PTI against the military operation in NW: Imran Khan

E-Paper | March 17, 2026

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan. – File Photo by Reuters

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Thursday said he opposed the idea of launching a military operation in North Waziristan and said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wanted to save corruption and not democracy, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives at Karachi airport, Khan said the PTI opposed the idea of a military operation in North Waziristan from the very first day.

He added that the current assembly was only working to save "the corruption carried out" by President Zardari.

He said the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) had also played his its part in doing the same.

Moreover, he said that democratic governments always bring an end to the municipal system so that they can embezzle development funds.

Khan said he supported the municipal system and said that the PTI would come up with a new municipal system which would also benefit rural areas.

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salman

Aug 16, 2012 10:11am

Really? it is the oppoisite save Pakistan from Imran (taleban) Khan.

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Naveed Lotia

Aug 16, 2012 02:55pm

Imran is wrong about not wanting to invade North Waziristan. That place must be invaded by our army and the writ of the state has to be established, not the writ of the Taliban, the Haqqanis etc. The sooner that is done, the better for Pakistan in the long run. Pakistan's enemies are internal, not external. The enemies are the extremists, who want to remake Pakistan in the image of Taliban controlled Afghanistan of the 90's. God save Pakistan from the Taliban!

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NASAH (USA)

Aug 16, 2012 02:18pm

Sir -- it is not an American war -- Minhas base is still not in Fort Bragg -- even though the Traitor Taliban of Pakistan can brag about it. Open your eyes and keep your nukes safe.

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Adil

Aug 16, 2012 02:15pm

Dear Friend, you still cant see it can you. After all what is going on in the country you still dont see it? No doubt loyalty is a good thing, but if you continue being loyal to the evil then you too will become one.

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Nhz

Aug 16, 2012 01:00pm

Wow how patient Zardari is, the whole country is burning and he is doing reconciliation's politics :(

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Arc

Aug 16, 2012 12:58pm

Its not anyone from outside that is threating the stability of Pakistan, but its very much the curren and present government that is the core underlying reason for the whole state of affairs for the past 4 and half years.

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onspot.pk

Aug 16, 2012 10:33am

attacking them would produce more talibans, more suicide bombers, and attacks on our military basis.

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onspot.pk

Aug 16, 2012 10:33am

very true

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Misba

Aug 16, 2012 10:29am

At the same time, we can not just put our head into the sand and say their is nothing wrong. These terrorist who are living among our self now needed to be handle with maximum force. I am not defending the foreign interest in our country, I am sure everyone has their own interest. But these Osama's are not any good for either our country or Muslim nation.

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AkeenReader

Aug 16, 2012 10:24am

I wish that decent and sensible pakistanis give Imran Khan a chance and see if he can achieve what other two political parties i.e. PPP, PML-N could not or are willing to achive except for corruption in their respective govts. What pakistanis need to realise is that other two parties have already had the opportunity to govt this country and failed so what could be more disastrous then we have had in the pass decades.

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Shaikh Mohommad

Aug 16, 2012 10:16am

He should also demand that the American bases be closed and Pakistan military take steps against US drone attacks.

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Ali

Aug 16, 2012 10:51am

Action speaks louder than words. Imran has nothing to do except to make noices and to extend his support to military establisment. Imran is dangerous for Pakistan as he is sorrounded by all traditionals politiicans. How he can change the senarion of Pakistan while all selfishes are gathered around. He neither win majority nor he chooses the people who posess the wisodm. PTI leaders have no patience - just want to crumble down PLN. They shoud learn the patience from Zardari.

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Saeed Bokhari

Aug 16, 2012 10:51am

Paneta has already announced that Pakistan will start operations in NW. It is America's war wherein Pakistan is being forced to join because of the corrupt NRO government of PPP.IK is right as this war will cause a lot more damage to Pakistan than America will pay towards the cost of the war. On top of that American money will be eaten up by the corrupt elements such as zardari and PM Raja and top generals of the Pakistani armed forces.

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Faisal Khan

Aug 16, 2012 11:03am

We all agree with Imran Khan. There is no military solution to war in terror. British authorities had to reconcile with IRA, so we need to do the same. otherwise this neverending war will engulf our whole soceity. Faisal Khan

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OZEE

Aug 16, 2012 11:01am

The TTP spokesman said today that ” they will continue the attacks on the military installments until the establishment of Islamic rule in the country.” Now what Mr. Imran Khan will say??? He always repeats that coming out of war of terror will make everything Hunky Dory. He was wrong also when he said that Taliban will never attack cricketers since they themselves play cricket.

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A Khan

Aug 16, 2012 11:29am

Imran is the only hope for Pakistan

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Uncertain

Aug 16, 2012 03:23pm

We fight them in tribal areas or we fight them in Islamabad. The choice is ours.

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Talas

Aug 16, 2012 12:15pm

Ending the war will help in ending corruption, therefore our government will never end this war of their pay master.

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Agha Ata

Aug 16, 2012 12:15pm

Please Imran Khan, don't let JI flirt with PTI!

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@SecularPakista1

Aug 16, 2012 01:55pm

We need nationalist leaders who are not tied to the religiuos leaders. IK by aligining himself with JI and JUI is going down a blind dead end path where the end result is nothing other than anarchy and mayhem. We need to disassociate ourselves from these extreme rightwing religious operatives and move in a secualr direction where the lives and limbs of all faiths are respected. The Taliban are the internal cancer that has spread and needs to be aggressively destroyed. IK has changed his positions many times in the past. He can do it once more, hopefully, this time for the right reasons.

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AJS

Aug 16, 2012 01:27pm

Vote for CHANGE...That's it.

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Salman

Aug 16, 2012 01:53pm

according to Imran Khan the PAF base attack is a response to our army expected operation in N. Waziristan. therefore IK would indrectly also be admitting that there exists a sophisticated capacity and will to attack our military and civilians.Should we ignore this terrorist capacity and pray that they will leave us alone if and when we leave them alone as per IK argument I think it is high time we realise that we have a problem on our hand which may have very well be triggered due to the US war on terror but the fact is that these militants are home grown and we will have to tackle with them one way or the other.

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Saeed

Aug 16, 2012 09:40am

God Bless Imran Khan, the dragon slayer. May the almighty bless his efforts to rid Pakistan of these corrupt oppressors of the poor people of Pakistan.

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Falcon

Aug 16, 2012 09:54am

Completely agree with Khan Sahab. A lot of homework is required before unleashing war on North Waziristan. It can have significant blowback in terms of increased terrorism on Pakistan's soil without a sizeable benefit.

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Cyrus Howell

Aug 16, 2012 05:03pm

What has he got to lose?

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Maani

Aug 16, 2012 05:27pm

SO you’re suggesting that we shouldn't act against thieves and robbers, otherwise in reaction there will be more thieves and robbers.

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PARVEEZ

Aug 16, 2012 05:35pm

These terrorist need to be tackled, close the area, no one comes in or goes out, House to house, street to street, get hold of arms. No one should be allowed to carry any sort of arms.

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