PTI endorses Zarb-e-Azb operation
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ISLAMABAD. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday endorsed the military operation underway in North Waziristan, the party's deputy secretary general and media advisor to PTI chairman told Dawn.com.
Imran Ismail said that in a core committee meeting in the capital, Imran Khan maintained that the party stands by the army and endorses the operation. However, he said the chairman expressed reservations regarding the government's failure to inform the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government prior to the announcement.
Last week, reiterating his party’s stance on peace talks with militants, Imran had said that an offensive in North Waziristan would unite militant forces against the Pakistani state.
"Conducting such a military operation when most of the groups in NWA want talks is suicidal," Imran said in a statement, adding that most groups in North Waziristan desire peace talks with the government.
He also criticised the US Congress' move to link aid to a military offensive in North Waziristan, terming the move as an effort by the US to “purchase” the government’s favour to carry out a military operation in the tribal region.
On Sunday, PTI MNA Arif Alvi expressed reservations against the government's announcement of the operation.
“Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was not aware of this. We were not informed that a wide scale operation will be launched in North Waziristan,” PTI MNA Dr Arif Alvi said, adding that this is a ‘money for operation’ exchange.
He added that his party has always maintained that an operation of this scale will result in a large influx of refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his party forms government. “The government should have told us so we could have prepared for this.”
He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) for what he said was a move to appease the US government which has linked aid to an operation of this nature.
“The PML-N government did not tell the public and the opposition why the talks failed. We do not know about the dimension of this operation.”
He also said that groups such as the Haqqani network have no war with Pakistan and are being isolated without reason. “Does the government want to burn all cards for the incoming government in Afghanistan?” He suggested that there should be a surgical and precise operation as a large scale strike would result in the death of innocents.
KP govt endorses action against militants unwilling to negotiate
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa chief minister Pervez Khattak has endorsed action against the militant groups not willing to support dialogue and directed the law enforcement agencies to beef up security of the sensitive areas.
Khattak has also directed relief agencies to make arrangements for the internally displaced people of North Waziristan Agency.
A statement issued from the chief minister house says that Pervez Khattak has expressed his resolve that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf will fully support the armed forces at this critical juncture in history.
The chief minister also directed IDPS to be accommodated in government buildings if they are not willing to go to the camps.
The authorities have also been directed to enhance security and intelligence gathering in the cities bordering the tribal areas.
The chief minister also said thus far at least 62,000 tribesmen from North Waziristan have arrived in the settled areas of KP.
He said arrangements for their food, health and other facilities will be made after their registration.
Director Fata Disaster Management Authority Arshad Khan told Dawn.com that so far 4600 families have moved out of North Waziristan Agency according to the registration data. The authorities are also making arrangements for them.
Major military operations in Pakistan
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On DawnNews
Comments (93) Closed
Jun 16, 2014 04:47pm
Didn't he just said few days ago operation in NW would be suicidal? He changes his opinions faster than women changes their dresses
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Jun 16, 2014 04:50pm
Yet another U-turn.
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Jun 16, 2014 04:58pm
Good and wise decision by Imran khan and PTI
Some where else we can say almighty allah but in Pakistan we have one choice that is to say yes to almighty Pak army
Wish and hope pak army clean the land and mountains of north waziristan from militants
There is one militant commander his name is mauli sadeequllah he has his preson and courts
wish you pak army you get rid of us from such situations because we waziristanis also claim that we are part of rest of Pakistan,then why we are treated differently
protect and safe guard civilians and flush all those believe in violant ideaologies
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Jun 16, 2014 05:01pm
So Dr Alvi and Shireen Mazari are not in the PTI then?. Dr Alvi was even stating that PMLN is doing this for the sake of America?PTI is pretty confused indeed.
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Jun 16, 2014 05:03pm
PTI can only make back and forth ,, no body knows what is the exact policy they want to follow or implement, khan sab want to QURBAN some of his mpas?,, let see how they face and react over ttp reaction over KPK pti top brass,, ANP track record is laying in history.
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Jun 16, 2014 05:06pm
Endorsed? Whatever else Mr. Khan has said, completely contradicts the "endorsement" THING !
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Jun 16, 2014 05:13pm
Plz read complete article first!!
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Jun 16, 2014 05:18pm
PTI has endorsed this operation half heartedly. Probably, Imran knows that if he doesn
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Jun 16, 2014 05:26pm
Willing or unwillingly PTI has no option other than to back Pak army. PTI has already done too much favor to these militants and got nothing in return, even KPK province was not spared by these activist and situation is getting worse day by day. This is high time that combating terrorism should be the highest priority of all political parties, else Pak will face the same fate as that of Iraq and Afghansitan
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Jun 16, 2014 05:32pm
good decision, you can not run a party forever on charity's income
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Jun 16, 2014 05:35pm
Mr imran why you are always trying to turn things upside down and see if they look any better....remember decisiveness will become the character of your personality...
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Jun 16, 2014 05:56pm
Was there really any choice now, but to endorse it? It is after all PML N that's calling all the shots, he couldn't have criticized an ongoing operation in which our men are dying.
Calling it a U Turn is unfair, rather it is an admission that it's too late now to oppose the operation, since the operation has gone on anyway.
I sincerely hope that PTI recognizes that an operation was inevitable, how long it took for it to happen was anyone's guess since last week. If the government is to be believed, the peace talks failed, we've not yet seen any clarification on that front either.
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Jun 16, 2014 05:57pm
@Rehan When will you people get some common sense. There is no u-turn, Its called leadership and supporting your country and army no matter what you may believe in. Without our army or our country what good are your principles and views. Time to stop playing politics and acknowledge sensible decisions.
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Jun 16, 2014 05:58pm
No option, those who oppose will get isolated. The entire nation is happy & satisfied with the launching of army action against TTP. They created havoc & thus deserve befitting response. Long live our Armed Forces. PTI should show more maturity in future.
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Jun 16, 2014 05:59pm
damned if you, damned if you don't, #PTI is a favorite punching bag for all, political parties,or media, etc, due to their vested interests,
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Jun 16, 2014 06:03pm
@Rehan
He is stuck at the round about!
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Jun 16, 2014 06:10pm
Does this party have any moral & ethical stand.i Feel sad that we ever thought Imran kHan could change Pakistan's course
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Jun 16, 2014 06:11pm
PTI should look beyond politics
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Jun 16, 2014 06:11pm
@Rehan some ppl say that IK should support army action and when he does the same ppl say he has done a u-turn
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Jun 16, 2014 06:13pm
@Rehan plmn first said peace talks will solve issue now they started army action is that u-turn aswell
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Jun 16, 2014 06:14pm
Seriously.. PTI is still perplexed as to why the talks failed?
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Jun 16, 2014 06:14pm
This is far from hypocrisy. Of course PTI was against the operation but once it has begun, they have decided to stand by their military. I don't see anything wrong with that.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:15pm
Its absurd the way PTI's support for military operation is being perceived. No party is more nationalist than the PTI. PTI will always support and back its army. Though it still firmly believes that talks are the only hope. American forces who spent 14 years fighting in Afghanistan are extracting out of there without any achievements to talk about. Most areas of Afghanistan are still under Taliban control. I hope and pray that the army has jumped in with a much better strategy and technology, not the one they undertook for the last 13 years. I will be praying for their safety and success.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:27pm
@Rehan :If you consider it a U turn,its blessing for the Pakistani.Kindly do not criticize.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:37pm
I think no more rubbish talk. We all should stand behind our Army as a nation to finish the job. May Allah give our Army a complete success.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:39pm
When you have a contradictory policy and many leaders making contradictory statements, exposes PTI as an immature political outfit, that does have a good grip on circumstances. PTI and IK need a lot of growing up to do before they can govern.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:53pm
This man is utterly confused. Whatever comes to his small brain he spits out. Just pathetic!
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Jun 16, 2014 06:55pm
PTI are amateurs who came into government about 20 years too early.
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Jun 16, 2014 06:56pm
Good decision!! Imran has taken the right stand.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:13pm
I have been a fan of Imran Khan since my childhood. He impressed by being a Great cricketer & when he came to our school for donations for Shaukat Khanum Hospital I was one of the students who contributed the most. I strongly believe that continuation of democratic process would make Pakistan stronger & was in favor of Mr. Khan during the last elections as well. However, I have been seriously disappointed by his negative & immature approach since after the elections. He & his party have formed the govt. in one province which allowed them to perform & prove that that could manage the whole country but he still keeps crying about the rigging in elections. The frequency with which he keeps going back on his own previous comments makes it even worse. He seems least bothered by the issue being faced by people of Sindh & Balochistan. He has been a serious disappointment for people like me who saw potential of a new leader emerging in Pakistani politics.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:14pm
Good move IK.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:21pm
This means Imran Khan's opinion about these Military actions was baseless and unreasonable all this time. He asserted, a week ago, that these operations would lead to disintegration of Pakistan, and look at him supporting it now! How would he explain this? Better make up some excuse Mr. Confused.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:32pm
How unfortunate to see countrymen fighting with each other over petty things, we are at war gentlemen, a little unity in such times would go a long way!
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Jun 16, 2014 07:42pm
@Rania
Poor analogy. Afghan Taliban are fighting with a force that invaded their country. TTP is fighting with their own country men. Pakistani forces have full support of 180 million Pakistanis, however, this is not the case for Americans in Afghanistan.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:44pm
Another U Turn of Turn Khan, but this turn is appreciable. right decision on right time.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:51pm
Khan Sahib, it is heartening to note your luke warm support for this operation by fully supporting the army. Clearly the egos of many of those not consulted were hurt. But no one in his right mind can support an announcement of the operation thus further jeopardizing the lives of our jawans.
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Jun 16, 2014 07:56pm
confused khan!
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Jun 16, 2014 07:59pm
Now that the operation has started, should IK say that he is on that side of the fence? Please lower your hatred. He still maintains that he is against the operation but that doesnt mean he will side with the enemies. but oh wait, are you paid trolls? in which case there is no point explaining this all to you
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Jun 16, 2014 08:03pm
Well! I now like to see the real outcome of this adventure... lets see how much we get from this operation and how much we loose.
NS has finally listened the outcry from most of my fellow parey likhay Pakistanis.
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Jun 16, 2014 08:05pm
Despite that I am not a die hard fan of IK but still this is true that he has caused stir in the politics. All the forces of status quo in the country are afraid and against him. As a matter of fact he has been under immense pressure from them and this is evident by his body language in the interviews given by him in the talk shows lately. There are very few people in the world who have courage to stand up against wrong doings and publicly say they are wrong. IK is one of them.
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Jun 16, 2014 08:06pm
Welcome aboard Imran Khan!
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Jun 16, 2014 08:06pm
Imran needs to admit he got this whole thing spectacularly wrong. Though I would probably still vote for him, he has shown himself rather naive, and too easily influenced by the TTP and their mullahs sympathisers. They had virtually no choice but back the operation.
Politics with these militants is not just about the carrot, its about the stick too. We need to use the stick and carrot, and at some point it will be time to use the carrot again. But the TTP have assumed that the carrot is a sign of weakness, thus we need to use the stick and make them see some sense. The Haqqanis have made their choice, by funding and harboring terrorists. Its time they too face the wrath of Pakistan.
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Jun 16, 2014 08:06pm
Once upon a time when the Afghans started the so called jihad against the Russians,each and every waziristani supported and puted their share some how not because of the Afhgan brethern only but because it was state sponsored jihad and we were told and preached through state sponsored scholars that this is to protect the borders of our home land
By that time there was no bad and good
Our generations were radicalized
we lost every thing
now we read in the comments from readers asking pak army to bomb waziristan but those ignorant don't know that there are nearly million population of north waziristan only.
If all these million are considered militants then what is the strength of pak army
God bless you waziristan
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Jun 16, 2014 08:14pm
@Rehan For him U Turn is nothing, it is a complete circle
Mr Confused Khan
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Jun 16, 2014 08:18pm
He always maintained that he will try his utmost to avoid operation. However, when an operation starts PTI will always standby Pak Army. People who cry U-turn are idiots who use every opportunity to malign him. He is a patriot, who has a principled difference of opinion on approach to tackle extremism, but he know that now the operation has started , so his opposition would affect negatively morale of the Army. It is an hallmark of patriot not a politician.
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Jun 16, 2014 08:50pm
@Awan It's not a popular decision within PTI but for the sake of country they have to support the Pak army.This is unfortunate that killers and who will die on this so called war on terror are all Pakistanis.
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Jun 16, 2014 09:00pm
Stop whining. Even if PM would have taken you into confidence what could you have done except to support the army. Which you are doing, so better do it with dignity. Don't pick nits in everything.
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Jun 16, 2014 09:05pm
Boy, aren't they in a very awkward position?
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Jun 16, 2014 09:14pm
"Conducting such a military operation when most of the groups in NWA want talks is suicidal," Imran said in a statement, adding that most groups in North Waziristan desire peace talks with the government.
This argument does not make any sense. If there are indeed militants that want to talk then they should distance themselves from those who do not want to talk and and want to take up arms against the state and kill its citizens. The government would definitely not want to fight against those who do not want to wage a war against it. There is no other option but to go after these terrorists and take them out.
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Jun 16, 2014 09:19pm
@Pakistani So you are telling me that the decision to eliminate Taliban by Force is not a Popular decision in PTI?. So what exactly is popular in PTI then?. To have more talks with taliban so we can be black mailed by one parallel state of so called Taliban.?.
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Jun 16, 2014 09:20pm
PTI was never in favour of military operation because it though that military is not the solution but at point it is very important to for PTI and all other parties to stand with the military regardless of their previous opinion for country's sake. Thats what PTI is doing and I am proud if it.
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Jun 16, 2014 09:30pm
@Fiz he said that so that kpk could prepare for refugees with tents food etc
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Jun 16, 2014 10:32pm
@Afzal
He never does anything, He chucks everything on federal gov.
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Jun 16, 2014 11:03pm
What is so difficult for people to comprehend?!
He says its a bad idea, please dont do it....
Once its done... I think this was a bad idea, but now its started, we cant afford to fail.... so you will get whatever support you need from us.
Is this too intricate for our educated classes to comprehend?!
And btw... he said a few months ago, that if an operation starts, then obviously I will have no choice but to support the army, but i dont think thats the way to go about it!
Whats wrong with you people?!
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Jun 16, 2014 11:16pm
Imran Khan knows well that an objection to Waziristan operation will be a suicidal for him and his party. He have to stand behind the government and with the people of Pakistan who made him a leader .
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Jun 16, 2014 11:18pm
@Anon What is wrong with these people is that they give huge speeches and cry over family politics but when someone who stands to challenge the status quo they get threatened and start judging the person by a different yard stick. what is wrong with these people is probably they are ill informed of the history (of a region or any incident, don't do research) and have only become opinionated individuals - giving comments only for the sake of it. What is wrong with these people is that it is IK.
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Jun 16, 2014 11:44pm
@Salim A .. Agree PTI is immature in playing tricks with the nation like other political parties do.... Too bad for PTI as being the only honest and nationalist party .... as nation is so used to of these seasoned looters ( aka politicians ) that anything astute leaves them perplexed
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Jun 17, 2014 12:01am
Don't take Imran Khan seriously. He has lost his credibility, irretrievably at least with me and I dare say with most of his past supporters. He should forget about tsunamis ever appearing for his Jalsas ! He turned out to be a fraud, and Pakistanis will never vote for him again. He should best stick to philanthropic activities, because he cannot be a political leader as he completely lacks vision and leadership qualities.
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Jun 17, 2014 12:04am
Great to know that Imran Khan has realized the Truth and is now ready to support the Pak Army on operation Zarb-I-Azb.
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Jun 17, 2014 12:20am
When someone takes dictates from others one have to take such U-turns time and again. Ik a very naive politician, he had better continued with the game of cricket where he might have done well for Pakistan.
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Jun 17, 2014 12:44am
Finally!
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Jun 17, 2014 12:53am
@Modi ...and we have so many of those politicians that have exhibited such visionary leadership in the past years that we cannot absolutely make room for one more, right?
Please take off the rose colored glasses when looking at them to make a better assessment.
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Jun 17, 2014 12:54am
I stand firm with what this guy says. First of all this is not our war, the US created it and they should end it. Secondly i personally believe launching an operation in waziristan can be very deadly. I have a gut feeling Pakistan will be attacked even more now by terrorists
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Jun 17, 2014 12:59am
What the non-sense, a day after Imran had another belief: How come this statement is coming from PTI? Now whats the difference between IK and any other political leader?
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Jun 17, 2014 01:02am
Imi....this is not cricket...u want to play politics you have to be smarter than this.....plus neither is KP your practise pitch....
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Jun 17, 2014 01:06am
@Fiz he is in opposition and look at every western country if the main party do something that other policital parties dont agreed with they always speak up. IK is doing something that all good opposition parties do! Believe it or not this is good democracy for pakistan parties are now competing on how to do good for pakistan instead of how to better their own pockets!
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Jun 17, 2014 01:24am
The best way for Imran Khan to keep his support and popularity is to keep his mouth shut! As soon as he opens his mouth, he comes out more absurdthen he did before. He has no clue how to govern and problem-solve. Personally, I would advise him to sit back and relax - let the government do it's job. By the way, I was a supporter of Mr. Khan, before the election results came out!
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Jun 17, 2014 02:34am
Too little Too late. Imran you are a fool.
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Jun 17, 2014 02:54am
I am not surprised at IK. He lives in a gray zone. I don't know if I can trust anything that comes from his mouth because I am 110% sure he will change within the next turn of events. In my opinion he is doing all of this to get media's attention and Unfortunately IK is becoming popular for the wrong reasons.
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Jun 17, 2014 02:57am
Such an important decision taken by the Army was not discussed in the parliament. It shows that the Army still holds power and can do anything it likes. Army operations killing innocent people will have a backlash. No amount of US drone strikes and Military operations can soothe the anger felt by the common man in those areas. Their livelihood and houses are being destroyed. The people in those areas have now become refugees or are being killed. WHY? To appease US Government. Pakistan Army is again creating seeds of division in the country.
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Jun 17, 2014 03:43am
I am happy to see how loyal Imran Khan is for Pakistan. Even though he is still against the idea of this operation he is providing full support and encouragement to our young Pak army soldiers. Thank you for not being egoistic and for changing your beliefs for our army youngsters. Inspires us
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Jun 17, 2014 05:06am
The government mailed him a letter. He will get it soon!
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Jun 17, 2014 06:48am
This is a U-TURN but positive one. In this case I guess IK had no choice but take quick U-TURN.
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Jun 17, 2014 06:49am
the Americans did it! now strike back with a Pak F16
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Jun 17, 2014 07:22am
@Modi most of his voters stand by him, so you could only talk about yourself. and i bet you didn't see his jalsa only few days back.
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Jun 17, 2014 07:35am
IK ! the damage has been done. too late to give conditional support. Its surprising that you still consider taliban to have the good and the bad among them. If a miltant group calls itself taliban knowing very well that they have created havoc in Pakistan for more than a decade then you are siding with the bad guys and you need to be dealt with full military might
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Jun 17, 2014 07:40am
@Saqib
Why Mr. Khan only agree to support the country and army, after Nawaz Sharif made the decision to eliminate these extremist. Two days ago Mr. Khan have different idea about Army and Mr.Sharif.
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Jun 17, 2014 07:42am
@Khwaja This is not a U Turn. Read the entire article.
Darya main reh kar magarmach se bair nahin lia jata.... its politics for our little brains
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Jun 17, 2014 07:43am
Does Imran Khan understand that in matters of national security, the federal govt. prevails? From his statement it is apparent that he does not! Stupid is stupid and that's the bottom line.
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Jun 17, 2014 07:48am
Can anyone make a guess how long will this operation last?
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Jun 17, 2014 07:57am
@Waziristani
The operation is NOT against peaceful Waziristanis, the operation is against the foreign terrorists who came from different countries, they are living in Waziristan and terrorizing the country. So you people need to kick them out, everything will be fine after that.
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Jun 17, 2014 11:34am
@Arslan : it is not politics it is childish attitude.. Imran khan doesn't have any vision only sloganeering doesn't work now, he should have prove himself in KPK where PTI badly failed and the reason of failure is Imran khan interfrerence in KPK affairs ...
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Jun 17, 2014 11:49am
We should not say anything untill or unless some result appeared.
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Jun 18, 2014 12:37am
Is this an afterthought, Khan Sahib and another U-turn by PTI on the strategy adopted by the Govt. of Pakistan and the Armed Forces, now that almost 88% (according to Dawn's survey and that may be considered a 'good fit' and representative of the population's opinion) of the populace supports this decisive action?
And for the life of me I cannot understand, why this commotion and complaints about not taking into confidence the opposition parties (by PTI and some others) before the action started? The surprise element was and is the key to a successful campaign in North Waziristan in order to prevent a mass exodus of the terrorists esp. their commanders to slip away into Afghanistan; isn't that a 'common sense' strategic and operational decision?
This Operation is 'Pakistan's D-Day' - Do or Die! Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad and Jinnah's Pakistan Paindabad.
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Jun 18, 2014 01:21am
agreed with Saad Zafar...
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Jun 18, 2014 04:05am
Good decision by idiot khan- but still he is creating confusion.
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Jun 18, 2014 04:22am
about time......
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Jun 18, 2014 03:26pm
Actually this is the high time for all political parties to support Army and Govt. for the sake of Welfare of the Nation.
Mr. Khan is very much Commendable for changes his Thoughts, Ideas and Opinions, but the fact is they all have to think Solitary. He knows very well that endorses the operation can highlighted him in a good way.
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Jun 18, 2014 07:38pm
Imran Khan has changed from a fast bowler to a spin bowler
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Jun 18, 2014 07:52pm
Pretty soon we will find people and certain clerics on Pak TV channels shedding tears for Taliban conveniently forgetting their past. That will remind me of a plea by a murderer who killed both his parents, to be spared on humanitarian reasons because he was an orphan!
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Jun 19, 2014 05:32am
@Hussain well said sir, demand that the army and adminstration stay in Waziristan for the long term. Schools, police and infrastructure. Become part of the nation not a forgotten sister
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Jun 19, 2014 10:13am
An immature leader
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Jun 19, 2014 07:24pm
Shame on them. They have lost lots of voters. traitors. Pti my foot.
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