PTI Chairman Imran Khan says the US droned the peace jirga. PHOTO: FILE
Imran, while speaking in the Assembly after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, said that he had no intention of going to war with the US and thus could not shoot down drones, which left them with only with the options of stopping the Nato supply line or going to the United Nations Security Council.
“On November 20, since there is Muharram and we have respect for it, we will stop the Nato supply line in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Imran in his speech in the assembly extolled on the damage that Pakistan had suffered as a result of the War on Terror and how repeated military operations had failed to yield the desired results, and that “sending army and Lashkars into Waziristan was as big a disaster as sending the army to East Pakistan, Balochistan.”
“We sent the army into Waziristan at the behest of US. We sent them in there for dollars.
Today the reaction to that action has become such that 150,000 troops are now embroiled in seven FATA agencies.”
Adding how the All Parties Conference had decided that peace and dialogue should be given a chance, Imran said that “this [September 2013] was the fourth APC. In the first APC three years ago organised by former Premier Yousaf Raza Gilani we talked about how military operations had not been able to achieve anything, ‘lets give peace a chance.’”
However, he said that last week’s US strike had destroyed chances for peace. “Did they only have to kill Mehsud when there was a chance of peace.”
“Does this mean that the US will not allow peace in Pakistan.”
Saying that where the country stood today was the “defining moment of Pakistan," Imran said that chance of peace looked bleak.
“All the efforts made by [Interior Minister] Nisar and we reached talks, and then that peace jirga was droned. So I ask is US our friend or enemy?”
Imran added that whatever the Interior Minister did now, it would be extremely difficult for any new TTP chief to come back to the table.
“Unless we unite and tell US that you have destroyed a chance for peace, and we take a united stand on this. We have been condemning strikes for nine years. Condemnation will not change anything.”
Bring everyone on one page
Claiming how he was ready to go meet everyone to bring the nation on one page for peace he said that he was willing to put all differences aside.
“I am ready to go to everyone, even Maulana [Fazlur Rehman].”
“If we take a stand now. Beggars don't become a nation, only unity can make us a nation.”
K-P approves resolution to block Nato supply lines
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly on Modnay unanimously approved a resolution to block the Nato supply line through the province, Express News reported.
Separately a resolution urging the federal government to take effective measures to stop drone strikes.
Express News correspondent Ehtisham Khan said that during Monday's session of the K-P assembly, the resolution stated that the federal government had a 15 day deadline to make efforts to stop drone strikes after which the province can unilaterally block supply lines through K-P.
COMMENTS (98)
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@touseef Scary baby usa has not destroyed Itan North korea why are you scared USA is not mad that she will declare war
Read my comment again, this time with glasses. I am not talking about USA declaring war upon you. What if USA says that blocking arms is equivalent to your declaring war on them.
Are you ready to declare war on USA?
Extremist exist in every nation, the problem is how you dealt with them; either via power or dialogue.
@Nida Alvi: Whats funny is that while qualifying others as trolls, u have trolled yourself on this page by presenting mere opinions rathet than true facts. Ironic isnt it.
I think for Pakistan the best strategy would be to bomb a US Base in Afghanistan to avenge the killing of the muslim brother hakimullah.
Was I the only one who noticed monday spelled wrong ?
I shudder to think what will happen if IK actually manages to block the NATO supplies.
US is on the way out of Afghanistan and this is a very very crucial year for them. If you do anything to give them trouble at the most important stage of their pull-out, then you should be prepared to pay a horrible price for that.
A great aspect we seem to have overlooked: we don't have friends in the world. No nation will stand up for us and due to this, Obama is no need to exercise any sort of restraint. All his pent up anger on others is going to be diverted to this wretched country.
The consequences are going to be terrible. Let's brace ourselves for that.
@Mastishhk: "Why does he want to wait till Muharram ? Why not now? " . After the 20th will have to wait a little more for Christmas shopping and then Christmas itself. Soon after that there are New Year holidays. Be patient. . After a wait of 90 days you will see a lot of action, I promise.
Why does he want to wait till Muharram ? Why not now?
@Umer: because unlike some people he actually cares about different sects and religions in the country and does not want to disrupt Muharram rallies
Looks like an emotional decision rather than a wise one. Why this sudden love for a murderer who mowed down thousands of Pakistanis?
@Fateh Mohammed: "... Oxford degree was awarded for playing cricket not for any intellectual pursuit " . A day is 24 hours long. In his book Waseem Akram describes how IK spent the late nights playing some other game.
I would strongly suggest that Imran Khan wait to block the NATO supply line until after November 23, when we'll be celebrating Miley Cyrus' birthday.
Didn't Imran Khan say prior to the elections that he would shoot down drones if he forms a federal government. Now he's telling us that drones cannot be shot down simply because that would seen as an act of war against the US. Keep this up and I don't think PTI will get my vote again.
There is No Way Pakistan Armed Forces will choose War. Pakistan Won Already, America Cannot Go on its own choosing. America will make a Deal with Pakistan. Alexander the Great of Macedonia finally took Pakistan Route to go back Home. Pakistan will Facilitate America return.
@imran bhatt: Few things to understand. TTP is no friend and neither IK has said that. The problem here is that US has disturbed the peace talks... there will be no further compromises from TTP side. There will be more suicide attacks because our enemy is not known... the suicide bomber is usually sitting amongst us and we cannot identify. So this war can only be fought through dialogue. TTP has caused a lot of problems but killing them with US drones is not how we Pakistanis would like to do, because this is just curing the fever and killing the actual reason of fever. The fever will come again and again and everytime much more stronger and painful. A peace process through dialogue could be a complete medication.
@bilal: Mr. brilliant, care to explain what do you mean by "avoid confrontation". Do you think in your dreams that Liberals will come out on the street and destroy life and property? No. They will not come out of their houses except on ET.
No worries, America is already taking care of that. $1.6 Billion was not just free money to Nawaz Sharif, nothing is free, there is no free lunch... I give you money and in return we take your lives!
@Gupta:
China...China...China. Long Live Pakistan and China.
And I forgot to add one more thing.... didnt see any IK comment when Punjab Police stopped Ahamadies from bakraid sacrifice but now he is talking about shia's festival. Does he really care. Not seen him condemning Shia killings so far. So much contradiction to believe in sincerity.
Simple as that. Subcontinent education level is so low that these fake leaders get away with their antics.
Why wait for 20th? Do Americans commemorate Muharram or Ashura or did the Taliban told PTI to wait for Ashura? Imran Khan should stop making a mockery of this nations people who made the fatal mistake of voting for him.
Hi,
will you please post my previos comment/response?
What is occuring now is what I forecasted a year ago in the Reuters Blog.. It is not Imran Khan nor the KP Government but the Monster of the WAR which most people forget. It has its own dynamics and its rules as well as the timing of its own choosing; and when it takes over all the partipating actors become its victims, including the Taliban commander who heeded to the call of peace, or the Pakistani Prime Minister who was elected on the mandate of peace but was dithering to seek a dialogue of peace without the approval of the foreign power, the USA administration whose President speaks no longer for the free world because of his NSA illegal activities against the citizens of the USA as well as the European allies, all being overwhelmed by the events. The Vietnam cyndrom is there even before the new year has begun. The resistance against the occpation and foreign hegemony will again rise in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the peaceful majortiy I guess will once again be faced with the conseqences of what the war mongers had lways planned.
Rex Minor
Why not now ????????
Well IK has made all noises. Nov-20 is not too far. Being an Indian, I don't understand how come OBL was living less than 1 mile from Pakistan military academy and TTP chief Meshud was hiding himself again in a farm house located nearby army base.
I dont think apart from Americans any one can understand whats going on in Pakistan. Indians are too immature in this regard. NS talking all peace talk and flair up going on LOC. I think Manmohan singh gov took one decision correctly: don't trust blindly and talk after verifying
@Sara Khan: True. But some criminals, whom Imran Khan has sworn to protect, have taken away some of our leaders. As for Imran Khan, he's no leader. He's a hypocrite opportunist, who's thriving on the blood of 40 thousand Pakistanis.
Every word spoken from the heart. Guys can't u see IK is bringing out the Hidden agenda of all sides. He is the only one with a vision to end this madness. The rest don't have a clue. Government is going to follow his lead. Any sane person would. War can not to peace, when you target your own people. Kill someone's brother or children, how would u expect them to react ! Please listen to him!
@Gratgy: Scary baby usa has not destroyed Itan North korea why are you scared USA is not mad that she will declare war
Will Imran do "dharna" at Torkham when innocent Pakistanis again become the victim of Taliban terrorism, or if the behead our brave jawans? Of course not, then that will be obviously a yahoodi-Americans saazish to sabotage the peace dialogues. God fearing and peaceful Taliban can never commit such a crime. This guy is incorrigible.
Imran Khan along with others would only learn when they bite the dust, but I might be proved wrong as he may still continue to beg for talks even if Taliban kill 50000 more innocent people.
Day by day Imran Khan is turning out to be a joke. Where is it justified that no action can be taken during a religious time period? Unless one declares war during such a period. Has Imran Khan thought this notion in mind that the US might retaliate during Muhurrum that he chose to block supplies after the first 10 days? Perhaps he just gave the US some time to bulk up supplies till Nov 20.
As far as peace talk are concerned, the Taliban have been saying over and over again that no peace delegation has approached them since the last APC. Government is just talking to the media and not the Taliban. End of story!
Mr. IK its not a game of cricket or poker.. It's a very sensitive issue.. You should think wisely since you have a huge following.. I am also your big admirer for the philanthropic work you do.. But your this stance of taking sides of TTP and extremists is the limit of stupidity. It's not a matter of ghairet or be-ghaireti, you should think very wisely and should think of the outcomes of this decision. Your stupid decision would completely destroy Pakistan and together with your political career.
Oh moderater.................I sent you my detailed comments about the above topic about an hour before with the name of Ibrahim kakar but didn't get published............why...........please post it forthwith.........
A play boy ' s wish to become a martyr , what a crisis of character in a life time . Oxford degree was awarded for playing cricket not for any intellectual pursuit
@unbelievable: Pls advise what NGO do you work for??? Sell yourself but not so cheap, please!
@Gratgy: You remind me of Mushi - the same fear game!
@Raisani asking/saying: @bilal: To the most brilliant person on this forum, could you please tell me what NATO people or supplies has to do with Ashura? Really, you think the delay is being done is to be considerate towards NATO? You are indeed brilliant. It is a consideration towards people of Pakistan, particulary towards our shia brothers. It is an intention to avoid confrontation during a holy time for some of our fellow country men. Got it? Well done IK indeed.
This is what happens when we don't take care of ourselves HM was our most wanted killer but we had no intention to take care of him so others did.
Fix your problems, punish the terrorists rather then appeasing and pleading to them. Operation should not mean killing their population but it is must.
You do that and you will see that drones will disappear.
I am glad that great IK has given the US license to keep the drones on and on till 20th. This statement is as ridiculous as saying I am putting a ban on prostitution after three weeks! If he is man enough why not now? The number one terrorist's loss is too great to let go by IK and PTI. Let us act quick and forceful, pretty funny stuff!
If only I were less cynical..........
One can expect the TTP to indulge in violent activities over the next two weeks in the name of revenge. And Shias are likely to be victims during this Muharram period. By setting a Nov 20 date to stop the NATO supply lines, and not immediately, IK is not taking away a reason from TTP. They now have one2
@Umer: The day you understand that going to US, having an affair and being a slave are three different things, yout can consider yourself worthy for a driving license
IK in his dream land thinks he is the only one who has solutions for Pakistan's complex problems. He forgets it is the USA which for years has been bailing out our economy; which is providing aid; is one of our main trade export partners; NATO too includes EU members who too could cut aid/trade with Pakistan; and so on. Why such anger when one of the most wanted men by our armed forces, responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent people has been killed by a drone is beyond all reason. Rather than thank the USA, we hear such outlandish views. Thank you Imran Khan for making Pakistanis look like halfwits in the eyes of the world.
where is the respect for 50,000 of your citizens killed?5000 of your soldiers killed?PTI has always been the political arm of TTP.It will always act on their behalf.
Now those who voted for PML-N or PTI must have realised that wittingly or unwittingly, they have voted in TTP in Pakistan.
@Tariq: People like you are happy with corrupt politicians. With "Khaw or Khanay do" mentality who don't care about the nation. IK is a leader with clean heart unlike others, educated enough that no can face him.
@Umar Khan:
Pollution of west? Isn't Imran Khan the playboy here with all those girl friends over time?
@bilal:
What has ashura got to do with this? Since when drones care for ashura? This is just the old age tactic of JI that Imran has adopted; keep giving dates in future but do nothing. First its Eid, then Hajj then Muharram and so on.
What gets me is this guy says the Taliban fights because the US is killing Pakistani citizens, yet the fool that he is doesn't say squat about the Taliban bombs killing innocent minorities in the country, who are...hey presto also Pakistani! So a Pakistani killing a Pakistani is perfectly fine, but the white man doing it is a no no!
Blocking NATO supply line at this juncture is pure and sheer lunacy and a lunacy of this magnitude can only be expected by a lunatic like IK. I can guarantee that the Federal Government would under no condition acquiesce to such a ludicrous demand. Now the million dollar question, what would KPK Government do, will act unilaterally and block the supply line? In the event the federal government resists, would KPK Government dissolve the assemblies and PTI come out on the street? It has to...remember the edict which used to be delivered by IK in the past - you can't be in the government and act as a responsible opposition simultaneously.
good step. only way to get anything done. the Govt has enough time to come up with a formal plan for the drones if not stop the supplies.
any aid is eaten by politicians in power nothing makes it way to KPK or any one in Pak so a blockade will have no impact on ppl.
we cant fight a war forever. give peace a chance.
All political party leaders are saying Drones are non-constructive and must be stopped, Nawaz Sharif said in his UN speech, so why are people criticising Imran Khan when he says?
I think IK know these are just words but no but action, I wonder any one would favour TTP but at least try to negotiate if not successful you can all ways use force.
@Tariq: How eloquent! For someone whose IQ is supposed to be shallow, he certainly has achieved a lot. What have you done, Mr. Intellect ? How have you contributed to your country, other than criticize for the sake of criticism. Seems like the green monster is biting your derrière.
Honestly, today I feel Altaf Hussain's comments published on ET are more logical than Imran Khan's 20th Nov plan.
@Tad: Care to explain how US is owned by China? Please do not say that China has bought billions of US$ of T-bonds. Every country buys into T-bonds. Just imagine if US completely stops buying from China. In just a few months, China will disintegrate like the former Soviet Union into many new countries. Why is China not helping Pakistan by donating free money? At every corner you use the China card. Is Pakistan a Colony of China?
good decision by Imran Khan and should b final
well said IK . one nation one mission we are with you in blocking the nato supply
I can't imagine that the pollution of minds by the West is so far gone in the brains of Pakistanis that almost all of the commentators here are blaming IK for his stand.
For Gods sake, there is one person who is not talking about "himself", he is talking for the first time for the UNITY, and against the drones which are carried out by US citizens sitting in their comfortable offices in US, killing Pakistani citizens. For Gods sake open your eyes, and be united for ONCE! Otherwise remain separated as always and let Gora rule on you and your children like you have always wanted, for which the pathetic history is a proof!
Get some freedom of thoughts at least. The thinking that US is the only reason for Pakistanis continuing existence is shameful to say the least, far worst than a beggar.
@bilal: Wrong. Ashura or Moharram is not going to stop the terrorists from killing more innocents. So, why wait till 20 Nov. The reason is that IK is hoping that somehow his bluff wont be exposed and that in the next 15 days by some miracle he will not be called to blocade the NATO supplies.
@bilal: To the most brilliant person on this forum, could you please tell me what NATO people or supplies has to do with Ashura? we can not understand this logic. Khan Sahab is not declaring a war against NATO that coz of ehtraam-e-Ashura he is saying after 20 November, there must be some hidden reason, may be in between the prices go high :). i mean of diesel. lol
You ask if the US is a "Friend or an Enemy" and yet to take great pride in travelling to US 5 times a year on your chanda jaunts and wining and dining with lobbyists and Congressmen there. Down with such two faced hypocrites and and his shameless supporters.
Lollzzzz.....I can sense a U-Turn from a 100 miles away! First it was ceasing NATO supply line through KPK on Nov. 2. n Nov. 2nd it was decided that a decision in this regard would be reached after consultation with all parties and presenting resolutions in all legislative forums in the country. And now "Out of Respect for Muharram" the NATO supply line would be blocked from Nov. 20th!!!!
I guess that trolls and sheep herd followers of the cult can wash all that war paint off their faces and wait for the 20th Nov.
A question for all PTI & JI Lovers / suppoters: Please give me just give one good reason to condemn TTP chief HM killing! While responding please keep in mind that he killed innocent people of Pakistan!
Pakistan has lost all creditability when it tells the world that it has lost 30,000+ to terrorists.
Seeing some of the comments here I can only say that there is nothing wrong with the leaders who we abuse all the time. We would never get tired of ranting about the sovereignty, self sufficiency but when the times come our 'intellectuals' would call any act immaturish.
To the brilliant people asking why not stop NATO now, why wait till 20th Nov. Please learn to read the full article. IK is waiting for Ashura to be over.
@Rehan Alam: He did go to Oxford but only to play Cricket and party. I seriously doubt if he so much as opened a book. The man's intellect is about as deep as a puddle of water left on the street after a summer thundershower.
ETBLOGS1987
Imran seems to be saying that there will be a token stoppage ON November 20 not a SineDie stoppage FROM Nov. 20. Big difference.
this the difference between leaders and politician....a good leader is one who think for the future and uses his mind...a politician thinks about next election and think from the heart and is always emotional...it is up to the people to decide Imran Khan is leader or politician..hope ET will print
Waah Khan Sahab any specific reason from 20 November? why not from tomorrow? why not from today? Naik Kaam main tareekh pe tareekh kis liye Khan Sahab???
@ubelievable
The US is owned by China
Is that clear to you buddy?
@Vijay
Deal with your rape victims dude, leave us alone to sort out our problems. Drone IK? I just want to slap you Idiot!
Close the NATO supply lines and the US may just stop your aid
Can't have it both ways IK
Why can't IK become Chief of TTP ?
After reading these comments about IK statement, my belief has strengthened in the verse that reads "Leaders are the reflections of the people".... you all deserve leaders like Zardaris, Bhuttos and Sharifs....
Imran Khan: ..“sending army and Lashkars into Waziristan was as big a disaster as sending the army to East Pakistan, Balochistan.”
In East Pakistan (& Balochistan), army was send to conduct an ethnic Genocide (1971).
In Waziristan, army was sent to protect its own created jihadi terrorists (for later use). Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakeemullah Mehsud build, lived with two wives (& killed) in his own house -- 1 mile from Pakistan Army division HQ..
Imran Khan and Pakistan Army's always use such twisted logic.
Offense is the best defense. Crooks never change their habits until someone gives them a lesson, this is high time to give a lesson to US. Brave man, move froward we are with you.
Since when did stopping trucks manned by actual fellow muslims start interfering with our practice of religion?
Muharram k ihteraam mein Mr Khan ko bayaan dene bhi Nov 20th tak chhor dene chahiye. Its quite distracting for the average pious musalmaan of Pakistan.
Imran did you really go Oxford University or is it a fake qualification like the rest of our politicians.
Drone IK
Oh! I thought it was going to be 'now or never' !
@Ahmed:
Why wait for 20 nov if he is so brave? Why not now?
Nov 20? OMG this guy never does what he says, always gives some date in the future.
Mr. Khan, can you also call upon your ttp brothers to stop murdering innocent civilians?
Maybe Taliban Khan has a short memory? Did the last embargo stop drone attacks? Did it force the USA to give an abject apology? Did it force the USA to pay exorbitant transit fees? Did it improve Pakistan's international image? Nope. . I would argue that Pakistan is running out of time to improve it's relations with the USA and one more embargo maybe the last straw. If you lose relations with your largest export customer and the country that is ultimately responsible for almost all of your international financing the economic and political consequences maybe disastrous. . Chest thumping maybe popular pastime in Pakistan but doing so unemployed, cold and in the dark will not be pleasant.
Pls imran enuf is enuf, dont destroy pakistan go back to west where u belong
a brave decision by PTI Imran Khan to block nato supply after 20th Nov 2013 in kpk
Good luck with another shortsighted political gimmick to appease TTP and innocent (misled) masses.
Wonder how long the blockage will last if US makes one statement that blocking its supply lines is equivalent to a declaration of war.
This is called the real sher... unlike NS..(batoni sher)