC yesterday, and held an open 'dua' for Malala, condemning Taliban by name, and calling them cowards, animals, blasphemous, and barbarous. He even challenged them to come and kill him. There are many many Pakistanis who have converted after this incident. Will you have the same guts and be counted?
All these ANTI PTI trolls are falling over each other now, trying to win he gold medal for slandering Imran. All they do is mouth inanities, show their fake moral rage, varying levels of command of English language, mention a few random events from history (Nazi being most popular) and then move on to the next blog to leave another trail of odorous hate. Tell me, is Imran holding the army back now from attacking North Waziristan? Why does'nt their fearless democratic hero, the President of Pakistan (hiding in the Presidency), get on national TV, announce an offensive and make sure the army follows through to brings him the head of the kingpin Taleban on a dish? What is stopping him? We have men, weapons, tanks, field guns, attack helicopters, night vision, drone cover and much more. Any dumbo the clown with an answer?
Oh, before I conclude, let's all pray for Mallala again! did I say Mallalla? Let's pray one more time? What a bunch of regal idiots we are stuck with. Reminds me of a toy in children's zoo--you turn the ear of a metal donkey, the tail goes up and fresh droppings hit the ground! No thinking, no strategy, only reflexive hate mongering and point scoring.
Imran Khan has this bipolar thing going on which I am yet to fully understand. On one hand he is a headstrong leader with immense clarity and on the other hand (which is most of the time lately) he comes across as a confused primary kid who's lost his marbles. But on this particular matter, I agree. What an awful shame!
Bravo.
The writer also comes across as an arm chair general since he is claiming the Afghan Talibs are better. The Afghan Talibs or the deep state's proxies were not letting girls go to school and flogged clean shaven men like you before 2001 so read a little history before pointing fingers at Imran Khan. Basically you both are ignorant fools.
After the craven targeting of young Malala, it would appear that the wheels have fallen off IK's "blame it all on the drones" argument. And quite rightly so,
Imran statement also reveals that those who condemn or oppose Taliban are targeted by them This clearly mean that they are terrorists
Brilliantly put as always.
and it looks like Mr. Naqvi is about to have a field day with the trolls. May the God of anti-trolls be with you.
Spot on. You hit the right nail here. Let's hope "Immi K Matwalay" wont charge you with blasphemy.
For a people who have nothing to look forward to, Im the Dim is the second coming.
NaqviSaheb, My compliments to you. Imran is a total Farce, a coward and is unraveling very fast. The youth should read all his statements and soon they will have nothing to do with him. He hasn't learned anything since his famous speech blunder after winning the world cup.n Yes shame on Imran.
Bravo Mr. Feisal H Naqvi, you made a solid point there about Mr Khan.
Please Mr Naqvi go out and protest against the Taliban yourself, its easy to write an op-ed in the comfort of your drawing room.
So is IK mildly against TTP, moderately against TTP, dead against TTP or supportive of TTP.
Taliban attacked malala, PPP is in governmen, Army is in charge of swat. but the responsible and criminal is Imran khan. liberal fascists how worse can you get. this is all drama staged by USA and executed by TTP and propagated by liberals elite
Harkol, that was Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president of the United States. Excellent article, Mr. Naqvi.
Imran Khan condemned the attack on Malala the very same day and also the attackers explicitly in a press conference. I don't know in what part of the world the author is living. Its a level of insanity that the author failed to understand a very simple stance of Imran Khan about drone attacks that these causes collateral damage in the aftermath of which insurgents manipulates the innocent victims which further fuel insurgency, He advocates to integrate the local tribal people from the folds of extremists and then fight that small group who does not make a truce.You are not fighting a war against an individual out there but a community. I being a tribal know of dead infants, children and women from debris of drone hit houses. I strongly protest against an attack on Malala and have taken it to to the streets of my city myself , but I also advocates for the human lives out there in tribal areas. A true leader see heterogeneity and this is the best thing about Imran Khan.
Hey listen Mr blogger, i pity all those condemning malala's attack. if you dont know many others were shot, know one asked about them and should we all cry over one incident..and if you dont know he did condemn and even visited Malala's father...now coming to main point, is condemning what is left for us to do? drone attack killed hundred innocent and that is okay but this girl got attacked that is bad? yes its bad but i wonder why she got attacked years after her statement and right after when imran khan held a successful rally in tribal areas and drone attacks were put at question...Imran khan did something good...unlike you sitting at your home and writing blogs, people actually are going to those areas and help....
Well done Imran for not falling in their stupid traps! All these macho, uber warmongers, writhing in fake moral anger and goading you into making hostile statements, have only one thing in common: they all wish you dead. After seeing the ground under their feet shaking and exhausting all political gimmicks to stop your march to an election win, this is now the pathetic, secret wish they carry in their hearts. Remember that getting one's head lopped off is not gallantry, it is stupidity. You will be much more useful with your head on your shoulders, trust me! Pakistan needs you to implement your agenda and we are with you all the way!!!
No "strong" statements will sort out this mess-- we have plenty of such gibberish ad nauseum everyday. It will only raise the red rag in front of the raging bull and make eventual negotiations much more complicated A well thought out policy involving a peace strategy is the only way. Let these reflexive haters drop more useless bombs on FATA and on paper--it will never get them anywhere.
I totally agree that Imran Khan has disappointed people with his immature and irresponsible gaffes but I also think that this writer does not get it either.
Yet another opinion piece that totally misses the mark. The Afghan government is an elected government just like the Pakistani government and therefore any militant organization calling for the overthrow of an elected government should be condemned unequivocally on both sides of the Durand Line.
The TTP are an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban and they swear allegiance to Amir ul Momineen aka Mullah Omar. Both the Afghan Taliban and TTP strive for Pashtun hegemony in Pashtun lands.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that the Afghan Taliban does not have a beef against the state of Pakistan. On the contrary they want Pashtun lands back and the TTP is a veritable arm of the Afghan Taliban pursuing an expansionist agenda, which will eventually carve out a state for the Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line.
WOW ! you must have had a bad day in court. Venting anger on Imran Khan for saying what you think is wrong or someone praising Altaf Bhai for actually saying the right thing, is not going to make an iota of difference. Your fire and brimstone reasoning should be hurled at those who matter and at present seem to be in a ' deer in the headlight ' situation.
"The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan consists of groups indigenous to Pakistan whose primary aim is to overthrow the elected government of Pakistan and to take over power in Pakistan." So what is the problem here? Each and every rightwing party, leader or group wants this and TTP and other terrorists are a tool to achieve that. Who actually killed BB, Taseer or Bhatti? Why only liberal and elected secular leaders are targeted by these terrorists?
I am not agree with you. where were these pakistan TTP before 9/11. their fight starts after lal mosque attack and armies first operations in fata 2002. I completely disagree you. they have very strong arguments. you cant deny them. because how could pakistani army and gov could appreciate the struggle against the communist afghans gov in the soviet invasion of Afghanistan and meanwhile at the same time attack on mulah naik muhammad by saying that he is terrorist while he is doing the same fighting against foreign invasion. imran argument is completely clear. you did not understand or you illusionist because of the anger of the attack on mlala. the agenda you are mentioning that ttp has, is not their first agenda, they change their agenda now there is many ttp groups with different names each have own aim and agenda. when the operation will start and there will be for sure a series of sucidie attacks, then you will again blame pakistan goverment and zia ul haq. i know its complicated and with your sense of intelligence it will solve neither if you blame imran khan. each life is important. any way these ttp people are from us, we have to deal with them. imran never support ttp. he just said to win trible people on our side side line them. if negotiation fails.
@Sabih Zafar Ullah: Altaf hussain can certainly do that. Actually any politician would be able to do that IF THEY WERE SITTING IN THE UK. Tell Mr Altaf to come to Pakistan and then repeat the same words.
Other then MQM every single party didn't condemn this attack openly & since social media is having soft corner for Malala, i hope you all would go for MQM in next elections.
a 14 years old girl exposed him....!
Pity the people who believe both the sectarian violence and the attack on Malala are more than petty and blatant warmongering. Whenever there is any kind of dialogue with Iran we have suddenly have all these sectarian attacks and I was waiting for baited breath for something to happen after the anti-drone protests and guess what? If I were the betting kind I would have made a lot of money by now.
I also pity those who think waziristan=taliban. If we can't differentiate between them then why should we expect the rest of the world to see beyond Pakistanis= terrorists.
{I don’t need to know the “root cause” of the TTP’s beliefs any more than I need to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath threatening my family.}
Well said. Bull's eye. But it wont help IK supporters see the light. They are made of sterner stuff.
@Faisal Naqvi
Another opinion piece that totally misses the mark. The Afghan government is an elected government just like the Pakistani government and therefore any militant organization calling for the overthrow of an elected government should be condemned unequivocally on both sides of the Durand Line.
The TTP are an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban and they swear allegiance to Amir ul Momineen aka Mullah Omar. Both the Afghan Taliban and TTP strive for Pashtun hegemony in Pashtun lands.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that the Afghan Taliban does not have a beef against the state of Pakistan. On the contrary they want Pashtun lands back and the TTP is a veritable arm of the Afghan Taliban pursuing an expansionist agenda, which will eventually carve out a state for the Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line.
How come you do not have such resentment towards "your elected government's" violence towards the citizens. your fellow citizens are living the most miserable lives because of this government that people like you elected and are still defending. THERE ARE FAR BIGGER ISSUES IN THIS COUNTRY THAN WHAT IMRAN KHAN SAYS AND DOES NOT SAY. Use this public forum that has been given to you a little more responsibly please.
An employee of Sweet Tooth (Near Hotspot Lahore) was beaten up by the Punjab Elite Police for not selling to Shahbaz Sharif's daughter when the shop was closed.
Your government's actions speak louder than Mr khan's words.
Shame on you Mister Writer, IK strongly condemned TTP unlike other political forces, Shame on you for NOT highlighting FATA problems and Drone strikes? Afraid?
Money talks !
Shameful. They/Taliban are killing our men, women and children but still we regard them our darling. In fact bigri hoi mehbooba
PTI Troll i am following you............Message...
@Memon: "Whereas I believe TTP are bad Talibans unlike Afghan Talibans (Who are fighting against US not against their own people)."
Afghan Taliban have not hesitated in targeting and killing thousands of Afghan civilians, officials, and anyone who does not like them!
@Bilal Hameed:
Really? Imran Khan himself could not get to Waziristan. How would he know?
The same goes for the “root cause” argument. Frankly, I couldn’t care less what inspires or motivates the TTP. I know that the TTP doesn’t accept the legitimacy of my country or my elected government. I know that they kill my fellow citizens. I know that they kill the soldiers who fight for my security. I don’t need to know the “root cause” of the TTP’s beliefs any more than I need to know about the childhood traumas of a psychopath threatening my family.
@Bilal Hameed: I wish IK has as much guts as Malala sitting in Swat.
Such stuff must not be written in our Great State of Denial
IK's political gaffes would be funny if they weren't so sad and true...the man is proving himself to be confused and directionless. He is under no threat of violence from the TTP - he has already shot himself in the foot.
Time has proved that tsunami khan is bogus and a big fraud.
Anyone can condemn in words. Words dont mean anything. Actions do.
Thank you Feisal for restoring my belief in sanity.
Excessive criticism of Imran khan is backfiring now .. ET have successfully published 100th blog against IK .. for once i thought i am living in 2013 and Imran khan is PM already ..
PTI trolls need to stop Imran-worship. The attack by TTP has nothing to do with drones which is a separate issue. The illegal drone strikes do not rationalize TTP attacks. If someone thinks of it that way then he/she needs to get his/her head checked: foremost being Imran Khan.
I agree with the title and the writer's view on Imran Khan, but have a diametrically opposite view in the rest of the argument. The TTP and the Afghan Taliban are two heads of the same hydra; it is naive to imagine that they are any different in ideology or method. Malala stood against principles that the Afghan Taliban had implemented in Afghanistan which were also being brought into Pakistan, and the punishment meted out to her is no different from those applied by the Taliban many times before - so why draw an artificial distinction between the Afghan and Pakistani versions of the same organization; just because their political targets are on different sides of a border that both units do not recognize? This just plays into the hands of those who try and portray the TTP as an bunch of criminals (they prefer using the acronym instead of the expansion) who are maligning the noble cause of the Taliban - genuine freedom fighters motivated by love for their homeland. Did not expect such a hollow argument from a writer of this calibre.
I agree with you what you said about Mr. Khan but do not agree about Afghan and Pakistani Taliban distinction. Both of them are two sides of same coin. Their ideology is one and their leader is Mullah Umar. Also about future, that after taking over Kabul, Afghan Taliban would normalize their relationship with Pakistan. They would, but after taking over Pakistan.
The countdown for Pakistan starts the day America leaves Afghanistan.
You are still very soft on this most coward man! let alone leader! he went into hiding coz of Musharraf wanted him in jail that was fact enought to show how scaredy-cat Mr Khan is!
Awsome....Mr Khan has some serious problems with his logic , ideas and most importantly with his followers.
I wish you had written this article in Waziristan not in luxurious living room, You would've understood each word what he says.
As Winston Churchil said to rally his people "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself". He didn't say that because he thought that no one will be killed in the war, but because he thought the fear is a bigger enemy than Nazis.
If Imran Khan has given in to fear - He has lost the war with extremists, with regressive ideology - even before he fought it.
Now someone did took money from the Shareefs, we can see the effect. I am unliking your page and ill stop visiting your website as its the most biased newspapers i have ever read. Bye!
The way the article is written, it seems the author would have slapped Imran Khan if he'd found him standing next to him when he was writing this........!!!
A Double Shame on you Mr Khan
Our existing Government is doing every thing which you are demanding from Khan ! than why we are not heading any where ?????????????
Haven't seen such strong worded headline against anyone who is responsible to maintain law and order but to a person who is not in government. Shame on you for writing something without facts and calling someone coward who bravely led two rallies in Quetta and Fata while sitting in your drawing room.
I wonder, how did ET accept this title? Whereas I believe TTP are bad Talibans unlike Afghan Talibans (Who are fighting against US not against their own people). We shouldn't have dialogues with TTP.
What a run around Imran Khan has taken us on. It seems, that a liberal fascist like myself, who is accused of hating the Pakistan Army, has more concern about soldiers killed fighting the TTP than the emotive vanguards of the PTI, JI and other right wing parties, who talk about root causes, and defending the state but are silent when our soldiers are killed.
Only Altaf Hussain was brave enough to condemn the Taliban directly without mincing his words. Shouldn't it be shame on all of them? Why single out IK?
This is a highly biased article ... Journalists only speak with no actual action plan ...
Another IK bashing artickes- hallmark of Express Tribune, home of the (fake) Liberals. Everyone except IK in power but the problem lies with PTI. Bravo, my psuedo-intellectuals & enjoy the attention you get here- thank again to Khan, otherwise you are one amongst millions!