File photo of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: INSAF.PK WEBSITE
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan condemned US Barack Obama's decision to consider carrying out a military strike in Syria on Monday.
A suspected chemical attack near Damascus on August 21 is said to have killed hundreds. The Syrian government has denied any involvement and has instead accused rebel forces for the attacks.
Khan said that the issue of whether the Syrian government used chemical weapons in the Damascus attacks needs to be investigated by UN inspectors and action taken on the basis of UN reports should be in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The PTI Chairman said, "the powerful cannot be allowed to break international norms with impunity".
The US president said on Saturday he would seek congressional consent before taking military action against Damascus for its apparent use of chemical weapons.
Calling Obama's decision to seek approval from Congress for military intervention an "internal political issue," Khan said that it did not legitimise the strikes in front of the international community.
He added that Pakistan had also suffered at the hands of the military-intensive approach followed by the US in the form of drone strikes, which were illegal.
He said, "Secretary of State John Kerry's declaration that Congressional approval was not required was a reflection of the militaristic policies displayed by the Obama Administration during its previous and present tenure in office."
"It is time that international laws are respected," Khan continued, adding that this was the only way to curb intra-state and inter-state conflicts.
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COMMENTS (80)
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no doubt he is a great leader and he has leadership qualities when he was captain of pakistan cricket team. i watched his winning clips at Khan TV. when he was captain.
Imran Khan is right. The Arab countries and Turkey should have been the ones to attack Assad and dislodge him. Iran made the mistake of supporting a murderous dictator, there is still time for them to change their stance. Any new Syrian state should not be based on sectarianism. The US involving itself in Syria will lead to another proxy state at perpetual war with increasing sectarian divisions, like Afghanistan and Iraq. US concern is only to make Israel stronger and Muslims weaker.
I cannot recall Imran criticizing Assad on the use of chemical weapons on his own people.
@ sextonblake - here is the answer - point by point.
Obama's Comment On Sachin “ I don’t know about cricket but still I watch cricket to see Sachin’s play.Not because I love his play it’s because to know the reason why my country’s production reduced by 5% when he is batting.” -(look up google or youtube)
A lot of people have gone to Oxford University - that doesn't make him famous.
Outstanding Leadership - in cricket u mean - point conceded - but that refers to my point 1. Obama doesn't know cricket and doesn't care abt it - he likes Basketball .IK is yet to prove any leadership on the political scene- making speeches is not leadership - sheikh rasheed can also give speeches- so can Zaid Hamid - doesn't make them leaders. FYI.
Your opinion on Obama is well taken I am not a fan of his either- but that again is irrelevant to the point I was making please read my comment again. Thx brother.@Sexton Blake: So, according to @Sexton Blake, the "Arab Spring" is all a GRAND CONSPIRACY against Muslims, for which (as usual) you neglect to provide any credible references to support your delusions! BTW, KHAN THE GREAT (Mr 90 days to solve ALL of Pakistan's problems?) hasn't yet been able to say the words "TTP" and "TERRORISTS" in the same sentence! So much for "saying it the way it is"!!
@neil: You have it quite wrong. Imran Khan is extremely famous in most of the world for his cricketing abilities, and has been for at least 3 years.. He is also an academic from Oxford university, and is an influential politician with outstanding leadership qualities. This contrasts quite sharply from President Obama who nobody had heard of until less than five years ago, makes one blunder after another, and is going from bad to worse in the American popularity stakes..
Atleast the US is condemning the chemical attack which killed thousands of innocent Muslims and is taking action. How many Muslims countries are taking such action? The Syrian war is sponsored by Saudis and Iranians and unfortunately innocent people are being killed. Why are Muslims countries not sending in their armies?
@numbersnumbers: Numbers, I will try to explain it to you in simple terms. Under the pseudonym of Arab Spring America has implemented a well-planned coordinated attack on yet another Muslim country, which will not allow itself to fall under US control. First off the leadership of the targeted country is blackened, then an opposition in isolation is created, and given world-wide media support. This is followed by providing paid and fully supported militants. The current devastation in Syria is being planned and coordinated by the Jamestown Foundation, a CIA front, in Turkey. Then a false flag situation is created such as weapons of mass destruction or poisonous gas, followed by a US or NATO attack. Most of the Middle-Eastern attacks are instigated by a small Mediterranean country. I have just given you the bare bones of the conflict, but they may help you. We are fortunate in having a leader such as Imran Khan who, unlike most so called leaders, is actually leading and saying it the way it is.
“It is time that international laws are respected,” Khan
US response - Obama - Imran who...???...
Pakistan has a self deluded importance issue - noone cares what Pakistan thinks or says brothers - a country that stands in front of the IMF with a begging bowl and was hiding OSAMA for years has no credibility - ask any oversea's pakistani - they will enlighten Mr. Khan. This statement is just for domestic consumption so that the mullas, zaid hamid, hamid gul ilk (which Pak has in abundance) are happy. Thats all . Concentrate on making Pakistan better mr Khan - thats why ppl elected you. Cheers.
Another immature statement
Give the guy a break. You cannot expect corruption will be eliminated in a matter of months.
Imran Sahab first learn to condemn fundamentalist extremist who have wreaked havoc on my country and in Syria also. First condemn the extremist who are creating miserable conditions on our own countrymen then later worry about others.
@ABKhan: Tell that to the US. Washington and its buddies are supplying the Syrian terrorists with all the weapons and poisonous gas.they need.
I am a PTI supporter but still would advice Imran khan to refrain from such statements..we have alot of our own problems..whts the use in taking part in an event in which our say will come make any change... Some times its important to keep quite....and yes law of the jungle is followed every where...even Iraq and Vietnam wars were illegal but we have no direct or indirect influence...!!!
I wish IK share such thoughts at some international platform not in his party gatherings. That would be more vocal and understandable.
BRAVO Immi! Well done on being vocal against US hegemonic terrorism.
He will condemn every one except the Taliban.
Imran Khan has obviously no concern or sympathy for the suffering of the Syrian people. He is fixated with his anti-american rhetoric. He has either a very low IQ or he is just a cynical politician.
Its pity that people are more concerned about opposing America and Obama , did anyone make any statement when Assad was killing his own people ? where was you stron stance and holy opinion then ? I am sure even in that you could have seen an american conspiracy but where were to speak out even that ?
@Wateva: Very well said.
Even though I am supportor of PTI, I STRONGLY recommend US must attack Bashar al Asad rergiem who murdered thousands and thousands Syrians.
@indian shia - sunni clerics will only pay lip service to the invasion of Syria because of KSA funding.All liberal rulers of ME are being targeted by gulf monarchies.There was no sectarian bloodbath in iraq prior to 2003.
for starters saddam hussain ,yasir arafat always supported indian stand.
@Usman: "@Ajab Khan Baluch: Umm dude, his party’s not in power in Karachi. What exactly are you harping on about? "
His party is not in power in Kachi but they did protest at Teen Talwar about election dhaandhli in Karachi did they not? Now that they have one MNA from KArachi, why is he so silent about the bloodshed that is going on in Karachi?
Agree 100 percent.
@unbelievable: Over 100,000 people killed by US supplied and equipped terrorists in Syria. Except for the simple minded, and paid operatives, we are not falling for US intelligence nonsense propaganda.
@Ajab Khan Baluch: Umm dude, his party's not in power in Karachi. What exactly are you harping on about?
So Imran Khan is perfectly fine with innocent people being killed by tyrants and terrorists. He doesn't want any action taken against Assad for murdering thousands of innocent civilians with chemical weapons. And he doesn't want any action against the Taliban for terrorizing innocents either.
He must be seriously lacking in intelligence to think any action against Syria can be taken in accordance with the UN Security Council (UNSC) while Russia (which has veto power in the UNSC) supports Assad and blocks any resolution in the UNSC that calls for action against Assad.
@Uncle: Sir, it doesn't require one to lose eyes or ears to be blind and deaf.You will here and see what you want to.Tell me of one instance where he has named TTP specifically as a terror organiztion, even after DI-jail break and their day-in and day-out gloating confessions about murdering Pakistanis.
@Insomnia: WOW, so you say Assad DIDN'T kill "thousands of his own people" using air strikes, helicopter gunships, tanks and heavy artillery that have left much of the country a ruin!!! So just where did the REBELS acquire all that heavy gear??????
To PTI Haters. First you ask him to be global, represent himself as an International Leader, now you want him to focus only on Pakistan. Spare him, and concentrate on your party's agenda for the betterment of Pakistan.
@indian shia How about you comment on the role Iran and Hezbollah are playing in Syria or is your sectarian bias blinding you from making a moral call? We all know because of sectarian loyalties Iran and Hezbollah will go to all costs to support Assad, regardless of how many civillian lives are lost. If shia blood spills its a crime against humanity, but when sunnis die in thousands its an 'internal issue'
@np faisal and indian Yes yes shame on saudi and qatar for interfering in internal matters. Why no criticism for Iran and Hezbollahs sending in thousansd of fighters to Syria and the planeloads of weapons they send to prop up Assad? Please try to demonstrate equal outrage otherwise it makes you look like a hypocrite
When was the last time a a Pakistani leader spoke against illegal, immoral wars waged by the U.S.A.? It seems now the time has come to break from the Seato, Cento mentality and find new pastures. All those who have commented against Imran Khan are the same people who find honesty of mind and speech against their grain of thinking.Perhaps for them, it pays to speak against the truth.
Khan just condemns it, whats wrong with people, tell me iraq and afghan war didnt effect us at all.? prices for the fuel food had increase, inflation and uncertainty above all human life is not safe..where this happen? this part of the region..maybe you guys were too busy at the time wearing nike, eating MacD and watching american TV series and living in american dream...plz come back to PAKISTAN.!
@csmann: Tune in to IK interview broadcasted live today on Dawn tv. Imran Khan clearly said that last option is to use FORCE AGAINST TERRORIST. Are you deaf or blind?
He can kiss goodbye to S.Arabian money now!!
Well, every has right to condemn any issue. People who are saying khan should focus on KPK.. He is doing it without your advise and concern. Speaking doesn't diversify his focus.
US blames many things to Pakistan and keeps on attacking drones. Only we internal people know, he is making propaganda. and whole world is believing on US. Are we doing wrong?
Same propaganda with Syria and same happened with iraq (may be) ... UN should investigate for truth... US is making israel strong by making her neighbours weak.
Don't you get it?
i appreciate, Imran spoke atleast.
@Raj - USA When can we start a countdown for a sensible post by you ??
I'm protest the fact that IK is always protesting. He sounds like the Syrians have elected him their leader when even the Pakistanis haven't.
criticism for the sake of criticism Common guys If he is opposing it then whats wrong with it. Do any of you find US Attack justified? If no then why are you criticizing I.K In fact Sharifz should condemn it too....Ohhh but why would they? How can they speak against US or Saudia :S
Since taking office, Imran Khan and his party have done nothing positive for this country. Condemning events which, to be frank, have absolutely no relevance here , protesting an election that has been widely accepted by the vast majority of the nation and his general apathy towards the the appalling situation in Karachi ( mind you NA 250 did elect a PTI representative) all point to just how incompetent he and his cronies appear to be. Women in KPK are still denied their basic rights and one constantly hears or corruption in the province, even after IK's 90 day time limit for change has well and truly expired. The blind supporters of Imran Khan who seem to support him simply for lack of better options need to accept that their hero is flawed and only with criticism can he learn and actually make the change he's been going on about.
Hey Imran,
Can you please show me where Syria in on the map?
Once you do, then you can talk about it.
Imran Khan should bother about KPK.........and let Obama and Asad worry about Syria. When you fail at home that is when you offer to put the world right............a disease all our leaders are aflicted with.
Does IK know the brotherly' country of saudi arabia has recommended and requested strikes
I think that the 90 days time limit for change is now over and count-down has begun for Maulana's 60 days time limit.
How about condemning your favorite Erdogan, what about Saudi Arabia and Qatar? This selective condemnation and Muslim victim hood fools no one when the people funding the rebels are none other than your Arab brothers who hate a Shia regime.
First, To all those people who are saying keh Imran khan should talk about his own country rather than any other country should get a life. He would talk about anything and everything, your approval or advice is not needed whatsoever.
Secondly, to those who think Assad killed thousands of his own people, I would say they are the dumbest dumbs you could ever come across.
And thumbs up to Imran khan for showing concern for not just his own people but people suffering elsewhere as well.
And I'm not a PTI supporter.
PTI haters you even don`t know yourself what are you saying... some body saying problems in Khi m,country``s problem,.... Hello NS is prime minister he is responsible for KHI and all the country not IK.... and IK and PTI are resobsible for KPK>>>>
@Ajab Khan Baluch: What stops him from condemning it. If US can do an illegal act of spreading chaos and destruction all others have the right to do as they like!
@Sandip: What in the world does condemning a nation against attacking another have to do with growing up, please tell me what has NS done in the hundred days he promised to turn Pakistan into an Asian Tiger oh yeah that was just Josh e Khitabat.
@Ajab Khan Baluch: What can IK do about Karachi? The only part of Karachi that is under PTI leadership is NA 250 and that seems to be doing extremely well. Parts of NA 250 have started to look like London and Dubai. The country's largest cinema opened up a few days ago and another world class mall opened its doors around a month ago. Please don't tell me malls dont have anything to do with progress, world class cities have huge malls and cinemas which generate billions for the economy and provide thousands of jobs.
PTI Haters are a minority. And we must learn to tolerate their endless incoherent ramblings. PTI will hopefully rule one day, if not Pakistan will forever be in darkness.
I pity the people who punish Pakistan by voting for a person whose long gone(Bhutto) I pity the people who punish Pakistan by voting for parties ruled by families. Enslaving all of us to the whims of two brothers.
Khan! this is not your job.. that is Federal Government job and you are not there. I sincerely advise you not to drag yourself in matters belongs to someone else. Just focus on KPK and let's see what you can deliver.
@Ch. Allah Daad: Why don't you tell the truth that you really are Nawaz Shareef secretly leaving comments against PTI with a fake name in these forums ;)
Mum again against TTP. Will he even once say something against TTP ever?
I bet the haters of Imran Khan will somehow hold him responsible for the massacre in Syria too.
Playing to the gallery, Khan ignores efforts of his brotherly countries active pursuit of war against the Syrian Government!
This is the guy i voted for.. Seriously i got carried away what was i thinking.. Here i was thinking he would be a cut above musharraf. He doesnt even come close. Musharraf at least delivered to his people. Life was better under him. khan cant manage his own party forget KPK or Pak. PLease God help Musharraf. Bring him back...
Does it any matter for US even if pakistan condemns??? IK, other pakistani leaders just crying.
Enough from PTI haters. crying all the time. better remind shareef brothers of their promises of ending load shedding within 3-5 months.
Khan speaks the truth,he makes a lot of sense.The number of haters are increasing but we stand by KHAN in blood and rain
Beautiful Syria has been completely destroyed, hundreds of thousands people have died, millions have taken refuge in neighbouring countries but our greatest leader did not care until the time Obama made any decision. No doubt, he is in league of Obama, Putin and Cameron. We can understand why he does not condemn terrorists of his own country.
So this guy thinks "powerful people should not break international laws"...and he says nothing about Assad killing 100 thousand of his own people and breaking international law by using poison gas weapons?...this man is just playing to the audience
Imran Khan lost my support and respect today!!
More than a hundred thousand men, women and children killed. It is time to disarm the whole of Syria. This whole WAR is played out with SELF interest within ALL parties. May it be Shia or Sunni. The Americans or the Russians. All are self guarding their own interest. Nobody is worried about the POOR public.
Its not cricket sir. You are already proving yourself a failure. Focus on your own self.
And The poll by ET is shut up call for the Haters who r always unhappy over Imran for calling a spade a spade!
Imran Khan is the only leader from Pakistan who has come out strong against Obama's decision. Proud to be an Insafian!
Over 100,000 Syrians have been slaughtered by Assad and when he finally speaks out it's an anti American diatribe -- anyone surprised? If nothing else he's predictable.
agreed captain khan,but also comment on the role played by sunni saudi arabia and what happned at aramgah of bibi zainab.
Asad’s Grandfather’s 1936 Letter to France prime minister - strong textFor a better understating of the ME read the official document in French government archives!
French foreign minister,Fabius,quoted the later in 2013 at UN Security Council.Asad grandfather Predicts Muslim Slaughter of Minorities,Praises Zionists
Alawites lived nearby Suni Muslims for centuries, know firsthand the Suni Islamist ideology: *asked European not to create artificial states in ME including different ethnic,tribal,religious and groups that are antagonistic to each other. Sentences from the document: 1: The spirit of fanaticism and narrow-mindedness, whose roots are deep in the heart of the Arab Muslims toward all those who are not Muslim, is the spirit that continually feeds the Islamic religion, 2: Syrians' independence implementation will cause the subjugation of the Alawite nation, placing the Alawite minority in danger of death and destruction 3: Those good Jews in Palestine who have brought to the Muslim Arabs civilization and peace, and have spread wealth and prosperity to the land of Palestine, have not hurt anyone and have not taken anything by force, and nevertheless the Muslims have declared holy war against them and have not hesitated to slaughter their children and their women.
4: A black future awaits minorities. Ref: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/07/09/an-israel-of-his-own-bashar-assads-murderous-campaign-to-protect-the-alawis-once-in-a-millennium-promised-land/
Mr. Imran Khan, It would be better if you controlled and cared your own country first and stopped high level militants from escaping from prisons under the jurisdiction of a province where your party is in power. Talking of fundamental human rights, where were you when the Ahmadis were prevented from voting like all other citizens of Pakistan, Oh I forgot you were part of the team as well, passing statements about other people's faith. Cut the big words and show us something material
Hats Off Khan for such brave words... you are a leader of international caliber, like ZA Bhutto.
totally agree with IK. USA cannot break international law.
And thus spoke the Khan. Will this guy ever grow up? Looks like his growth stopped in 1992 once he won the world cup. Has he solved all of KPK's problems? I guess his government has been in power for over 90 days now. Has it started delivering? And here is THE KHAN himself thundering against injustices that might be perpetrated against Syria. How very ridiculous.
Kaptan: Focus on problems in Pakistan.There are so many problems. Ever hear of karachi and hopeless law and order situation in Karachi.......what is PTI doing about it?