A screenshot showing Imran Khan during his oath-taking ceremony.
Imran, whose party made a major breakthrough in the May 11 general election, is a vocal opponent of the missile attacks targeting Taliban and al Qaeda militants.
The 60-year-old was unable to take the oath with other lawmakers on June 1 as he was undergoing treatment for serious back injuries suffered in a fall at an election rally in Lahore shortly before polling day.
But on Wednesday, he delivered a wide-ranging speech in parliament, setting out his policies and intention of holding the new government to account from the opposition benches.
New Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has criticised drone strikes since coming to power, echoing long-held Pakistani complaints that they violate sovereignty, and used his first speech in office to call for them to end.
Imran said a comprehensive approach was needed, involving the army chief - widely seen as the most powerful man in a country ruled for more than half its life by the military.
"The prime minister, army chief and chief ministers should sit together and form a policy on drone attacks," Imran told parliament.
"We have to make this war our war, and it cannot become our own war unless we stop drone attacks."
According to the British Bureau of Investigative Journalism, since 2004 up to 3,587 people have been killed in Pakistan by drone attacks, and critics argue the civilian deaths they cause encourage people to join militant groups.
But the Washington views them as a vital weapon in the fight against militancy and the programme scored a notable success - in US eyes - earlier this month by killing the deputy commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Imran said he was not in favour of shooting down drones, as some in his own party have urged, but called for a more concerted diplomatic effort.
"First of all we should go to the UN Security Council and raise the issue there," he said.
PTI leads the ruling coalition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders the tribal regions and has borne the brunt of the militant violence that has wracked Pakistan in recent years.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar told parliament that the government had held detailed discussions with the army chief and would formulate a consensus on drones.
"The nation should stand united and send out a message that Pakistan is not a banana republic," Nisar told lawmakers in response to Imran's speech.
COMMENTS (96)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1734672426-0/Untitled-(71)1734672426-0-270x192.webp "wendy williams shines in sparkly dress at son kevin jr s graduation cries tears of joy")
@Saleem: Flexibility in approach is necessary in every step of life. Anything which is not flexible gets broken, simple fact.
Totally agreed !!!!!! This is exactly what happened after 11 May with PTI
Now the time is change welcome to Imran khan
@unbelievable: Dear Unbelievable, I do not know where you get your information from, but it is obvious to anybody with an IQ over 35 that the current war has been an American one from the very beginning, and it will continue until the US gets out.
@True Karachiwala: Flexibility in approach is necessary in every step of life. Anything which is not flexible gets broken, simple fact.
What have your experienced self-claimed learned but failed surgeons been doing for so long? As far as I can see, killing people. If people are anyway going to be killed then might as well as getting killed by an untested but honest surgeon. I am using the word untested, not incompetent. The only thing I know politicians like Shareefs etc do is manipulate masses, IK may not be competent there.
Instead of complicating matters, I must say any honest politician with a half brain would have governed Pakistan with the help of a team of technocrats. Alas, the whole objective is to make money as much as possible and get your kids into this money making. The result, long list of factories and palaces all over the land of pure and roads constructed to connect those properties.
An MQM, PPP, PML-N, ANP etc supporter can only raise negatives about PTI as there is nothing positive about their respective parties, but guess what MNS and others are pretending like PTI.
@Saleem:
No need to mention your ancestral lineage. If we have a surgeon who is admittedly not so good at his job, but very honest, would you like to be operated upon by him ? Immediately after election there is talk of flexibility which proves point # 2 above. This proposition may be adopted by every political party, more excuses can be presented, more alternative plans can be devised.Lets see how far we are ready to give benefit of doubt ???
@True Karachiwala: Btw I am a Pakistani from Karachi with forefathers coming from across the border :) Whether closely watching or not, one thing is certain about IK that he is honest and will remain so which can't be said about MNS, AH etc etc. I am prepared to accept policy change flexibility as long as the end goal is the same. If plan A doesn't work, there needs to be a plan B
I thought he would announce the blockade of NATO supplies through KPK. PTI voters, specially from KPK, please follow his policy on War on Terror closely !!!!!!!!!
@Liaqat Yousufzai: @Saleem: @Khawar: @Sayyed Safi Peerzada: @RizwanKhan: @AHSAN: @Billoo Bhaya:
It seems that you guys have just tuned into politics, this man has already taken salaries as MNA few years back.
@Ammar: Pakistani politics seems boring without King Khan.
I can vouch your views !!!!!!!!!!
@Rule of Law: Most educated people who have voted have no long term vision for the country. They also dont have good memory either. The uneducated masses are no surprise for their votes because these people have been kept uneducated on purpose so they are unable to make a sound decision and they can easily be manipulated by giving small incentives. MNS regime has only been ridiculed in the past by local as well as international organizations for its mismanagement, no one has praised one bit of it, I dont know where are you getting these tall claims from? There is and cannot be 'Rule Of Law' when these ultra rich are at the helm.
Well come back khan sb
@Aiman Kay: Its very easy to understand for anyone who wants to understand. Stop drones and then the war is ours, if at all it will be. And we will fight our own way and then the entire nation will be behind, big difference.
@waseem sarwar: lets forget election and look forward.
@Asad: If you'd have done more than saying 'I said so to all' that to previous ones, IK would have done it hands down this time.
@realist: This time he has got the entire nation behind IK. The nation including those whose votes were counted in his favor and the ones which were robbed by others.
@Saad: IK is the reason MNS has come to think of talking about corruption, education, austerity etc etc. The guy who wears 4+ million dollar watch and lives in palaces and has accumulated wealth is not expected to work for poor.
@Bilal: Your supporting IK's charities have had positive outcomes as each and every rupee or any other currency has been used to run one of the best cancer hospitals. You may have differences on issues being handled however your withdrawing support will not help the ones in need.
@ Khan
Sir, I am afraid your comment is way too arrogant when you claim that PML is voted mostly by those with little education. The fact is that PML has been voted by all strata of the society including highly educated people. I can tell you for sure that most of my university mates have voted for PML and are proud of it because PML has delivered markedly good governance- this fact has been corroborated by Transparency International and various IFIs like ADB and WB. On the other hand, PTI is considered as party of burger kids who sit in their airconditioned houses and have absolutely no idea about economic & political realities of Pakistan. They follow a former batsman but totally lack sportsman spirit. All independent surveys including Gallup, IRI & The Economist had been proving that PML is the most popular party of Pakistan. Writing on the wall !!!
@Zaffar: "Lets assume ur right!" I have not based my argument on any "assumptions". If you can refute these things, then provide me with an evidence that these things didn't happen. So be concrete and support your arguments with facts rather than arguing in an "assumptive" environment.
@Zaffar: How would you define "inherent incomptency" in the perspective of "previous record"
@Saad:
It has nothing to do with reality mate .. ET is not owned or run by I.K .. but reality is that PML is voted mostly but those with little education .. their supporters will be out in the fields serving their waderas and feudal lords .. people who will vote because they had a newly bricked street built .. not by those who think about long term policies for coming generations, society and the country.
Please STOP using the rhetoric of drones, Mr Imran Khan! You have made your government in KPK. The civilian and para-military power is at your disposal. Just shoot down the drones without creating noise if you have some courage. Otherwise, we are sick of these shallow rhetorics.
At last, Imran Khan comes to National Assembly to say "Janab-e-Speaker" to the person whom he has been ranting abuses during election campaign in NA-120. After Khan's defeat, his mindless trolls had started abusing Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. But nature has its own way of rewarding every deed and misdeed!
It was easier to take wicket or make run than the present politics.
Only man in national assembly
bravo kuptaan thats a high fiver
welcome man
He is demanding this only to make Talibans happy.
Yes. Agreed. But why not actions against killers of thousands of innocent Men, Women, and children of Pakistan. Sorry, no negotiations with Talibaans. Just eliminate them.
“We have to make this war our war, and it cannot become our own war unless we stop drone attacks.”
Since when did Imran got interested in making this war 'ours'?. Didn't he said repeatedly that this war is not ours and was never meant to be?
congrats ! i think now u r on right place as member of NA PAK....to be a PM ,it was wrong assessment of uand yr followers and agencies..hope u will play well role in parliament..forget,what u adressed in election compasion to make fool to public...u r Grear HERO !!
What action? Can you give them speeding ticket?
Love you Pakistan, Imran & PTI.
@Xnain: Lets assume ur right! What would you say about the inherent incomptency of NS & Coy as proven by previous record? Anyone who defends MetroBus Service as a sign of progress in a poor country must question the competency of his own leaders!
Previously Imran used to say that he would shoot down drones. Now when he has been faced with reality when he is a part of the government, he is saying he wants a diplomatic effort. So previously it was just election rhetoric. Just to win votes.
It is day like Eid for PTIs to see Imran Khan in NA. Long live Imran Khan we love you.
@Zaffar: Its what we call ghost rigging. Where the loser accuses winner of rigging for hiding his internal in competencies. Even IK himself admits that there were violation of conduct in ticket distribution of Punjab (as he said." Don't consider my candidate, consider my ideology") and he himself was not sure about the victory from Punjab (As he said in his last speech,"I have no worries about KPK, but you must not let me lose people of punjab". Even Javid Hashmi said yesterday that he knew beforehand that NS would be the next PM but he didn't want to reveal it before the elections due to its political implications. Now It's time for PTI leadership to let the truth out but they will always resort to rigging allegation since it keeps supporters like you satisfied while leaders can keep their weaknesses hidden.
Did he say anything about yesterday's suicide attack in KPK in which his party member was targetted by the same millitants who have hideouts in the drone-prone area
Rubbish - it's been your war for a long time and politicians like you have been hiding your head in the sand and blaming others for too long.
Before:“We have to make this war our war, and it cannot become our own war unless we stop drone attacks.” Ref: http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=205763
After: “We have to make this war our war, and it cannot become our own war unless we stop drone attacks.” and After: Imran said he was not in favour of shooting down drones, as some in his own party have urged, but called for a more concerted diplomatic effort.
Still I would call this an improvement!! Josh e Khitabat me to admi bohut kuch keh jata he! :D
@Billoo Bhaya: You people haven't mentioned what he said about new budget and new tax system. Even the TV channels stop the broadcast, I know parliament house coverage is run by PTV and other channels have no rights to enter parliament house but there is something fishy, If someone have full coverage of his speech then kindly share with us.
@Saad: do you call yourself a true Pakistani at least support him for this cause
@Aiman Kay: The problem with PMLN is that they have arrived on the back of biggest rigging scandal ever! Crime does not pay and time will prove
These right wing parties PTI/PMLN are just making a fool of people. Each one of them is just beating about the bush and taking no concrete steps. PTI government could have easily blocked NTAO supply in PKP until drones are stopped but they did nothing. These are all US stooges pretending to be not.
But Captain didn't show Sports man spirit...
Welcome Back.. But it's rueful to see you in this condition.. Get well soon
Didn't he say, 'hum drone nahin maraengae, hum drone giraengae'?
Problem with PTI supporters is that they read each others comments on net and take it as a representation of all Pakistanis. No, one has questioned why Imran Khan is saying and what he is meant by “We have to make this war our war, and it cannot become our own war unless we stop drone attacks.” and "Imran said he was not in favour of shooting down drones, as some in his own party have urged, but called for a more concerted diplomatic effort."
@Muhammad Kaisar: Only if ET will let the reality be posted here
ah the lost PM! leave the federation to whom the citizens of this country voted. go and fix the province who voted you, focus on that. we will see the results
I am not happy. I want him to be my PM-second best is not good. I will give this Government less then 24 months before it will collapse as they do not have the vision or the capacity to lead us out of difficult times.
First thing IK needs to do is to kick some butt in his KPK government for their inaction on the security front. Polio workers are continued to be attacked in KPK.
The legislators who could not do any thing for the welfare of the masses will now be done by Imran Khan.
The nation is expecting a lot from you Imran Khan.
Your performance as MNA in the opposition will lead you to take lead in the next general election.
Now all eyes are looking at you.
Good luck and stay healthy.
It's good to see you back in action Kaptaan!
The count down of 90 days has started 17 days ago. Remember that Imran Khan - if you deliver I will be happy. If you fail (Which I think you will) I will say "I told you so all"
Goosebumps after reading all the comments above! Awesome! With "Faith, Unity and Discipline", we are invincible!
"You can only achieve, what you can perceive". We've perceived a NayaPakistan, we shall achieve it!
Love PTI, Love IK and love PTI voters. Welcome back great Khan of the muslim world.
Let's see what and how Imran Khan does as a parliamentarian. He has too many promises and dreams to keep !!!
Thanks God, there is some one in the NA, who will talk for the nation and ppl of Pakistan.
Great to see IK on the floor of the Parliament.
Amazingly, not a single negative comment above about IK. Happy to see this.
Finallly The Great Imran khan is back Thanks Allah he is good and recovered from the severe injury. Now its time for showing the real strength in National Assembly because leader of the nation will lead from the front and will tell the other parties the real meaning of opposition. He will definitely play his role for change and reforms in our country. PTI has already proved its worth by announcing the KPK Budget and everybody know the difference of that particular budget Best of Luck Imran Khan we all love you and proud of you.
I wish Imran the very best prayers to succeed in the struggle against injustice. Be just, even to thine enemies.
just love u IK
Thanks Imran for made us understand that without education we can not change Pakistan, each province is now spending much on education.
welcome keep fighting we are with you
imran nice to see you at National assembly.You were a fighter, you are a fighter and you will be fighter and i am confident that you will stand by what you said and will fight for all corrupt and dishonest parlimantarians.Wish you good health
Welcome Imran and thanks God for recovering. You are the asset of Pakistan. God bless you.
May Allah give you health and long life for the nation of Pakistan we are with you in every step of the life which you take in the favour of Pakistan. May Allah Help us AAmeen.
This is not the first time he's been a member of the assembly. Fingers crossed though.
Welcome to floor of na.i think now ik is getting maturity to talk about the unity.bcoz in the beggining he was flying alone and he was thinking that he would b done all ok alone in pk.it is good that he realises that all challenges should b tackle collectively..
may Allah bless you imran bhai. now move for a great cause,you have in your mind and perform positively for the prosperity of the poor pakistani people.
Love you Pakistan, Imran & PTI.
Imran Khan remember your promise and statement of eliminating corruption in 90 days. Less than 60 days remaining now.
Its good to see IK where he belongs. They have robbed the masses of its true leader, InshaAllah PM next elections. His vision and spirit needs to be seen in KP for the rest of the country to see and make decision in the next elections.
BRAVO .. captain back in action
Be careful and wecome back. There still a lot of criminals in this assembly who want to try the forklift episode again
Bravo Captain well come back and good to see u such a unfortunate fall from 11 feet height and serious injury Faced it boldly ...treated in Pakistan ... did not fly out to Dubai or London true Pakistani spirit Good luck
Though Nawaz is the Prime Minister, Mr. Khan is more cherismatic than Nawaz and I am sure many parliamentariens including Nawaz, wish to be in his shoes for the dedication, practicallity, clearity of mind, persona, achievements, trust , credibility and public love this man has been gifted by Allah.
Good to see him back!
Welcome Imran. Your supporters have prayed so much to see you on the assembly floor.We are thankful to Almighty Allah for giving you the health and strength to lead once again. Imran our dreams almost froze when you fell down and got injured. The next shock was rigged elections, and PTI's defeat in NA inspite of all the support. Yes PTI won in KPK but that didnt satisfy us.Our struggle continues.But we all need You- to lead from the front .Wishing you all the best.Lets start where we left....the goals are slightly changed, but not largely.We have to move on.Best of luck, and god speed.
Here comes the real visionary leader. Now the parliament would be talking on the core issues of Pakistan in an independent and dignified manner rather than wasting time on cosmetic or US phobia-centric discussions. Long live Imran Khan
King Khan is here. Alot to do king. No time to waste and lets change this country for the best!
He just had not change the environment of the election campaign.But probably will change the environment of the assembly.
The Leader of the True Opposition.
Our Hero.
God Bless you Imran Khan
"THE" man is in the ring. Bring it on.
Here comes Kaptaan! Welcome leader
Great Leader
Game changing day in the history of Pakistani politics. I pray that you succeed in achieving your goals Khan Sb.
Welcome back King Khan. Ayaz Sadiq and Imran Khan, Quite long story and it still goes on on and on. :)
True fighter.
Great to see you standing on the floor of the NA. You were being sorely missed. Good luck and never go up a forklift again.