Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar speaks during a news conference in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
ISLAMABAD: Questioning the sincerity of US towards Pakistan, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said America doesn't want peace in the country.
Nisar made this statement while speaking to media outside the parliament after Friday prayers. He was responding to the recent drone strike in Hangu.
“How can we consider US as our friend after this drone strike,” Nisar questioned, adding that he fails to understand why Sartaj Aziz believed in US assurances.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Aziz had recently said that America has assured Pakistan that drone strikes will not be carried out during talks with the Taliban
Blaming US involvement in the country for all the chaos, the interior minister said it is time Pakistan decides between “honour and US dollars.”
He added that American financial aid has not brought any positive change in the country.
COMMENTS (92)
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@Khan: You are delusional if you think that world dislikes you because you are Muslims, have lots of engineers and scientists, have nuclear power, etc. You are equally delusional if you think your Army has protected Pakistan..sure it has built up impressive capability and armaments, however, it has done nothing in taking up the 'Real' , 'Manly' fight against the Shaia seeking TTP & JI. Where is their prowess. Fighting conventional wars such as those with India are considered 'simple' wars now-a-days. The one against TTP will be complex requiring more determination, will power and planning. Is your Army upto it? The clear answer is No!
@The Failed Rebel: The only problem is your well written response is that Imran, Fazlur, Maunawar, et all are also the enemies of Pakistan as is TTP and Pak Army, not doing anything to protect Pakistan from its enemies. So please don't be selective in your condemnation. Pakistan's whole canvas is corrupted. How you can paint it white and start all over is a mind boggling question because no one exists inside Pakistan who can do this. Perhaps Musharraf would have done it had he lasted longer and had he felt more stable. Now, it seems to outsiders, that only outside powers are the only option left. For example if you consider the demands of Fazlur, TTP for Sharia to replace constitution as un-Pakistani, then THEY are the Primary enemies, all others become Secondary enemies. Answer this question- Who, today, is capable of taking on TTP? Only US and its drones, seems to be the obvious answer. This isan't an answer of an Indian but many Pakistanis also.
Haqqani network is top enemy of America and on the target of America.Is it right that enemies of America are our friends?America will try to target its enemies where ever they are.No question of tribal or settled ares of KPK.Why were they living in settled area?It is convenient for them to live, work and operate from these comparatively safe areas. Apart from this these terrorists are against technical and general education schools.The schools or seminaries they are running are just nurseries for raising militants and terrorists. Only terrorists, old or young were killed here.
The Americans are not stupid. Our smart course would be to give over the Haqqanis to the Americans. The American government will never rest as long these terrorists (and friends of the TTP and al Qaeda) are hosted in Pakistan. Perhaps hosting the Haqqani Network as a "strategic reserve" is not a smart strategy?
There are still many good people in both PML and PPP. I just pray that they will join with the efforts of PTI to rid Pakistan of feudalism, ethnic strife, sectarianism, and serve the Pakistani nation.
Also, Indians please stop commenting on Pakistani politics with your baseless ill-founded theories. You only disprove yourselves and reveal your jealousy, although it does give us a good laugh.
@Aschraful Makhlooq: As long as the Minister opposes the American administration current strategy of destabilisation is what will get Pakistan out of the abyss. Todays America is not the John F Kennedy's America, because of its spying activities against allies it is drifting away from the values of the European civilisation and setting the scene for the break-up of the atlantic alliance.
Rex Minor
It is wise to know your enemy. It is proven time and again that, to become an enemy of USA is not good but to befriend her is absolutely fatal. Take the example of Cuba, Venezuela Nicaragua, Iraq, Vietnam, Cambodia and so on and so forth. The US is run by corporations and strong lobbies. The white house is just a hogwash. The media, CIA, Pentagon wields the real power.
"How we consider them our friend" ????
We don't ... You consider them family
Check your and your family's passport
Honourable Minister of Hypocrisy and treason
People like him should be thrown out of the country. Rule in pakistan with foreign passports and loyalty. First rehman malik and now this. Minister of hypocrisy
@The Failed Rebel: You are a visionary person. Wish more people think like that.
Going against US is no big deal, maybe some short term losses but in long term its only for the best. China, russia, iran to name a few.
Imran Khan has already said it and now Ch. Nisar endorsed and repeated Imran Khan's this stance regarding US' inner harmful intentions about Pakistan.But this Ch. Nisar's statement is only to cool down the nation's anger not for any practical steps to stop US' drones' strikes in the future because present government doesn't want to stop US' $$$$$$$ as aid and beggary......
I can see the dark clouds gathering on the horizon and spreading over Islambad. This is not a good sign; the KPK mangement team is coming over to visit Islamabad, the epi centre of terror and the Headquarter of the army and the Embassy of thed super power. It is upto the Interior Minister Mr Nisar Khan how he is going to prevent what is just starting the preview of the Tehran Embassy replay.. The initiatiative still rests with him who is the next Prime Minster of Pakistan, before the KPK organised action committee actual takes ower.
Rex Minor
@The Failed Rebel: Calm down, try again, who knows the Visa Counsellor at the US Embassy might just might consider your application more 'Kindly' and issue that desired 'ticket' to you know where. Good luck!
.and the pakistanis think US will never go after the nukes..!!!
..US drones doing a fine job of getting all the haqqani trash..the same haqqani groomed by ISI to attack india and americans in afghanistan..!!!!!!
Since Ch. Nisar took over as Interior Minister, he sounds more a spokes person of Imran Khan (PTI) than Nawaz Sharif (PMLN). I wouldnt be surprised if Ch. Nisar join PTI before next election or mid way may resign as a protest from his ministry and thus from PMLN.
From what one reads in Sartaj Aziz' statement, the USA will not use drones once the taliban sit at the peace table with GoP. From what one sees, it is not at all the case so the drone attack is justified one would think. Why such hysteria then? Does anyone sincerely believe the likes of those who lead TTP will talk peace with the authorities of the state? Are they not for destroying education for women, the polio campaign, our military and police forces, minority religions and indeed Muslims themselves? Have the tragic loss of civilians, armed forces, police forces, in the thousands not made clear their intentions? What is Ch. Nisar talking about? Between the likes of him and IK, our politicians I am afraid make very little sense. Such talk must make the TTP think they are indeed strong, and in the right too. Very sad for Pakistan by large.
First of all you have to decide whether USA is your friend or foe .She can't be both and if she is both then you have to bear her as such. Let her do what she wants to do with you . Now what actually is in her interest? In fact only a secular Pakistan is not only in the interest of USA but also for India and Afghanistan and for the entire region . The Islam being followed there for the last 63 years has created problem not only for her but for the entire region and a threat to world peace . Drone treatment will continue till this goal will be not realized .
@The Failed Rebel:
I will not sit and watch Americans killing my people in their own homes!
Your people?????
Which one of these qualifies as 'Your People'? Please
(A) Local security officials identified two of the dead as Mufti Ahmad Jan, the Haqqani network’s spiritual leader and Mufti Hameedullah, also a member of the network.
(B) Another Haqqani source said the seminary was an important rest point for members fighting in Afghanistan’s restive Khost province.
(C) An intelligence source told Reuters separately that Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of Taliban-linked Haqqani network, was spotted at the seminary two days earlier.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/634776/drone-attack-in-hangu-kills-eight-injures-three/
And if these are 'Your People' then certainly the Christians of Peshawar and the Hazra of Quetta certainly are not.
PTI is the ruling party in Hangu. If IK claims that innocents were killed in the recent drone strike, why is he not coming out with the identities of those who were killed in this drone attack?
The message from Obama is loud and clear. No terrorist can hide anywhere in Pakistan. If they do, they shall be taken out. One drone based or land intelligence based missile is marked for Hafiz Saeed. He was issuing statements just after the US announced $10 million reward and saying that he is in Lahore and the next day he will be in Karachi and the US can get him. Where is he now? He is silent and shivering now. Be it, Abbottabad, Islamabad or Rawalpindi, no areas are beyond the drone range. If Zarwhiri is found in Rawlpindi, Pakistan will be broken into 3 or 4 pieces within the next one month.
Shameless leaders and shameless nation...this has become our current status.
@Iron hand: Incorrect. USA is not strong. It is heavily under debt. It's people are slaves to the banks who practically own them all their lives. In which world do you live Iron Hand? USA will remain in debt for the next century. You're extolling USA? How can you, please justify under the light of the fact that USA was taken down by Afghan freedom fighters (Taliban). Who is in loss? Afghans are war hardened people. No nation has ever been able to conquer the Khorasan (A part of Afghanistan/Pakistan) strip. If you are an American, I would understand that you are brain-washed by media. Also you have inferred that any militancy here can affect America? Well, with the amount of money poured in the war USA could have gone 50 years ahead of all nations in the world. It is all right here: http://www.costofwar.com. It's defense and internal policing could have been so strong that no bird could have flown without permission. Second thing you must consider is the condition of the people who were attacked. They live off bare 2 meals consisting of beans and bread. The weapon they have mostly consists of local AK-47 which bursts on their faces often. These people were never a threat to USA. How can they? They don't even have toilets. How can they plan attacking America? That too from planes, synchronized. They cannot even manage their corn fields. Osama Bin Laden? Do you know Bush family and Saudi Bin Laden Group have remained in business since 90's and till now still have on-going oil contracts? This doesn't make sense. I would never befriend my enemies brother/cousin. Haqqanis? Search the web and you will find how fond the then President of USA was of the Haqqani leader. They have photos together in the white house! You have to think very hard to understand war. An American soldier firing a $95K stinger, is firing something that costs more than his year's salary, at someone who will never make that in a lifetime. Give the American soldier $5K and the Afghan $5K. Both of them will have dinner together! Makes one think, who is the beneficiary of war? Not the American soldier who has to sacrifice his girlfriend, Xbox and saturday-nights. Not the Afghan fighter who is firing and on the other hand thinking that he forgot to feed the chickens in his small farm. If USA simply invested $10b in Afghanistan in education infrastructure and healthcare, they could have bought Afghans for life! Nations are different in their mentality and their functioning. The people in the Khorasan strip can only be bought by favors. Only intelligent leaders understand the dynamics of nations and pick their stance accordingly. Foolish leaders are controlled by global banking lobbies funding wars on both sides. - Respect.
Ch Saab, why not set an example, ask your family members to return their American passports in protest and get the green ones back?
@The Failed Rebel I think you need to get out of "Zahil Hamid" school and move to "Hasan Nissar" or "Tareq Fateh" school. You may get a new perspective about respect then.
Drone-acharya was a great warrior in ancient India. He has been born again to rescue innocent Pakistanis from terrorists. Hail to the Drone-warrior! Yours truly,
Asli TFTA mard.
@Shuja: I will watch Bugs Bunny, I will watch Pink Panther, Space Jam, Mr Bean, Swat Katz, Ninja Robots, Voltron. But I will not sit and watch Americans killing my people in their own homes! Shame on you for insulting my people. If someone doesn't deserve respect, it the current leadership of the country!
@Shuja: You think we do not deserve respect? Our rulers are the one who do not deserve respect. They are the spineless cowards who followed elite-aligned policies and made me what we are. We do not need loans, we never needed loans. All Pakistan ever needed was to exploit the minerals in KP and Baluchistan. They cannot do it because the rulers are controlled by foreign lobbies who do NOT want to see Pakistan develop. I have written all about it in my blog!
My soldiers, my people, my common man, all deserve respect. You can insult me personally all you desire so, but it is you who looks down upon my people and apparently thinks they are the scum. It is you Shuja who doesn't deserve respect. Before bashing Pakistanis make sure you are in an underground cellar because we will rip your tongue out. - Respect.
ETBLOGS1987
First Haqqanis are Afghans. They are designated terrorists. The recent Islamabad killing of Dr. Haqqani and this drone killing confirm whatbUS has been saying for long I.e. Haqqanis have safe haven in Pakistan. In the past, when they asked you to 'Do More' to take care of terrorists on your soil that were killing Americans, you resented that. You also chose not to do anything to stop them. Well then, US is taking care of it themselves. Are you saying you have a sovereign right to host terrorists on our soil that attack other countries?
Secondly you were planning talks with TTP not Haqqanis? So what is the relevance of this drone strike to peace talks?
Thirdly Sartaj Aziz had been given assurance that there would be no talks while talks were ongoing but since Fazlullah has taken over he has said he is unwilling to talk. So in other words there were no talks ongoing were they?
Finally Sir, when your pride is more important than dollars, why is it that your wife and children have US. Citizenship?
Royal Lip Service and Standard Rehetoric
@The Failed Rebel: Please go back to watching bugs bunny on Cartoon Network. And keep God out of your rhetorical argument. God grants respect to those who deserve it. Seems you haven't heard of this saying yet. We don't deserve respect this way and when the 'Muslim World' and Pakistan start deserving respect, we will get it too. Whining leads to nowhere brother.
@The Failed Rebel: Please go back to watching bugs bunny on Cartoon Network. And keep the rhetorical argument of God aside. God grants respects to those who deserve it. Seems like you never heard about this so it seems like we don't really deserve respect yet. 'Muslim World' and any other country would get respect when they deserve it.
Sartaj Aziz spoke only of the TTP not being targeted while talks were under way ...So the killing of an alleged militant linked to the Haqqani network does not, strictly speaking, fall within the ambit of the reported US assurance to Pakistan.
Is there anything in Pakistan that you don't hold the USA responsible for? Do you think that Sharif's demand that Taliban lay down arms before negotiations is reasonable? Do you think that the Taliban demand to abandon your Constitution is reasonable? The fact of the matter is that neither side has shown a willingness to negotiate yet you blame the American's for no progress - grow up.
“How can we consider US as our friend after this drone strike,” Nisar questioned, adding that he fails to understand why Sartaj Aziz believed in US assurances.
Is Chaudhury Nisar actually so simple?
The US had assured of no Drone strikes for the duration of talks. Now, the question is,
(A) Are any talks on?
(B) Are the talks with the Haqqanis or the TTP?
(C) Are Haqqanis and TTP the same?
(D) Are Haqqanis enemies of US?
The SPIN DOCTORS job is to convince the public by spinning a web of half truths. Sir, the CIA is fed with information as to who the target is and where the target will be. All these agents within FATA are not under the control of the CIA. Without such information the drones capabilty is zero. So under whos control are these agents?
and what is PMLN doing about this?
Somebody...please put a tape over this man's mouth...
Just tell us what you and your party government is going to do to prevent it. Obviously nothing.
Haqqani group are fighting American in Afghanistan but protected by Pakistan as 'Strategic Asset ...when ever American get change they will target them....they dont need permission from Ch.Nisar or Imran Khan
Well, thanks for the lips service Mr. Nasir.
Unfortunately, your statements are only good to befool ordinary PAKISTANI's. People like yourself and your International Beggar boss will always have to trust Americans otherwise they can legally confiscate your wealth that you guys have stashed outside PAKISTAN.
The "peace-loving Taliban " has killed at least 20 Pakistanis within the last week.How inhumane of US to kill the terrorists and indiscriminate murderers of innocent people.These coward Taliban can't face and fight the enemy,so they try to kill their own countrymen,brothers,sisters. Mr. Chaudhary is so mad with US that he has had his family leave the peaceful Pakistan ,and live in USA.
The statements of Nisar are nonsense. It clearly indicates that he is playing on PTI's turf. He should join PTI and leave us alone. Elites of Pindi are hearing Taliban marching towards capital. They are scared and running around like lambs and changing their loyalties. They think Taliban are also stupid like them.
Very clever by PML(N). By using Nisar's rhetoric, the party is keeping it's right wing dominated vote bank intact while the government continues to do what their masters expect of them. PML(N) - fooling this nation, particularly Punjab since 1980s.
All the drone did was kill Haqqani Commanders. Haqqani Commanders bring peace to Pakistan? How about peace in Afghanistan? I guess you don't want peace in Afghanistan. This comment is very disturbing and offensive. Once again terrorists are correlated with peace.
Your interior minister is living in a fantasy world wishing for peace while the TTP/ Taliban kill people all over the country...it is only the drones that are stopping them...his anger against the Americans who are helping rid the country of terrorists is questionable?.which side is he on?...would he like to see the TTP being successful?...
The US doesn't lie. It is you, Mr. Bluff Master, who Pakistanis can't trust. You and your government are the liars.
Ch.Nisar Ali Khan should stop becoming,' Bashira Bang Bang '.He is the most influential Minister in the government.Instead of telling us,'Alif Lalah',stories,he should tell us as to why the drones' attack has been extended to settled areas?,why the response of the government is very weak and muted?.Has Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to USA has agreed to it?. Double speak seems to be the truth.
Do you really think beggars can really claim honour? Simple solution - Let's make drones as our national bird... Americans ll not send drone in cos of the fear we may claim drone technology is ours.. Jai jindabad
Mr. Nisar please read American history. 9 out 10 Agreements with native Americans (minimum) never were fulfilled. Most other agreements (with other nations) were made to break - as soon as American interests are fulfilled. That's a simple historical facts, for Pakistan being majority Muslim n having rulers/worrier ancestry, 1st Muslim nuclear power, nation of engineers, doctors, scientists, excellent army ready to go any extend to defend Pakistan territory, young generation capable to learn n protect national interest. Some one have to be ignorant to even think that America, western nations, Zionist Israel and above all Hindu India cannot n would be restless if Pakistan progress n stand on it's feet. If China can come out of it's miserable past/suppressed circumstances it faced by USSR n others, why Pakistan cannot.
Pakistan should cordon off FATA from mainland KPK, declare it an autonomous territory (since it's obvious the govt has absolutely no writ there) and let the US nuke it into oblivion - no sovereign violation then and Pakistan will be better off for it. That place is beyond saving. Extremists are just the tip of the iceberg, the vast majority of drug trafficking, illegal weapons and kidnap-for-ransoms in major cities of Pakistan are tied back to FATA.
This is an even bigger statement of condemnation of USA than IK will ever conjure enough courage to utter.
Where is Regional Solution - standing on which MNS arrived to Islamabad - the Regional solution is a failed solution and thinkers of 90s are redundant in 2013
Pakistan is prone to retards like Ghulam Mohammad and N.S.
IK very cleverly pushed Munnawar Hasan to confront with USA and now trying to force the Govt. to come forward against the USA . While himself is merely conducting political drama . NS is a seasoned politician , he is knows the ways and means to deal with the present situation . PPP is in silent mode in the same manner PML is in an inactive mode so far drone issue is concerned .
US will not change their strategy of drone strikes, they dont really care whatever people of pakistan and govt think about drones.
It seems like PML-Nawaz and PML-Nisar are two separate parties !
Forget about what America wants, first please tell us what TTP wants -- oh sorry, you already said it.
Chaudhury nisar is a part of pmnl , nawaz Sharif is the head of pmnl, they are all in the same boat. One thing for pakistani citizens and other for the international world. Drones are good because they kill the Taliban heads and put them in disarray. These talibans are violating your territory and killing innocent shias, hazaras, balochis and women too. Where does the sense of sovereignty get lost when it comes to Taliban. My ancestral land of gujranwala and rawalpindi is fast becoming radicalized by these goons. I support nawaz in his efforts. Rab rakha
So unfortunate that Pakistanis believe such nonsense. Think for a moment. The US is the strongest, wealthiest nation in the history of the planet. It has nothing to gain from conflict in Pakistan or any other country. The American people don't want any more war. Wars are expensive and cause great damage to all sides. But islamist terror must be confronted. Pakistan is the most dangerous country on earth due to its nuclear weapons and raging Islamist insurgency. Al Qaeda would happily blow up a nuclear bomb in every American city if it could, murdering millions without thinking twice. This US cannot ignore the risk these terrorist networks continue to pose, and they happen to be based in Pakistan. If Pakistan policed its own territory and did not allow extremists to plot and plan and train without consequence, The US would be treat it just like Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh and Malaysia, all Muslim countries with good relations with the US and not a single drone strike. There is nothing special about Pakistan that would merritt different treatment other than its lawlessness. Believe me, the US would like nothing more than a peaceful, secure Pakistan which chose not to host Zawahiri and his minions.
The Pakistani ruling elites don't bother if Taliban kill innocent Pashtoon but prompt to react when the drone kills their strategic assets.
Alas; Sirtaj Aziz as advisor fo FM ( PM) cant convince and impress the US cpounterpart, rather he himself has been convinced and impressed by American. By the way, why Mr. PM has FM's portofolio with him, does Pskistan has no sensible and caliber person for this posrion or Mr. Nawaz Shrif thinks that he would have strong grip over foreign affairs ,, Z.A.Bhutto thought that.... When we learn from the previous adventures? Interior minister gives his statment just to show the people of Pkistan that the Govt's thinkng are not different than that ......
its the government who will decide and not just a statement in media like a crying baby
@Adnan Siddiqi: O the talks with Talibans were initiated alright, however it's not about what is claimed, all they were negotiating was assurances that Talibans would spare the province of Punjab and guarantee that Sharifs' family & friends would not be targeted. What Talibans demanded in return would remain a secret and people of Pakistan would never be informed about, since it was between "the stake holders" you know the "apne loaga".
dont making us fool... do yr job..ok
Ch. Nisar's recent anti-US (read pro-Pakistan) statements clearly mean that he's not going to stay in PML-N for too long. It's going to be Shah Mehmood Qureshi situation all over again.
Those who have interfered in our country never succeeded. From Alexander the Great to Russia, all were defeated then though Pakistan knows this fact why thinks it will rule us. Forget about 90s because that was time we focused on Russia and trusted Pakistan, which won't happen this time inshallah. Therefore, let's live peaceful with dignity and mutual respect.long life Afghan and pak nations
It is obvious that the US Drones attack is connected to the Afghan Council meeting and someone close to US in Afghanistan is directing them to eliminate the Haqqani group!! We can all make a guess as to the identity of this person. It is going to get dirtier.. Perhaps the flair up of Shia Sunni conflict is also a chain of the same agenda!!!
we can not go in direct conflict with usa we have to find another strategy to sly the dragon...
In condemnation of drone attack, Mr. Nisar has asked his family to get rid of US citizenship with immediate effect!!
I read this in one of Pakistan's news websites that Mr.Chaudhry's immediate family members (and maybe he himself) hold US passports. If it is true, what a hypocrite!
Ch Sb, PTI won’t like your statement! No doubt NS have some plans for US in coming days; your statement is part of that of course!
And what are you doing about it is quite evident!!
We know this already stupid. Tell us what action you are going to take against the enemey of the state ???
Who cares what the US wants? What are you going to do about it?