Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has said that he will “declare jihad to save Pakistan” and “will disarm all militants group operating in the country,” reported Mail Today on Wednesday.
In an interview with the Indian daily, Khan spoke on the issue of terrorism in Pakistan and said that terror leaders can be “transformed.”
“I am sure they can be put into nation building, human beings can change. I will make them realise that militancy is not a solution.”
The PTI chief, who is currently present in India to attend the World Economic Forum in Gurgaon, said that he will bring the culprits behind Mumbai attacks to justice, if he is made the prime minister of Pakistan.
Khan assured that as the prime minister, he would ensure that terrorism does not stem from the Pakistani soil.
He said:
“India must understand the legal process takes time, but I will bring the Mumbai perpetrators to justice. We have to follow the rule of law.”
The daily says that during the interview, the PTI chief was confident of winning the elections. “I have created the only democratic party in Pakistan. We are now preparing for a democratic tsunami,” said Khan.
End US drone attacks
Khan said he hoped President Barack Obama would "give peace a chance" and stop US drone attacks now he had been re-elected, AFP reported.
The PTI chief has campaigned for an end to US drone strikes against suspected Taliban and al Qaeda militants in Pakistan's tribal areas, saying they result in civilian casualties.
"What Pakistan would be hoping for is a de-escalation of violence now in Afghanistan and the drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas," he said.
Khan said that Obama's first term in office had been "very tough on Pakistan - an increase in drone attacks and a surge in Afghanistan and increased militancy in Pakistan as a result."
"Now he (Obama) is no longer under the pressure to be re-elected we hope that he will give peace a chance which we so desperately need," he said.
Khan said he wanted Obama to call a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying that if Americans do not "get it right it is conceivable that they will leave it in a bigger mess than they found it."
Relationship with India
Speaking about Pakistan’s relationship with India, he said he was “in favour of a new relationship.”
“All these years we have had a relationship which was detrimental to the entire subcontinent. We moved one step forward, two steps backward. Mumbai came, (and) we were back to square one.”
Khan urged that there was a need for leadership of both countries to take on vested interests. “Who want to make money on the conflict?” He said young people “were tired of the continuing hostility between the two countries.”
No military solution to resolve Kashmir issue
The PTI chief said that a military solution could not help resolve the Kashmir issue and said that as the Pakistani premier, he will take the peace initiative. “It can be resolved. I will work on a road map by making people from India, Pakistan and Kashmiris look for a solution by sitting on a table.”
He added, “India is using troops in Kashmir. They are losing the battle of heart and minds. It’s like treating cancer with dispirin.”
‘No ties with the ISI’
When questioned about his ties with the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Pakistan Army, Khan said that he will “quit politics if anyone can prove I have taken one rupee from the ISI.”
COMMENTS (118)
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Sir Imran said write but his word take wrong way .. Just manipulate nothing else ... Imran is true ,, Allah save him from all obstacles & giving him chance to lead pakistan ,,, inshallah
All my prayers Imran Khan. He is the only man who can save Pakistan. May Allah give him success in elections.
He wants to save Pakistan? I dare he launch a 'jiahd' against the taliban, and its various factions.
Somehow the hidden Talib inside him keeps popping up every now and then.
@Liberal:
It's just not the word "jihad" -- if you remember, Mr. Imran Khan also loves using the word "tsunami", given the limited vocabulary of an ex-cricketer. Hopefully, he will bring a metaphorically meant tsunami and not a real one which would be catastrophic for the poor, confused and illiterate people of Pakistan.
@Falcon: 10 years back too Imran used to address groups in India and what he said was so eminently sensible that people really were his fans. At that time, access to google and youtube was not that common and people did not realize that he says one thing in India and diametrically opposite thing back in Pakistan.
This is not the first time he said that he would prevent any terror emanating from his soil towards India. He had said it earlier to Karana Thapar in Nov 2011. This is very reasonable. The problem is that he also endorses (not just engage but endorse) the DPC stance when he is in Pakistan.
Another example: In the same Karan Thapar interview, Thapar pointed out that he had said Indian Kashmir instead of Indian occupied Kashmir and upon some pointed questioning he agreed that he saw Kashmir as a human rights issue and nto a terrirtory issue and had used the term Indian Kashmir consciously. A week later in his speech in Pakistan he talks about jehad in Kashmir.
In one interview in India he said Bollywood was a common cultural link between India and Pakistan. Later in Pakistan he said Bolywood was trying to mislead Westerners by showing painted women to mislead the west whereas most Indian girls were quite dark and ugly.
It is this hypocrisy that undermines his credibility in India because now Indians have access to the discrepancy in his statements when in India and in Pakistan.
@sohaib zeshan: why?? i thing he is next PM of Pakistan Inshallah.
@Falcon: @Jat: Sir Ji…why get carried away with terms…
Easy brother, we are not discussing anyone else, and neither the meaning of the term "jihad". Just wanted to understand why not just say all that you have explained instead of using jihad. And that too in India ? I would say that was immature...
Obama won and Imran lost .
What a good coincidence .
@Jat: Sir Ji...why get carried away with terms...all the guy is saying is that he will introduce structural reforms in terms of governance by tackling militancy in a much better manner than others. Tell me one other Pakistani leader who has openly declared that if he comes to power he will eliminate militancy at the grass roots level, bring to justice perpetrators of Mumbai massacre, and will de-fang vested interests who have traditionally benefited from Pak-India war machinery?
@K B Kale: NS is way ahead of this present lot.He is not hypocrite and what he promised he did it but all of us know what happened with him.Generals sacked this poor man who tried to change the fate of this country.Alas!
@jat
binoculars wont help. Buy you can borrow my microscope.....if you know what I mean.
Pakistan and it's leaders should do everything possible to avoid using the term Jihad - word has become synonymous with Islamic extremism. Your not going to resolve anything through Jihad.
@vasan: Mr Vasan, Not only Imran Khan but all Pakistani leaders talk sense when in India & when out of power (& aspiring it)! We have seen Benazir doing it and we have seen Nawaz Sharif doing it. Recently, Nawaz said Pakistan should stop looking at India as an enemy! Though I publicly lauded him for that in Jakarta Post & DAWN of Karachi, his real test will come if he says that when (and if) he comes to power as a PM. As for Imran Khan, he keeps bad company. I also suspect him to be a stooge of Pakistan's Armed Forces & there bete noir ISI. So I can't believe a single word of what he says till I see his 'demonstrated sincerity'! So it is going to be "wait-and-see" as far as I am concerned.
@Adnan Siddiqi
No, pretty sure its not me.
The evidence is whenever my husband sees IK or hears about IK, he starts shaking and sweating and asking me why Nawaz couldn't be more like IK, and why Nawaz isn't as popular like IK, and why people don't apprecaite that Nawaz stood up to the army (although he did it from Jeddah, but he still stood up!), and why our youth don't like IK. Then he spends hours and hours on the internet arguing with kids who support IK - but that only frustrates him more because he never seems to be able to convince anyone....and he hardly gets any recommendations for his efforts.
And there's no question of hair splitting, unfortunately my husband doesn't have any hair left to split...
@Falcon: "Haters will be haters but here is a man who is willing to lend his hand to the people of the sub-continent to change the course. So well said and he certainly makes a lot of sense."
Falcon brother, a serious reply from you and other PTI supporters, no joking or sarcasm:
Why is a "jihad" needed to save Pakistan ? Why can't it be saved by good governance, realism and common sense ?
Dear Imran Sir, i do believe you are the only sane person left in Pakistani politics who has no selfish interest.
You have given Pakistan the World Cup and you only can give Pakistan the chance to survive this madness.
@saima siddiqi: @Adnan Siddiqi:
You two get a room. This is a family oriented discussion forum.
Can someone please lend me a pair of binoculars ?
@True Muslim Paki (An Insafian):
Roger that brother! He is a True jihadi and henceforth it is expected that his supporters would not get offended when he is called Taliban Khan.
To all the "LOVERS" of IK - Trust that y'alls love for the Kaptaan is Platonic ;)
Love U IMRAN KHAN
Haters will be haters but here is a man who is willing to lend his hand to the people of the sub-continent to change the course. So well said and he certainly makes a lot of sense.
@saima siddiqi:
Mrs. Siddiqi - Are you sure that its not "you" who has driven her poor husband to the point of frustration, depression, schizophrenia and hair splitting?
Think about it. >>>Wink<<<
imran khan is loser he issue statement to happy indians that he will banned the millitants and on the other hand he encourages jehad ini afghanistan where the same talibans have killed millions and destroyed their country. shame on you taliban khan u r coward and loser. afhgans and pashtuns hate you
Right Wing sympathizer!
@Arindom: How about you indians stop telling us who should we choose. Pakistan is not india. mind that
Looks like Imran's trip to India last week has had the desired effect. He has been promised substantial funding for the elections. Quid pro quo.
“declare jihad to save Pakistan” IK, save Pakistan from what-'liberal fascists' Or right wing hate mongers like difae Pakistan and company?
luv u IK!
In the operational programme of Drone the term jehad has only one definition .So don't try to give multiple definition to it . I am sure , if attepted ,it will be counter productive .
@Adnan Siddiqi
Hello! Actually, I was thinking that if all these cult followers of IK actually end up voting, the sweep will be very much possible. And what if they convince others to vote as well? Hmm..that could wipe out PMLN.
This is what worries my husband all night. Just the other day he was crying that IK seems to be more popular then Nawaz sharif, and Mian sahib seems to have run out of ideas to counter PTI...guess no one is that impressed by motorways and yellow taxis anymore.
He was so frustrated, I felt really sorry for him...really, if he had any hair left he would have pulled that out as well!
Mr. Khan has been presenting the hypothesis that terrorism against Pakistani Shias, Ahmadis and Christians is a result of attacks by American drones on some parts of Pakistani. I respect his right to this bizarre logic, though do not agree with it.
Moreover, actions speak louder than words.
And actions such as the terrorist Sipah-e Sahaba waving its flags at PTI rallies, and PTI participating not just in DPC rallies but the funeral prayers in absentia of arch terrorist Bin Laden held by a terrorist group where a PTI leader called that accursed man a martyr are a matter of record. Are these the ways to curb terrorism?
As for Mr. Khan becoming the prime minister, well, he has been available to the electorate for the past fifteen years, and the electorate's actions have spoken quite loudly, that is, if Mr. Khan was hearing!
We should appreciate IK on his right statements. Everybody knows he is speaking truth and he advice youth to do the same. I want to tell the opponents that "don’t spread frustration". If u cannot do right then encourage who are right.
He will promote burger class
It's like setting house on fire to get rid of rodents!
Imran Khan is chairman of PTI or TTP?
@sabi: "Who is cancer?" +++++++++++++++++++ Pres Obama has famously defined who is the cancer.
@MUSTAFA SOHAIL:
"Love u IK!!" Bro, its is because of cult worshipping followers like you that IK don't stand a chance of winning an election let alone sweeping one; at least not on planet earth.
Please grow up.
How can Imran disarm the militants? He doesn't even know that dealing with the militants is the prerogative of the generals of Pakistan army.
love u IK
@abc: Did the Prophet do what arabs were doing during that time?
For all you people saying Jihad does not intend violence in most of its context, do enlighten me as to why your Quran says the elderly and disabled are not obligated to participate in it. They're fully capable of doing it if it's in the context you claim. Sounds more like war exemptions.
@adil: when we vote PTI and bring the party in power..
My Vote will Go to the Great IK
Mr@Liberal: No, he must use it as much as possible to give right meaning and understanding of Jihad. Jihad is compulsory on each Muslim and due to enemy of Islam; we just cannot stop using this word. First of all what is the most important and compulsory Jihad on each Muslim; that is Jihad against your bad intentions and unnecessary desires. However, if you look at most of the Muslims we don’t follow this and only pick up gun which is the last form of Jihad once you do the first one (i.e. against your bad intentions and unnecessary desires). I guess this Jihad against bad intentions and unnecessary desires should be mention many times to give understanding not only to non-Muslims but also to many Muslims who do not understand.
With reference to PTI's chief being "Confident of Winning the Elections," I have a mighty simple question from the Insafi supremo himself and his internet brigade:
Elections are almost around the corner now and more than 1300 National and Provisional Assembly seats are up for grabs. PTI would do mankind a huge favour by giving the name of no more than 50 candidates from across Pakistan who could easily claim to win their respective constituencies.
@vasan
You are not happy this way, you are not happy that way. What do you guys want?
And I know that the OBAMA is putting Drones over the jehadees , that is why Americans have granted him second term in office of the president .
Better detter to use the term Jehad .mr IK
@Shakeel N: "Jihad is not a wrong word. It means “… the struggle to build a good society” (Ref: Wikipedia.)
So TTP is struggling to build a good society in Pakistan.
@vasan: Why dont you appreciate the fract that he still went out and said it.
@Indian Wisdom: Well that can only be answered in polls. He doesnt hold a seat in parliament. Putting forward an agenda is pretty much all he can do right now.
What he says in foriegn countries, in always contrary to his statements in Pakistan. Well done Mr. Khan, you are becoming a real politician!!
I thing u people should understand and keep in mind that he is a pathan and we pathans never lie no matter what happened why do u people r scared of word JIHAD this word has many types ther r 9 types of JIHAD well said khan we inshallah will vote PTI
Jihad is the most abused word in Pakistan. Jihad does not mean war kill. Jihad is about striving or struggling for a cause, Jihad can also be against corruption and various other things. Khan is saying he will strive to save and make a better Pakistan.
Not only Imran Khan but all Pakistani Leaders talk sense when in India & when out of power (& aspiring it)! We have seen Benazir doing it, Nawaz Sharif doing it. Recently, Nawaz said Pakistan should stop looking at India as an enemy! Though I publicly lauded him for that in Jakarta Post & in DAWN, his real test will come if he says that when (and if) he comes to power. Imran keeps bad company. I also suspect him to be the stooge of Pak Armed Forces & ISI. So I can't believe a single word of what he says till I see his 'demonstrated sincerity'! So wait-and-dew' it is going to be.
Why is everyone on about the Jihad bit...who cares about that meaningless rhetoric. It means whatever you want it to mean. T
It is the bit about bringing Mumbai plotters to justice that was the insane bit. Let alone the fact that that would, let's be honest, involve military men and therefore is impossible. But this is coming from a man who does rallies with the likes of Haafiz Saeed.
I sense honesty and sincerity in this guy...if I would have been pakistani I would have voted for him.
Hilarious as always.
Mostly in west, people dont understand the real meaning of jihad, they will take this wrongly. By far, Imran is the only sensible leader at present in Pakistan politics. His vision and intelect is much needed in country like Pakistan where mega crooks able to hold high offices and bring misery to people of Pakistan! PTI or else, do vote for sincere candidates! Its time to move Pakistan forward with the best minds country can offer, show to door to "saja gama and phujja" culture now. Elect clean and sincere guys please!
@Leila Rage: if you really wana know his plan then listen to his speeches or talkshows. he explainseverything in detail. Lets not be ignorant!
Yes. What's wrong with this statement? For once, the word 'jihad' is being used positively.
The whole of Pakistan supports you...
@Arindom: same as you have no clue what u r saying!!
IK,throw your bouncers on those (right wing mindset) hiting hard on innocents instead on tail enders (politicians).
Despite not being in power Khan has already built a narrative for the young lot of the country to follow ! He builds narrative instead of following the popular path. well done Khan !
So where does he says will declare Jihad?? and Jihad means to strive to be better it doesnt necessarily mean war or Jihad definition of the west!!
People are actually this dumb, that they dont want to support imran khan. Yes i know your future.. i see drones, zardari and suicide killings in pakistan. we don't really deserve someone as good as him. :/
@Aryabhat A wrong can not justify other wrong!
"Do in Rome what the Romans do".
Imran is right InshAllah PTI is the last hope.
Oh really! He is ready to put last nail in the coffin.
good
Totally agree with Imran Khan!
@arindom seems like you do :)
" I will make them realise that militancy is not a solution.” Why cant you do that now if you are so confident that they are rational actors who can be swayed? Why wait till you become PM? But hold on, I thought they were just disgruntled tribesman who are up in arms because of US WoT? Why do you need to convince them of anything? Once US leaves they should just go home right?
We need no peace with India until India stops its cross-border terrorism and systematic human rights abuses in Kashmir since 1947. India is not important to obsess over. Your focus should be on national policy. You have disappointed me Imran. I expected better from you, as a PTI fan.
When Mr. IK??WHEN???..you are a master of Rhetoric, this has been proved time and again.
A great communicator and that’s why make people fool out of the discussion. He cannot talk and discuss one to one with a good speaker, this we can see easily that he wants to conduct tv program individually and force anchors that no one will share the talk show. People must know that his intentions are negative which cannot bring harmony in the people of Pakistan . He says that all the Pakistani youth will vote for him but on the other hand his intention is only to give 25% party tickets to the youth. How come the old candidate with around 60 years of age can lead a potential and energetic youth. He is creating hatred and bad image for the people just by showing negative picture of the reality. The most unreliable and insane person in politics of Pakistan, where his stance changes according to the situation.
He added, “India is using troops in Kashmir. They are losing the battle of heart and minds. It’s like treating cancer with dispirin.” Who is cancer?
The PTI chief, who is currently present in India to attend the World Economic Forum in Gurgaon, said that he will bring the culprits behind Mumbai attacks to justice, if he is made the prime minister of Pakistan. The above statement is good enough for IK to lose the election in Pakistan, knowing the wide support to foreign attacking terrorists inside pakistan Khan assured that as the prime minister, he would ensure that terrorism does not stem from the Pakistani soil. Mush promised the same thing, We all know what happened to him and the terroists . Mr Khan, Just because you are in India, you cannot say the above statements, Pakistanis do not like those and will not vote for you.
I don't get why people find negativity in Imran's statements.
he is saying india about kashmir policy is wrong + Mumbai attackers will be trail under the law.
no need to argue or discuss - we'll vote for imran khan as he's the most honest. bat khatam.
The most abused (and worthless) word in the lexicon: Jihad.
He said “India is using troops in Kashmir. They are losing the battle of heart and minds. It’s like treating cancer with dispirin.”
How about Pakistan winning battle of hearts and mind in Balochistan first pls?
@faraz: They don't!!!!! Sh. Rasheed is not PTI member.
Conquering the Indian hearts and minds, well done Kaptaan
Khan says different things to different people. That's his "beauty".
there is no miandad or wasim akram in the team now. So no use giving him charge of bat and ball. he will prove to be failure there as well.
Hypocrisy, delusional-ity, ignorance, simple-mindedness, schizophrenia. I don't know what this is.
ET your headlines are amazing...Black journalism, keep it up!
Faraz first read the complete news and then comment. Reading only the Heading and commenting shows ur shallow mentality..
Terrorists can not be transformed.
Why doesn't Imran Khan ever elaborate and explain HOW he plans to fulfill all these promises he keeps making. He's doing what the PPP did years ago; making all these big and hopeful promises to the people of Pakistan and never saying how he will fulfill them--eventually he's just going to do whatever he wants and not fulfill any of his promises when he's in power.
He never explains his policies fully he just makes fancy remarks. He might have the right intentions, but at the end of the day hes a better cricketer and philanthropist than he is a politician; he lack diplomacy and political experience.
Only pti will bring change and make south Asia a union to compete with EU LONG LIVE IMRAN PTI PAKISTAN
I salute you O Captain my Captain!
@Arindom: Have you any clue on what you are saying???
"The PTI chief, who is currently present in India to attend the World Economic Forum in Gurgaon, said that he will bring the culprits behind Mumbai attacks to justice, if he is made the prime minister of Pakistan." Liked it............But the question still remains "if he is made the PM of Pakistan????".......
jihad mean to strive and struggle
Easy to say when you are not in hot seat. Let us see whether he walks the talk. Now also Obama won, if Imran comes to power he must disarm the militants which i doubt will be successful. If not drone attacks will continue, then the real Imran khan will be known.
but Mr khan i don't think you will win elections!
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has said that he will “declare jihad to save Pakistan”! Way-to-go-Imran!!! All educated and loyal Pakistan Citizens are with you!!!
Champion!
Attempt to lure US and West! War against terrorism, NOW, jihad against terrorism, sounds like same curry in different pan!!
USA has kept faith in the candidate they thought was "good" for the country even though he has been in the office for 4 years and unable to deliver on lots of promises. We have to elect IK with the same conviction. NO IFS & BUTS. IK Zindabad
once again a misleading headline ..it should be Will declare jihad to save Pakistan from Terrorism .. I think looking at the ET Bias Imran khan should now stop using word Jihad ... no matter what he mean by it ...
Well said my leader
So thats why PTI leaders attend DPC rallies to transform terrorists