ISLAMABAD: As Islamabad braces for protest marches led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI)Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek's (PAT) Tahirul Qadri, who have both vowed to topple the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will address the nation on Tuesday to discuss the current political crisis in the country.
PTI and PAT plan to march on the capital on August 14, when the country celebrates its Independence Day, accompanied by tens of thousands of supporters. And while the prime minister’s speech is expected to focus on the country’s economic performance, the address on Tuesday is primarily geared towards the standoff between the government and protesters.
August 12, 9:00pm
Concluding his speech, the prime minister says, "We request the Supreme Court chief justice to form a three-member commission to probe allegations of rigging and present their findings."
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August 12, 8:59pm
"I will not pose hurdles for peaceful protests," he says.
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August 12, 8:58pm
Addressing the media, the prime minister says, "the media needs to reassess its role. They need to check if certain elements are trying to misuse the media for their nefarious goals."
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August 12, 8:56pm
"We have the confidence of 180 million people. We will not allow national decisions to be taken on the roads and streets. We will not allow anyone to spread anarchy," says PM Nawaz
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August 12, 8:55pm
"The 2018 elections will take place as per schedule," says PM.
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August 12, 8:54pm
He says the government is ready for all sorts of talks for political and economic reforms.
"We believe in democracy, and I respect the right to peaceful protests," the PM adds.
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August 12, 8:53pm
The prime minister says that, "It was even said that, despite some issues, this is perhaps the most transparent election."
The prime minister says that electoral reforms are central to his party’s agenda, and that in light of this he has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate to form a parliamentary committee with the purpose of advising the government on electoral reforms.
“I am glad that a 33-member committee has been formed and has started working,” he says, adding that the government is willing to change laws, amend the constitution, or bring structural changes to the election machinery if it has to.
“I am confident that the representative committee will fulfill its purpose with full integrity in a short span of time,” he adds.
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August 12, 8:49pm
"Around a hundred channels oversaw the 2013 elections, and no observer claimed that the elections were unfair," says the prime minister.
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August 12, 8:47pm
The PM implores the nation to question the purpose of the long march.
"Are these protests occurring because there are no corruption scandals since this government took over?" PM Nawaz asks the nation.
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August 12, 8:45pm
In regard to the 'Azadi' march and the 'Inqilabi' march, the prime minister questions the purpose of these protests.
"Are they protesting that the Pakistani Rupee has appreciated?" he asks.
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August 12, 8:44pm
"While we have started to progress, some elements are intent on destabilising the country," says PM Nawaz.
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August 12, 8:43pm
While speaking about the development of the country, he says, "in the past 14 months, the nation has moved forward in terms of currency value, foreign investment and economic growth."
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August 12, 8:41pm
"The smooth transition from one democratic government to an other democratic government is a sign of progress," he says.
"I am not claiming any miracles when it comes to the progress of the country, but there have been improvement on several fronts when it comes to the economy," says PM Nawaz.
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August 12, 8:39pm
The prime minister says, "we laid the foundation for democratic continuity in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa."
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August 12, 8:38pm
"We need to identify which hollow slogans have kept us stuck in poverty," says PM Nawaz, during his address to the nation.
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August 12, 8:37pm
"We have paid a price for political upheaval in the past," says the prime minister, adding "only nations with political stability have made progress."
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August 12, 8:35pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has begun his address to the nation.
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COMMENTS (108)
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Now it is useless to form a commision to probe the allegation of rigging, PM should have done it soon after Bahawalpur gathering of PTI but he was taking the matter lightly. Now IK will not be going to retreat at any cost bcz he is seeing that the position of govt is so weak now.
@Jameel: Indeed! The final days of this RULING FAMILY is approaching.
@salman Who says "@A Pakistanist: Hey, if Nawaz sharif is allowed to do comedy then so should I :)"
Best comment stream on an article, ever! It is Nawaz Sharif and co that are the real jesters in this drama, failing to grasp the gravity of the situation and trying to distract us with smoke and shadow,
Neither NS, nor IK, bring Musharraf.
It’s really funny to see the PML-N paid commentators. Only sympathies for their desperation in making ends meet through such lowly tasks.
Did ever judicial commission whenever formed to investigate any important issues in Pakistan give exact and complete details and reports of its any investigation that will investigate now honestly,sincerely,freely and fairly and moreover how against Nawaz Sharif judicial commission can investigate during in-office as the prime minister?In other words formation of any judicial commission to investigate any important national issue definitely means that bury the that issue forever....
@Ranjha You couldnt be more wrong about Stock. Yes the Value of Stock (Book Value) is what you have defined but the macro economic / political issues in the country of business and the stability drives the prices higher or lower as people confidence in to performance of company they are investing in goes up and down based upon the macro environment business performs.
You are so wrong, I am not even sure you can comprehend what I just said but do your self a favor. PMLN Government is not going any where, PM will not resign and this standoff is exposing IK badly. Look at the PILDAT survey came out today.
There would be no need of a judicial commission because not much of PTI will be left on August 15 anyway.
Nawaz calls on SC to form judicial commission to probe rigging allegations, Why not formed yesterday ,before coming on TV, formation of commission meaning, another few months taken...
Long Live NS. An extremely humble, mature, soft spoken and polite man. People of Pakistan are with you. Keep marching ahead.
@sabi:
Have you ever traded a stock in your life? You just read the front page of the failed leftist's hangout called Dawn, which is trying its best now to resurrect itself as an "Uber" capitalist enterprise and start getting hysterical, flailing your flippers!
Value of stocks depends on the discounted value of future cash flows, not on what you soon-to-be-ex PM stated on a government TV channel!
Stop the theatre--we are sick of this nonsense now!!!
@Tariq Mehboob: And the PM has tried to understand the opposition's view? What goes around, comes around!
If PM is sincere about allowing pti march, why haven't containers been removed?
@Saood Khan: You're right. There is no value of ballot box. You must have seen pics of how ballot boxes were flung around on election day. If govt dont value the vote, why should I?
This is it and now PMLN government needs to make a full STOP with any more negotiation. This is not high school and a loser tantrum throwing princess can disrupt the entire nation. Take it Imran or leave it. No RESIGNATION No mid term polls no nothing.
By accepting Imran's demand of judicial commission PM put Imran in an awkward position. Rejecting PM's offer, Imran is losing Political Parties support. Ref Leader of the Opposition's statement.
Insha Allah PML-N all the way.
It's funny to see the PML-N paid commentators. Like fish taken out of water, struggling hard, yet helpless. We will wipe them out! This long march will be bolstered by our families, it's a protest against monarchy, Pakistan Zindabad!
Imran Khan will never become mature. His communication reveal that he is an uneducated man. He should logically answer the arguments given by PM. There should be dialogue. Decisions on roads is not good for the country. Imran is doing the politics of 90s.. On the other hand, Nawaz Sharif has become much mature.
Imran Khan is continuously insulting those millions of voters who have voted for PML (n). He is power hungry and Pakistan is his least priority. He thinks only about himself.
People are expressing their hate on the forum of ET. No PTI lover has tried to understand the point of view of Prime Minister. Above comments are nothing but abuses. No one has given any solid argument against PMs claims.
Above comments of PTI trolls show that no one wants democracy in Pakistan. It is sad that there is no value of ballot box and parliament in Pakistan. It is only Establishment that decides the fate of the country. Same is happening again. Very sad.
.....and the evidence will be supplied to the Commission by YOUR ESTABLISHMENT...........thats laughable.
@farhan Cheema: PMLN gone, PTI win
a great speech it was IK who said he trusts the chief justice and he has now backed out from that as well UTURN KHAN should let this nation live
@bmohammad: New election will bring PMLN to power again. Imran will again cry foul, demand new elections. New election will bring PMLN to power again....
If IK does not believe in any of the institution including SC, then how come med-term election is going to solve his problems. This a contradiction in itself.
Since the only way IK can get into power is through toppling the NS govt. that becomes his only way forward. No matter how reasonable the measure to form a judicial commission to look into allegations of rigging in elections, IK would not accept anything but only the path that leads to his becoming PM. This clearly shows his personal urge for power rather than the interests of the nation. Like Qadri he is a demagogue with high sounding slogans of leading the nation to the greener pastures and he has been successful in making the gullibles be his followers but they really do not know where they are headed after their Islamabad seize but they are going to end up somewhere else.
I feel very sad for the situation developing now in PK. I do not understand what is the exact stance of PTI? Firstly there were 4 constituencies, then they became 10 and see now what entire election was rigged??? So Khan Sahab why are you sitting in KPK government then? Oh I forgot, since its PTI's government there, election must have been free and fair. And what happens to the Karachi's constituencies? PTI on election's day was crying upon rigging in KHI but now IK is thanking Mr. Altaf Hussain for helping him out. And it's not over IK is also thanking Mr. Zardari for supporting him for 4 constituencies. And why is IK so stubborn in having a meeting with PM. If he can have all the corrupts and thugs from all the parties, including PML-N, together in PTI's basket, what's so wrong in having a meeting with elected Prime Minister? If he wants electoral reforms, they can be acheived by dialogue. And the worst part: Pakistan Army is having an operation in KPK and Chief Minister of KPK does not attend the security council meeting because Chairman of PTI did not allow him to do that. I would say that its time to wake up. I am not writing for NS or PML-N but certainly I am writing against PTI (or PAT. I do not if they both are different entities anymore).
Finally I would like to ask MR. IK. DO you have a Moral stand? Do you care about your own said words? If not (and which is certainly not the case) then you should never call yourself a leader. You are just another opportunist and may ALLAH Almighty save our Pakistan from the day that you become our premier and the people who think you are a symbol of change are seriously mistaken.
I'm seeing stock markets rising again in few weeks, this time by many folds, based on decisive defeat of anti democratic forces bent upon destabilizing the system for their ugly interests.Pakistan will shine.No more room for thugs.
Sad to see this site beseiged by trolls who had no intention of listening to the speech of an elected PM. The silent majority of Pakistanis support Nawaz Sharif and he has shown himself to be more of a statesman than either Imran Khan or Tahirul Qadri. The truth is that some people don't want to see Pakistan prosper. The last year has seen Pakistan improve on many fronts but this threatens a lot of people it seems. Imran couldn't fix KPK in 90 days and Tahirul Qadri isn't even in a position to speak about anything since he doesn't have a seat in parliament. These phoney leaders will just have to accept the mandate of the people of Pakistan.
This speech was meant to boost the confidence of 200 million people of Pakistan that this government will not allow mid night jackals to grab power like they did in past.Mr prime minister whole nation stands behind you in your struggle against poverty created by these thugs. There is nothing good for day dreamers in this speech so we can understand their chest beating. In about short time they will disappear just like they disappear after their humiliating defeat in last election from social media.
Is there any timeline given to electoral reform committee? What is the check and balance on their performance? I suppose any project without a set timeline towards an objective is an absurd project. Mr PM why don't you let the nation know your definite objectives along with deadlines of electoral reforms?
@Blithe: I'm pretty sure shahbaz has appeared in more ads paid from Punjab budget then IK has from KPK budget.
@Khan: For the record, no one directed me to do anything :) Just had some spare time is all :)
@Khurram: No, you didn't vote for PTI. Well, even if you did, thanks for leaving PTI. We don't need you.
The hollow slogan that your rule will be similar to that of Hazrat Umar but you betrayed the slogan because it was hollow. It is because of this sin that now you are in trouble and when you yourself pounce upon a peaceful procession and the self defense of the victims of your excess is branded as violent processionist. This is you practice since the agitation started against you. Therefore you are responsible for all that you call a violent procession. The many million whom you resist from staging a peaceful procession against you are excluded from the nation and if they are deducted from the population your confidants will reduce to less than half of 180 million. The rupee has advanced in value but tomatoes in Pakistan has also risen 20 times higher than what it was when you took over. Now for whose benefit the value of rupee has increased? You have not told this to the nation. Because the 70 cases of corruption against you including Asghar Khans case are still blocked and you have not made any attempt to clear yourself of the allegations against you in these cases and can you tel the nation that how many cases of felony against you are staged on you petitions by courts. But wishes are seldom horses. Your progress rate is consistent. Earlier twice you competed your five years term. This time the end of your corrupt regime shall be with quicker speed then with what has been earlier.
@A Pakistanist: Hey, if Nawaz sharif is allowed to do comedy then so should I :)
The country's PM who supports criminal characters like GULU BUTT and banned terror groups should not be a PM but behind the bars.
Wow, the comments section is flooded by pro PTI and TUQ enthusiasts. Apparently it seems that they were directed to do this before hand. Logic and sense say that if someone is calling for a truce, then put your effing demands in and negotiate on the table. Don't act like a mad elephant. I wish PTI and TUQ sahab can actually understand the difficulties a common man is facing due to their so called INQILAAB and AZAADI. Leave Pakistan alone, we have lost enough already to terrorism and other ridiculous intolerance!
What? Decisions not to be taken on streets? Mr PM let me tell you something. You too announced a march against the then PM. http://tribune.com.pk/story/384532/gilani-to-sharifs-right-time-for-long-march-was-musharrafs-era/
Mr PM I will totally agree with you only if you answer why we took 1.5billion dollars fro Saudis?
People of Pakistan Wake up. These are the people who send their children to UK and US for education, health care and parties. While your kids are dying because of hunger, heat, lack of medicine, clean water and terrorism. These are the people who have made billions of their children in foreign countries while your kids will have to suffer and then their kids and so on. Slaves of Shareefs can't seems to open their eyes.
This man always talks sense. I salute him.
PTI is doing all drama due to one fear. They think that If PML-N rules for complete 5 years, then PTI will have no chance in the next elections.
Imran, Where is that new KPK that was to be built in 90 days? Now a year is gone but there is no new KPK. I am from KPK. I can ask this question.
This is a fact that PTI lost the elections because this party does not have roots in public. I am 100% sure that it will get defeat again in next elections as well and that will be even more bitter.
@salman: Salman , u have right to comment and say what you want. Just stop sounding like a jester will u ....
Imran can only blame and abuse others. On the other hand, PTIs performance is the poorest as compared to other provinces. There is only corruption.
Bravo NS.
Imran is always busy in abusing, accusing and blaming others. He blames others without any evidence. On the other hand, I have never listened any wrong word from the mouth of Nawaz Sharif. He again used very soft tone today. Bravo Nawaz Sharif.
Judging from the comments, it looks like the PTI trolls are up and about early.
Let me make a prediction. Nawaz is not going anywhere. "Im the Dim" and "Topiwalla" can shout and scream all they want, but they don't have a legal leg to stand on. They have to wait until 2018 and make a case to the people to elect them, and I just don't see Pakistanis electing either of them.
The problem is that Imran knows perfectly well that based on his miserable performance in PK, Pakistanis will NEVER vote for him. As for Topiwalla, he has no electoral support at all. Even if the National Assembly is dissolved tomorrow and new elections held in 6 weeks, it will be either PML-N or PPP getting the most seats.
I think all those bouncers from Lillee and Thomson hitting him on the helmet has scrambled Imran's brains. The man is unfit to be the PM of Pakistan by any standard, and while he might be able to bring several thousand loafers with nothing better to do out on the streets, it does not mean that the average Pakistani voter will vote for him when he or she goes into the voting booth. Imran has to ultimately give the voters a reason to vote for him instead of just voting against Nawaz Sharif. His utter failure in KP is not exactly a ringing endorsement of his governing abilities.
No sane man can vote for PTI that is led by Sultan Rahi of politics. He is continuously busy in giving threats to Judiciary, Election Commission, Election Tribunals, Federal Government and Policemen.
yes indeed..economy on right path due to blessings of IMF,SA..
IK, If you really want democracy , let this Govt work for its complete term. Focus on KPK.
Again commission, Again mistake.
Meanwhile , as we hear the PM speech, IK is being chauffeured in a huge Prado by Aleem Khan in Lahore . Aleem Khan is known as the most corrupt person in Lahore who is involved in land grabbing.
The contrasting images say it all...
Indeed he is.@Naeem Malik:
It is a fact that Imran Khan is playing a very bad role for Pakistan nowadays as directed to him by Establishment. His politics of agitation will leave bad impact on Pakistan’s economy. Stock Exchange has also been affected since the start of protests by PTI. Inflow of foreign investment in Pakistan will also be affected.
If PTI wins, there is no rigging. If PTI loses, there is rigging. Dirty politics of PTI.
Long live Nawaz Sharif. PML-n all the way.
@Blithe: regarding fantastic performance, please read this. Note: this is not written by PTI :)
http://tribune.com.pk/story/746894/comment-state-of-denial-amid-grave-economic-challenges/
PTI has no answer for the arguments given by Nawaz Sharif. PTI should focus on KPK and make it a model province. Then come in elections in year 2018.
All my prayers and best wishes for Prime Minister. All hopes from him. No hope from those who are doing politics of agitation just for their personal benefits.
Stock Exchange rose from 18000 to 30000 in PML-N era of just one year. This is a great achievement. Nawaz Sharif should have mentioned it as well. Good work by the government.
What! was that it?
Mian sahib has really not read the situation all that well. Poor guy...well, I guess he gave it his best shot.....can't blame him if he is not good at speeches (or much else).
Wonderful speech. I voted for PTI but my next vote is for Nawaz Sharif.
@Blithe:
You really can't help spewing nonsense, can you?
Parliament is the best forum. Decisions should not be made on roads and grounds. Well said PM. Imran should learn from Nawaz Sharif. He should learn the meaning of maturity.
@salman: Mr. PM your govt is the real coz of violence. If you were wise enough you have declared the dissolution of the assemblies and called the army for a caretaker govt as there no body more competant and trustworthy as our army. Sooner or later you have to do this. Then why are you wasting time. If you are that popular you can come back to the assemblies in the free and fair election.
Imran wants to topple the entire system. Dirty politics of Imran. Mian Sahib Zindabad.
Excellent and succinct speech! No justification for destructive characters like IK and TuQ to create any fissures and destroy the process made .
PTI had not done an iota of progress in KPK . IK has used all the resources for dharnas in Punjab and appearing in commercial adds paid by KPK.
I beseech PML N to move a no confidence motion against PTI in KPK.
PM was very positive and confident in his speech. He seems to be a person of strong nerves. Achievements of the government should be recognized.
Haters will continue their hate. Mian Sahib should continue his struggle for Pakistan.
It was Imran's demand to probe the fairness of elections through Supreme Court. His demand has been accepted now. Nawaz Sharif has shown much flexibility. No need of long march now.
@salman: Dude, we don't need your live commentary. Please keep your stray thoughts to yourself.
Allah bless Pakistan. Allah bless Nawaz Sharif.
I will not pose hurdles for peaceful protests, he says.
I wont. but my brother and govt will...hahahahaha.
Nation should appreciate PM. He has tried his best to resolve the issue.
Excellent speech. Good arguments.
Mian Sahib, you are the greatest leader born in Pakistan after partition. Allah bless you.
In reference to the media, the prime minister says, “The media needs to reassess its role. They need to check if certain elements are trying to misuse the media for their nefarious goals.”
In other words, if you can't praise me, please don't say anything. Isn't this against independent media?
Excellent suggestion by PM!
But the problem with miscreants like IK and TuQ is that they don't believe in the judiciary..
“We have the confidence of 180 million people. We will not allow national decisions to be taken on the roads and streets. We will not allow anyone to spread anarchy,” says PM Nawaz
Er....you mean all 180 million people voted for you. Hmm...some basic maths lessons needed methinks!. Also, mian sahib, have you forgotten your own threats of long marches against PPP govt? Guess you don't like it when the boots on the other foot!
“The 2018 elections will take place as per schedule,” says PM.
Maybe....but no guarantee that you will be able to take part :)
Fantastic performance over the past 14 months by Nawaz Sharif : reserves doubled , stock market doubled , 'new interest ' by European and Anerucan MNCs is the highest for Pakistan.
Don't allow IK and TuQ to hold the progress hostage! These safe scum of the earth and don't believe in any of our institutions.
70% of the cabinet is from Lahore and surroundings... What is son doing on your foreign visits? What is Maryam Nawaz qualification? Why is railway minister acting as info minister
The prime minister says that, “It was even said that, despite some issues, this is perhaps the most transparent election.”.... Where should I go and Bang my Head?
The prime minister says that, “It was even said that, despite some issues, this is perhaps the most transparent election.”
So what was the big deal about verifying 4 constituencies?
PM Says “The smooth transition from one democratic govt to an other democratic govt is a sign of progress,” Doesn't matter if people have no electricity, no jobs, nothing to eat... at least democracy is there ... Wah PM Wah !
He says he has no idea why people are protesting? is this not height of his ignorance of what is going on in the country. I can't trust my Pakistan with PML N period.
I closely watched his body language and this man is a pathological liar. If he is so honest, why put containers and use police force. Every thing he says in future tense "will do..." Most likely they will loot everything by then.
@salman: No salman , what he exactly asked is why the fasaad and mar dhar , in english why this crisis and violence.
But once cant expect you to reply to that .....
PM asks "In regard to the ‘Azadi’ march and the ‘Inqilabi’ march, the prime minister questions what the purpose of these protests are." Imran has said 1000+ times, "This is regarding rigging in Election", don't you listen Mr Nawaz?
\The PM implores the nation to question the purpose of the Long March.
“Are these protests occuring because there are no corruption scandals since this govt took over?” PM Nawaz asks the nation.
Er...rigging is not a corruption scandal?
In regard to the ‘Azadi’ march and the ‘Inqilabi’ march, the prime minister questions what the purpose of these protests are.
“Are they protesting that the Pakistani Rupee has appreciated?” he asks.
Doh! One is protesting your rigging. If you read a newspaper once in a while you would understand.
While speaking about the development of the country, he says, “in the past 14 months, the nation has moved forward in terms of currency value, foreign investment and economic growth.”
well, depends who you ask, you get different figures...Dar v IMF. Who to believe?
What a goga. A) Reads off of a script B) That too full of rhetoric C) Offers fudged facts and loose timelines D) Forgets to mention that his danishmand family will stop hoarding government resources and slot E) Repeats the same ole same ole rehash of the mega-projects F) Masks the fact that he has been in governments for 35 years
~Red is the color of my vote~
“I am not claiming any miracles when it come to the progress of the country, but there has been improvement on several fronts when it comes to the economy,” says PM Nawaz.
No problem, we weren't expecting miracles - except maybe the odd bulltet train or so...remember that?
The prime minister says, “we laid the foundation for democratic continuity in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.”
Therefore please allow our rigged govt to carry on. Pretty please!!
"“We have paid a price for political upheaval in the past,” says the prime minister, adding “only nations with political stability have made progress.”"
Yes sir, you were involved in much of that upheaval :)
Punjabi establishment is finished.