Punjabi Taliban call off armed struggle in Pakistan
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PESHAWAR: The Punjabi Taliban militant group on Saturday announced that it was giving up its armed struggle in Pakistan, and would now pursue the implementation of Shariah in the country through peaceful means.
In a newly released video message and a written statement, a copy of which was received by Dawn.com, Punjabi Taliban Chief Ismatullah Muawiya said that after consultation with the Ulema, and given the prevailing situation in Pakistan, the organization was ending its armed struggle within the country, limiting its use of force to "infidel forces".
Ismatullah Muawiya had only a few days ago announced the group would limit its activities to Afghanistan, and today's announcement is of great significance as it appears to mark the end of the anti-Pakistan armed struggle of the largest Taliban group, in terms of sheer numbers. The faction had been active in Punjab, the political power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The announcement indicates further fragmentation in the umbrella Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which suffered a setback when a new bloc recently declared its split from the group's official leadership. The TTP Jamatul Ahrar (freedom fighters group) said it would no longer recognise TTP Chief Mullah Fazlullah as its Emir, and named Omar Khalid Khorasani as its commander.
In the same video, Muawiya said the Punjabi Taliban would continue with Dawat Tablig (preaching) and would be operating in Afghanistan. He also called upon the other warring Taliban groups and the government to return to the peace process. The Pakistani Taliban had announced a ceasefire earlier this year, where attempts were made to continue peace talks with the government.
Muawiya also called upon the government to rehabilitate the war affected people of the tribal areas "with honour and dignity" and provide them compensation. He said that, "peace is the need of the hour to foil conspiracies against Pakistan and its people."
The Punjabi Taliban chief also announced that the organisation would start relief activities in the flood hit areas of Punjab.
As noted in previous reports, the Punjabi Taliban had become increasingly open to talking peace with the government, and that was the reason the more hardline Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan leadership parted ways with them.
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On DawnNews
Comments (103) Closed
Sep 13, 2014 07:30pm
That is interesting move by them.
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Sep 13, 2014 07:34pm
As if they can be trusted to honor their announcements and pronouncements. Lying murderous hypocrites.
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Sep 13, 2014 07:44pm
Proof of how effectively our intelligence agencies are working. Those very agencies which are blamed by so called "patriot" politicians and a channel for everything bad happening in our country.
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Sep 13, 2014 07:49pm
Victory of Pakistan Armed Forces. Still TTP must be held accountable for all the deaths and destruction it has caused over the years.
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Sep 13, 2014 07:56pm
Good. And good riddance.
Nothing beats a bankrupt 'cause' like those of the Talibans more than the rejection of their 'cause' by the society at large. I believe these thugs, while violent, have not found significant traction in Pakistan. That and the increased/enhanced security/intelligence response has dealt a death blow to TTP and its factions. Now these thugs should not even go after 'infidels'--we know what that would mean.
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Sep 13, 2014 07:59pm
"Ki meray qatal kay ba'ad uss ne jafa sey tauba' (After my death, he repented from terrorism)
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Sep 13, 2014 08:03pm
oh it seems you are have started crying now after zarb a azb . I think dreams of heaven have turned into nightmare.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:04pm
What about your past crimes? If you could dodge the law here what about the judgement day?
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Sep 13, 2014 08:08pm
Thank God!
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Sep 13, 2014 08:14pm
I hope your peaceful ways prove more successful then your violent ways. So that the other extremists groups can see that Peace and Love is the answer, not war on infidels!
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Sep 13, 2014 08:17pm
Change of heart in Rawalpindi
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Sep 13, 2014 08:21pm
their base is south Punjab so why is there no Military operation in south Punjab? Army can do free hand operations in KPK and Baluchistan but they wont dare do anything in their own backyard.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:22pm
Alhamdolillah !! Let us work together for rebuilding Pakistan and providing innocent Public our much needed help. Allah SWT will settle final score with anyone who was involved with the destruction of innocent lives and property and only Allah knows the true intentions of these people. However, the Government of Pakistan must pursue all criminal cases in courts and punish them if found guilty.
No politician or President should dare to forgive the criminals which is the cause of turmoil facing the country today. If you remember, NRO saved the criminals and looters in recent history and allowed them to do more corruption.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:23pm
Chaudhary Nisar and Sanaullah must disclose the details of the agreement made with these terrorist, who are responsible for killing of thousands of Pakistanis. Accountability demands justice.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:26pm
And their weapons? Are they planning to keep their options open?
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Sep 13, 2014 08:33pm
Whoever you are, have fear of Almighty in your heart. Stop killing innocent people, stop creating orphans and widows. May be you get away in this world, but there is hereafter and there would be a day of judgement. All would be accountable for their wrong doings. Repent and change your ways of killing innocent people, regardless of whatever background or religion they may be. If they have not done any wrong to you, than you do not have any right to kill or injure others. Remember all created by Almight. Ask Almighty for forgiveness. Go out and serve poor, desperate, old and sick people of your community.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:35pm
These terrorist minds operate on the instruction of others. They r just like statues, mind & faces of hate.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:37pm
And they think this can rectify the great loss nation has suffered?
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Sep 13, 2014 08:37pm
@I. Ahmed " After my murder he repented for falling in love."
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Sep 13, 2014 08:40pm
These terrorist are lairs they just want to deceive Pak Army and want an exit way from Zarb-e-Azb. The only solution to get rid off these beast is full scale operation against them.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:41pm
Very interesting. The jackal has decided to change it's hide. Will it be able to change it's nature? Question to ponder!
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Sep 13, 2014 08:43pm
If you are true followers of Muhammad (PBU), then bring a peaceful revolution through convincing and votes. If people don't vote for you, then people don't want you. But choosing violent path will bring nothing but destruction for the entire nation where there will be no victor but a foreign power.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:44pm
@Sayyar Khan
None of your business!
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Sep 13, 2014 08:45pm
Ok....this does not mean they will be exempt from FIR against the. first let us go thru the FIRs against them. Spit out how many innocent people killed by them. The left over members can continue with new creative drama... we know they have their eyes on compensation to be awarded to IDPs. It is understood the same picture will reproduce. They are still deniAL of Allah's wrath upon them ... for killing in the name maintaining islam
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Sep 13, 2014 08:46pm
@wizarat
Really, attacking state institutions also demand of trials of IK and Mullah Qadri. Attacking state institutions were terrorists acts.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:47pm
What run out of money or gas then apply for unemployment benefits in exchange for community service or even go back to school,report to your nearest PML-N MPA or Patwari for assistance.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:52pm
The Punjabi Taliban militant group on Saturday announced that it was giving up its armed struggle in Pakistan,....till MNS is in power
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Sep 13, 2014 08:58pm
No wonder why they are offering peace after Zarb-e-Azb.
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Sep 13, 2014 08:59pm
@Lucky Star Oh stop dragging IK into every discussion. Shun that typical PML N mind set, accusing IK of all ills in the society.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:02pm
Who cares about these dregs of the society anyway.....
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Sep 13, 2014 09:03pm
Talking about giving up armed struggle with gun in the background. Good luck for people taking you seriously.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:04pm
@Saad Z. There should be an NRO; just like the politicians can get away with extreme corruption, these folks 'let bygones be bygones'. Otherwise it is a never-ending problem
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Sep 13, 2014 09:05pm
The only thing these guys understood was force. Its called surrender and anyone responsible for taking a life should be punished according to the shariah that they have ridiculed.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:08pm
Ismatullah Muawiya knows that "RAID" is coming and he along with others are going to be eviscerated. Imran Khan, Fazlur Rehman et el; their protectors are in hiding and do not dare give out statements of support to them. So, he is talking about peace now. Capture him before he becomes strong again.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:08pm
Muawiya also called upon the government to rehabilitate the war affected people of the tribal areas "with honour and dignity" and provide them compensation. He said that, "peace is the need of the hour to foil conspiracies against Pakistan and its people."
This is hilarious. All these war-affected innocent people were displaced because of the wrongdoings of these militants and now they are asking for their rehabilitation? If these people are sincere, which only the time will tell, then all guns should now point to Fazlullah.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:11pm
@Lucky Star - Why are you dragging them into getting votes? They will soon learn what NS does.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:11pm
They have committed hundreds of murders and others crimes, for which they need to be arrested and punished. nouso chuhe kha kar billi Hajj par chalee.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:16pm
This is a time-buying and regrouping tactical move. Be wary of them since the strategic goal is same.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:17pm
Lets wait, how the drama progresses.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:19pm
These are Good Talibans ... right
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Sep 13, 2014 09:25pm
Slowly but surely, Pakistan is moving into right directions. West have religious fanatics also but they are aidelined by majority. We are starting to do the same.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:27pm
Thanks to Pakistan Army and their operation.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:28pm
First surrender, give up your guns, then peace can be achieved.
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Sep 13, 2014 09:43pm
So then they should hand in all weapons and arms
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Sep 13, 2014 09:51pm
It is the direct result of Zarb-e-Azb
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Sep 13, 2014 09:59pm
We don't mind as long as they fight somewhere else.
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Sep 13, 2014 10:00pm
This should not stop Nawaz and his brother Shahbaz from providing Muawiya with safe haven in Punjab.
Rest assured there is a bounty on his head and people are looking for his scalp.
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Sep 13, 2014 10:00pm
@Pakistani NRO did not send suicide bombers. Or send a hit squad to kill a 14 year old girl, or killed hundreds in a masjid while they were in sajada. Do you place more value on money than on people's lives?
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Sep 13, 2014 10:05pm
Calls off armed struggle with an AK-47 peeking in the background. Sounds legit.
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Sep 13, 2014 10:42pm
Finally, a good move by Sharif brothers to convince the punjabi talibans to lay down the arm against the people!
Well done NS!
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Sep 13, 2014 10:48pm
We will not forget. We will not forgive. Never!
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Sep 13, 2014 10:58pm
TTP will come to an end soon
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Sep 13, 2014 11:01pm
After terrorism most serious threat to Pakistan is powerty, lawlessness, corruption in all sector of life, lack of education and population increase.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:04pm
Guess which party's militant wing this is and why they come up with this deceiving statement at this time and on whose instructions?
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Sep 13, 2014 11:14pm
Admission of defeat by TTP.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:18pm
Pak forces keep going. The reason they are doing this is to buy time. Give them no quarter.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:33pm
I am scratching my head.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:33pm
Bring them all to justice and pounish them according to the crimes have comitted.
DO NOT TRUST THESE COWARDS.
They know very well that Pak army will soon be taking care of them...
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Sep 13, 2014 11:34pm
The only thing Punjabi Taliban can do in Afghanistan is sabotage and disruptions but can’t rule the country again.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:34pm
islam was never propagated with violence or force but rather with "auswa-e-husna" (good deeds). i hope we all muslims understand this simple logic.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:35pm
@Azam Khan Actually, Ghalib is talking about a 'she' and not 'he'. He continued; 'Haiy iss zoodey pusheman ka pusheman hona'. In the present case, Punjabi Taliban's statement is most welcome.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:36pm
They are only doing this because they are getting decimated by the Pakistan Army now.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:37pm
"Muawiya said the Punjabi Taliban would continue with Dawat Tablig (preaching) ".......
Did he specify if their preaching activity will continue with the help of Kalashnikov?
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Sep 13, 2014 11:38pm
World is complex!! Only a peaceful and exploring mind can be a healthy survivor. Whatever may be the idealism, forced or terrorizing manners usually makes one quite like a dull baboon -- one who becomes unable to feel the taste of pleasant-survival.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:42pm
Potentially positive move, as long as policy makers consider and remain cognizant of
(1) the difficult job of identifying and acting against the inevitable splinter groups who do not agree with the olive branch extended by this, their parent organization. New actors, decentralized operations, smaller footprints.
(2) the possibility of erstwhile militant groups morphing into sophisticated crime rings. Armed mercenaries, desensitized to violence, now with nothing to do = not good.
(3) the possibility of the Punjabi Taliban using this as an opportunity to regroup and re-strategize, whether that was their plan all along or their rank/file spouts out a radical revisionist who harks for a return to former glory.
In all likelihood though, they've just struck a deal with the boys and have been convinced that Afghanistan will be a better and easier target in the coming years -- one the boys won't stop them from aiming it, and may even help them with. So scratch all I said about 'potentially positive'. Ho hum.
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Sep 13, 2014 11:53pm
These guys have more sense than PTI?
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Sep 14, 2014 12:03am
@Pakistani They are not saying anything about their arsenal. The leader has proudly placed his gun by his side. Does that not mean their resolve is fake, may be short lived. They may restart violence any time they feel like.
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Sep 14, 2014 12:15am
I hope No taliban group would be left after zarb e Azb .. They have killed thousands of innocent .. How can one allow them to pursue their so called struggle for shariah ?
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Sep 14, 2014 12:28am
Operation Zarb-e-Azb must keep going on otherwise these guys will later regroup and restart their terrorism.
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Sep 14, 2014 12:30am
To ensure law is upheld, these criminal must be brought to justice.
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Sep 14, 2014 01:40am
Another significant element in Pakistan Politics.
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Sep 14, 2014 01:43am
Who exactly was he addressing ?..........in such a case his action must speak louder than his words.
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Sep 14, 2014 01:45am
Does this mean that these Taliban get a "get out of jail free" card? Are all the murders they committed on their route to implementing sharia forgiven by the government? What about all the pakistani soldiers they killed? Will the generals forgive the taliban for that? Are the generals like nelson mandela?
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Sep 14, 2014 01:59am
Don't listen to their lies. The populous has had enough.
Their "peaceful" means is to brainwash millions of Pakistani children and turn them against the state. I do not trust a letter that comes out of his mouth. Also this guy is soooo peaceful he has a gun in the background!! Woow!! Soooo "peaceful" right!
The Government should arrest all of them.
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Sep 14, 2014 02:04am
They broke the sharia laws first by killing innocent muslim men, women and children, burnt schools and now they want to bring sharia laws by peaceful means. The should all be hanged. They are not to be trusted at all.
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Sep 14, 2014 02:13am
Calling off armed struggle against Pakistan should not excuse them from being prosucuted for the crimes they have commited against the inocent civilians including women and childrens of Pakistan. And they should not be allowed to roam free as they want to do for example relief work, where they will try to recruit these people for their own cause.
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Sep 14, 2014 02:46am
they are far more dangerous now,do you think they will preach bullah shah ? No but they will generate young jihadi minds, whatever they will face treason charges in TTP court and will be executed by Fazlullah.
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Sep 14, 2014 03:50am
@Saad Z. What is that incomparison the the deaths from americanns who we allow safe exit even once they are caught
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Sep 14, 2014 03:52am
@Azgar so did zardarI and musharaf and now mr shareef . Everyone working under instructions
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Sep 14, 2014 04:19am
It is good news. The Pakistani Taliban should pursue peaceful means. The federal and provincial governments should now concentrate on economic, social, political and educational developments of the Pakistani people they have suffered a lot during the last more than 65 years of Pakistan's creation.
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Sep 14, 2014 04:31am
They can repent and ask Allah for His forgiveness but they should be made to pay for their sins of murdering innocent people. If the government let them loose then it would be a joke and shame.
Ki meray Qatl kay baad usne jafa say tauba
Hai us zood pasheman ka pasheman hona
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Sep 14, 2014 04:36am
I think they are tired of killing innocent citizen of Pakistan in the name of Islam. Or their funding is dried out.
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Sep 14, 2014 05:10am
This alone doesn't cut it. They should surrender and investigated and punished for what they've done. And NO they should not be allowed to open any madrassas in the name of Islamic teachings. Out of question.
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Sep 14, 2014 05:13am
for time being ! They dont have ethics , as soon as army shuts the ops , they come back again.
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Sep 14, 2014 05:18am
sir,
peace will bring alot of benefits to all of pakistan.
allah tala pakistan ki mushkilat ko assan karay.
m.mirza
longueuil
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Sep 14, 2014 05:18am
They needs to stop terror activities all over the world - not just Pakistan if they have learned any lesson.
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Sep 14, 2014 05:30am
They are just buying time they know Pakistan Armed Forces are hot on their tail ,nip them in the bud.....
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Sep 14, 2014 07:16am
Thank God for that!
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Sep 14, 2014 07:52am
@Lucky Star. It should be the business for every peace loving person because thousands of people have died and many more became handicapped due to terrorism. Every one has the right to put across his view point
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Sep 14, 2014 09:26am
Punjabi Taliban are very vicious among all Taliban groups.
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Sep 14, 2014 10:10am
Who is responsible for the crime which they committed and killed so many innocent people? Is there any one or the so called law in this country, who can apprehend and bring them into the court of law? Is there anyone? Shame no one
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Sep 14, 2014 10:15am
If a criminal says I'm not going to be involved in crime any more, he or she still has to pay the price for their past crimes. The need to be investigated. Has the government announced any amnesty? Nope. Has the army announced any amnesty? Nope.
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Sep 14, 2014 10:17am
May be this is the opportunity to ask them to lay down their arms and offer some way out for them in return. This will entice the other groups that are thinking this way and further isolate the extremists within the extremists.
But they must surrender and must not use force against government, people of Pakistan or any other nation/religion. God created other tribes and allowed other religions and cultures to flourish and prosper on His earth. Who are these people to decide that others should live the way they in their ignorance believe is the best for all? And that too on the name of the same God who allowed this diversity and actually promoted it in all His creations.
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Sep 14, 2014 11:41am
These Taliban are pack of lies....... limiting its use of force to "infidel forces"
they only understand language of force....... they should be eliminated from Pak Sarzameen.
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Sep 15, 2014 11:35am
Just them on head....
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Sep 15, 2014 12:19pm
I wonder how these unemployed thugs will make a living now .. Perhaps work in a shop or bakery!!
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Sep 15, 2014 06:27pm
Let us see if the Government of Honorable HH nawaz Shareef goes after them.for killing innocent Pakistanis
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Sep 16, 2014 08:37am
i knew it from the bottom of my heart, that they are good people
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Sep 16, 2014 01:29pm
Have they submitted their weapons to govt?
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Sep 16, 2014 02:13pm
The claim must be taken with a pinch of salt! Now Messrs Sharif Brothers and Co. should find out who is the script writer here. Circumstantial evidence points at the Taliban sympathisers who wanted talks with these hooligans.
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Sep 16, 2014 04:35pm
They should not be left off the hook. The intelligence agencies should track them and haul up their last members and take them to the courts for the loss of lives and property of the citizens of Pakistan. These guys for a few bucks can restart the mayhem in Pakistan. Behind the fascade of turban and the beard they are killers on hire. They need to be accounted for, particularly their source of funding and logistical support.
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Sep 16, 2014 06:24pm
@Jamal
No they have not. They have assured that they will now carry their jehad in Afghanistan, so they would need their weapons for that.
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Sep 17, 2014 01:06am
Until every Talib has been killed or confined to a mental institution the option to suspend Army's hunt and kill campaign against this terrorist cancer does not exist. Taliban strategy is to get the military off their back and then return with more lethal weapons and a new target to attack. Can anyone be fooled by this announcement?
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