Imran Khan says the supply routes will remain closed till the drone strikes are not stopped. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
The Nato countries said that the blockade was causing inconvenience to the Nato forces in Afghanistan.
Imran, however, turned down the request and said that the blockade would continue till drone strikes are stopped.
On November 24, the PTI blocked the Nato supply route in Peshawar after inviting all political parties to join their protest against the drone attack in which Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed.
Activists in northwest Pakistan, some armed with clubs, have been forcibly searching trucks since late November to try to halt Nato supplies. In response, the US military suspended shipments of equipment out of Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Torkham is a key transit point used by the Americans and Nato to withdraw military hardware from Afghanistan, as part of a troop pullout set to end next year.
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Pakistan is not an independent country.Pakistan depends unecessarily upon US aid. US is the only beneficiary of this aid instead of pakistan. Stoppage of NATO supply will not do any harm to US/NATO forces as we had stopped the supplies for a long period in the past. This remains the weakest form of protest. why we cannot attack drone planes?
@king!you rock boy,,,,,you woke us up,u reminded us of our glory
IK should follow through and have the parliament pass a law banning the use of Pakistani highways for transport of war materials by foreign Nations! Mr Nawaz Sharif should take note; no foreign Investor is willing to set up an industry other than in Karachi(sea route) if its infra structure is unsafe. .
Rex Minor
It amazes me Pakistanis supporting NATO over Pakistan!
@Haroon Farooq: this aint personal stuff. he has most of his money and everything in Pakistan so there isnt much the NATO can do to pressurize him. this is just to get in a better position for negotiating end of drone strikes...
I dont get it why all these indian trolls are so scared of Imran Khan. Suddenly they seem more concerned about Pakistan and are so concerned that the NATO supply be reopened.
@Farooq: Well said.
Bluster aside....
NATO will find alternative routes, and will use Pakistan aid money to pay for them.
IK needs to find a way out. These guys are leaving. Isn't that what Pakistan wanted?
LET THEM GO!
Give him PM post and then we will see his true color......he will immediately order restoration of supply and will give the argument that its for the betterment of the people of KPK, US will leave as per plan and we will have a safe neighborhood!! Funny Politics!!!
@unbelievable: I suggest you read article titled "Israel: A De Facto Member of NATO".
This NATO stop has a great symbolic value, that proves Imran a true National Hero. West will have to respect other countries and their civilians rights.
I feel ashamed of my country fellows calling it a drama or saying sanctions will cause great loss to Pakistan... Grow up guys... Before America entered in our lands we were progressing country and were happily living without any aid. America with the help of NATO caused us so much economical loss that we can't imagine budget without their aid. Just kick them out of our country and believe on yourself. We will rise and shine again. It's almost the lost hope to take decision and break slavery chains!!! Go america Go!!! Very good work by PTI & IK... Salute and all support for IK
@shazia Bangash, u mean IK is a dual national right and a MNA in pakistan
@Spock: Not easy to revoke his visa. He is Chancellor of Bradford University and Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. He helps with several UK charities. He has been a UK tax payer for years and therefore holds permanent residence status. Plus he has legal visiting rights to his extremely well-connected children.
If the NATO countries say they will terminate his VISA to those countries, nato supplies will open in an instance!! Its all dramabaazi by PTI.
I feel ashamed that i have to read this drama..
I just hope pakistan does not get sanctions... who will suffer.. the poor public!!
Imran and his friends will still live in AC houses and have no problem at all..
@Pakistani1: You may hate him but you cant deny that First time EVER such a strong action has been taken in the country.
It's not action, it's agitation. PTI has nothing at stake by infringing on Fedreal subject.
@Nikki: A leaderp’s first loyalty must be to his country and compatriots. Leaders who place their nation’s interests subservient to those of foreign powers are traitors, plain and simple.
@Farooq: Well said. Even Afghanistan is taking a stand in its own interests and not towing US line anymore. It has refused to sign deal with US while negotiating a mutual defence agreement with Iran. One often wonders what makes Pakistanis like @Nikki so weak at the knees when it comes to bowing to US pressure?
@Farooq: Spot on, good reminder to a lost nation. It's not too late to wake up.
@Nikki: I also live outside Pakistan. I want to correct you Nikki. "Weak is always weak" Wrong. Weak does not always remain weak if they make an effort to improve and empower itself then they become strong. "weak state with fragile economy cannot force the world powers to bow and accept the demands by weak." - Reply: What good is a weak state who cannot protect its own Airspace. Its better to be called as a No state than a weak state. "All those are having dream———–they must study history and the historical consequences". -Reply we sure did study our history. If you are on the right path then an army of 313 men can defeat a well equipped army of 1000 men. "At this stage Pakistan cannot confront with the world,we have to think about Pakistani those are living in Europe and America." - Reply: I am living outside Pakistan and I am just thinking the opposite. I am thinking of the Pakistanis living inside Pakistan under drones. "The world may not need us but we need the world." - Reply: All we need is self respect, not dollars. What we need is Khudaari. Now you wont know what that is??
@Iram: He really said that? Got any proof? Not that you're claim is in doubt, just to reinforce it :P
Go for it IK the nation stands with you!!
@Nikki: Something constructive & rational, Nikki. Keep it up.
@Ch. Allah Daad: you are still commenting on ET. Should I again remind you that you said that if PTI will win a seat from my city (FSD) I will quit politics. I will keep reminding you until you quit or accept defeat.
NATO's supply has to be blocked unless US' and NATO's countries give unbreakable assurance,commitments and guarantees to Pakistani government that 1-Next time drones' attacks would never be conducted again any time any day on any Pakistani areas, 2-US' and NATO's aircraft would never violate Pakistan's airspace even mistakenly and 3-US' drones would never enter Pakistan even for spying.......
IK's ego will drive this country to economic suicide - we Pakistanis like to pat ourselves on the back and live in our little delusional bubbles until they're burst. You're looking at Iran-like sanctions, PKR possibly inflating to 500 Rupees if NATO is able to convince UN to slap Pakistan with economic sanctions over this. That's a huge cost to pay for 'ghairat' - I'd rather have drones killing extremist vermin (with or without permission) than for the common man to go to bed hungry. Sure, IK has a luxury villa in Banigala and all the money he needs, but the people of KPK don't. His cancerous populism is flushing $30 million dollars per month (this is the money that went into the local economy, not in any politicians' hands as aid) out of KPK's economy.
I voted for PTI and it's turning out to be a huge mistake.
See PML-N this is what we call Lion where requests were forwarded not orders were given.
Again responsible journalism. The reason of stopping Nato supply is not because it killed Hakimullah Masood. How much do you get paid ET!?
Khan sb. this protest is only for Taliban... they are happy with your efforts. Taliban given you a chance in KP.. now its your turn.
Sham on NATO countries for disrepecting our soverignity and then asking us for help. You bomb our cities and then want us to let your weaponry pass safely so you use them again against us?
Go PTI- we with you
@MA: So now Pakistanis living abroad have become more important after foreign aid remmitances are basis of your economy. just don't divide your own people and protect one on cost of other.
Why dont NS & IK toss a coin ++++++++++++++++++++++ In the fair cricketing way?
@zalmai please stop this provincialism, the people of kpk are supporting him on this step, and whether or not this policy will br a success you cant start blaming it on other people that they are punjabi,balochi or so that why thay are doing so. Everyone is differant human being with differant policies. And just in case your wondering, no iam not Punjabi.
A consideration: How would Pakistan react, if our neighbour India suddenly block or divert the flow of the rivers?
hey Imran Khan is doing very well i really support IK for stopping NETO supply ... Long live Ik may GOD bless u , we all are with you inshahAllah ...
@unbelievable: Dear unbelievable, It has been obvious for some time that with few exceptions Western countries, particularly the 5 eye countries, appear to be very influenced by Israeli thinking. Fortunately, NATO is being controlled to some extent by the Russian/Chinese veto power in the so called Security Council. It is quite obvious that your pro-Western bias is showing.
proude of you Imran Khan man of word hounour and degnity...keep it up PTI ..what he shay same he does..we need him as leader of our country not hypocrate Nawaz and Zardari..
@javaid randhawa: Doing wrong
@abhishek: Dude you have too much time in your hands just like your country, to poke your nose into other peoples country's/affairs. Sorry if you find my words offensive but SERIOUSLY dude, mind your own business!!
Well done Imran, I am proud of you...
thanks
I m not so surprised comments posted by people who on the other side of Attock. Trust me if you have to deal with drones (like people in KPK), you all will leave your kids behind and save your own lives, left alone blocking the supply line.
Imran khan stance about drones and war against terrorism remained the same for the last one decade and he still firm on this issue.Frankly speaking inspite of America and Nato alliance countries joint Military operations could not produce peace but more dangerous situation in Afghanistan.
Pakistanis can thank Imran Khan for kissing good-bye to billions of dollars when the country is near broke and foreign debt default hangs over Pakistan like Damocles' sword.
ET..... Please correct your biased reporting. The NATO supplies were blocked after drone fired four missiles at Islami Madrassa Muktaba Darul Uloom in Tal area of "Hangu, Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa", killing six people and injuring at least eight others on 21st November 2013..............................and not on the death of Hakimullah Mehsud who was killed on 1st November 2013 when the drone targeted Mehsud's vehicle in the Dande Darpakhel, some 5km (3miles) north of the region's main town, Miranshah. . @Zalmai... for your information and correction, though Imran Khan's native village is Mianwali, Punjab but he is in fact a "Niazi", a famous Pashtun tribe of Lodhi descent so he is, by caste, not a Punjabi. Please talk sense before making any hatred or biased comment.
IK has got no sense of history or politics, cheap popularity stunt.
NATO countries should revoke Imran's visa and see how supplies open overnight.
It seems Mr. IK has no issue to address in Pakistan.Would NATO's stoppage strenghten Pakistan?Would America stop drone? No
@Pakistani1: seems like you forgot about the stoppage of NATO supply routes, ALL NATO supply routes after Salala incident.............or have you just woken up now???
Mian Sahab in his recent interview said, during his visit to USA, Obama asked me, "tell me Mr Sharif, what can I do for you?"
I asked him about drone strikes and he just nodded his head!
"their protest against the drone attack in which Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed"
@ET: He is protesting against all drone strikes not just one drone strike! Stop the bias already!
@Nikki: before you lecture others on history and its importance you should remember that nations are not built on foreign aids. Unless you have no respect for yourself, no one will respect you.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
"End result of Imran’s drama will be no different than Bhutto’s dramas."
At least he would not leave his country at the wee hours by signing an agreement and play a victim and then lie to his countrymen for years..
@Nikki: "At this stage Pakistan cannot confront with the world,we have to think about Pakistani those are living in Europe and America."
So now Pakistanis living abroad have become more important than the ones living in Pakistan , eh!. ...Seriously you need to think before you write.
He appears to be " Bal Thackeray" of KPK.
PTI is only hurting the Pashtuns and the economy of KPK and Afghanistan. Imran Khan is a Punjabi so he doesn't care about the plight of Pashtuns, he is just worried about his political career.
Hah! And weren't they saying that stopping the supplies through this route won't cause much problem?
NATO supply to Afghanistan was not stopped in the first place, only a few trucks were turned back by PTI thugs. This story is suspicious.
Imran is playing the same character which Bhutto played during 1970. Bhutto was instrumental for stopping supplies to East Pakistan after he played in the hands of Indians and their agents. Now kids of presents time have made Imran a hero. End result of Imran's drama will be no different than Bhutto's dramas.
@Ashkenazi:
Turkey is a member of NATO and Israel is not - your ignorance and anti Western bias are showing.
@Nikki - if you are being bullied on a daily basis then comes a day no matter how weak you will stand up for yourself, if you don't, you will always have more bullies to contend with.
@Nikki: Happy to see some one talking sense.
The true lion imran khan
On the BBC website it states "However, US officials say the suspension of shipments was a temporary measure and is now over" - What is NS feeding the US now?
@AAH - SC resolutions? how about international law that does not allow drone attacks? "All" aid is measly - Pakistan is being ripped off, coughing from its own pockets for NATO supplies.
Nato requested to open the route, IK rejected, will IK "request" something in future to NATO countires, will Nato countries oblige or reject, time will tell, time is a great leveller, wait and watch.
Imran Khan is setting a very bad precedence. Every CM of every province and then district will be able to impact National Policy through thugs. Disappointed that I voted for him. Sorry NS.
I am seriously ashamed of Pakistan Army who is suppose to protect country's borders.
Weak is always weak, weak state with fragile economy cannot force the world powers to bow and accept the demands by weak.All those are having dream-----------they must study history and the historical consequences. At this stage Pakistan cannot confront with the world,we have to think about Pakistani those are living in Europe and America. The world may not need us but we need the world.
NATO countries should stop all aid from the provinces that stop the supplies which are in total violation of Security Council resolutions
Why the author didn't mention anything about the dialog process that was sabotaged due to this attack?
We love you Imran. You will be the true PM of Pakistan one day. That will be the best day for us when we can hold our heads up high as a free and strong nation.
That's a leader not politician IK Zindabad.
Where are all the people who were saying this is only a one day dharna or a musical concert? Still waiting for the sher to wake up? :)
Pakistan must find the strength within itself to deal with its own problems. Foreign interference is disturbing its evolutionary path to wholesome nationhood.
@Haroon Farooq:
A typical PML N reply. Always start with a personal remark. Policies and strategy is not in PML N's Agenda. Lion of mouth with no progress.....!!!
True son of the land!!! Pakistan khan is bringing back the much awaited self-esteem and respect. The world shall now see the nation of lions being led by a LION!!
@Haroon Farooq: That is true about nawaz sharif. Good point sir!
Muslim country supporting Zionist NATO while Khan labelled as Yahudi is opposing them. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Its the first time after ages that I have read a piece of news which has got these three words in it. NATO - REQUEST - REJECT - its a rarity for such things to happen in Pakistan - full marks to our one and only Imran Khan who is making it happen for the nation. Keep it up !
'atta boy !! ... where is the rest of the Baysharm "democratic" political force ?
The only thing I can say from the bottom of my heart is "Long Live Imran Khan and his supporters". Will Nawaz Sharif wake up for the slumber and accept the demand of the people of Pakistan viz Bye Bye America. Pakistan is an independent country and not a slave of America.
Bring ur Sons back from Nato then take a stand...Pathetic lie at its best
You may hate him but you cant deny that First time EVER such a strong action has been taken in the country
Imran Khan... is truly Pakistan Khan. He is the true lion.
Like a B.O.S.S
Now what will the Shariff brothers do. Any guesses?
This shows that he is not a hypocrite like Gillani, Zardari and others. He tells them the same story he tells his nation.
Don't underestimate the power of a common KHAN!
One Man Army..Rest are cowards, We all know!