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ISLAMABAD: The prime minister's scheduled speech to the nation tonight was cancelled hours after sources within Pakistan Television (PTV) said Nawaz Sharif would address the political and security situation in the country.
Sources at Pakistan's state-run TV channel had earlier confirmed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would address the nation at 8pm regarding the country's ongoing political situation. A spokesperson for the prime minister later informed journalists that new reports of the PM's address were "incorrect".
However, state-run Radio Pakistan's website also posted the news of the PM's speech, removing it within an hour.
PM's spokesman Mussadiq Malik told Dawn.com, "A meeting was taking place regarding the prime minister's address to the nation, during which a bureaucrat informed PTV to be prepared for the address." The decision was later revoked.
The spokesperson also said that while a decision had been taken to make a speech, a time could not be set, leading to the cancellation of the PM's address.
"The prime minister wants to take the entire nation into confidence on all national and political matters," the PM's spokesperson. He added that the prime minister is leaving for the SAARC conference tomorrow (Tuesday), and that the broadcast of an address will be decided later.
PTV sources said the schedule had been set for the prime minister to record his speech at three time slots this afternoon. The premier was expected to address the allegations leveled by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, and also apprise the nation regarding the government's plans for the country's development.
The premier’s last address to the nation was on August 12, 2014 where he had requested that a Supreme Court commission investigate alleged irregularities in the 2013 general elections.
The appeal had come just two days before the launch of massive anti-government marches led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri - both of whom have agreed on an agenda aimed at introducing, "true participatory democracy" based on alleged rigging in the elections.
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Comments (73) Closed
Nov 24, 2014 02:19pm
O ..for God's sake..no more lies.We all are fade up now.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:26pm
Brace yourself, more lies from Ameer-ul-Momineen on their way!
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Nov 24, 2014 02:30pm
There was no address of Nawaz Sharif until now (he was in a lengthy tour program).
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Nov 24, 2014 02:36pm
Good. He needs to do this in order to silent his critics.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:36pm
PM ....we want to hear what have you done regarding election rigging so far????
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Nov 24, 2014 02:45pm
How come there is no time stamp? What time is he addressing? This is important part in conveying news, we do not spend our entire day watching TV anymore.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:46pm
He is totally scared of IK and 30th November! He wouldn't address the nation but puppets of his party and PTV Camera!
29th November, see you there IK! Whole nation stands firmly with you! You are our hero and we will die stand you have taken!
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Nov 24, 2014 02:47pm
he just doing time pass or nothing
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Nov 24, 2014 02:49pm
Can PM leveled all IK allegation in one day? he has nothing to say on his govt achievements in past 1.5 years rather he will only talk about why his Govt cannot deliver putting all blame on IK and TUQ. People are now awaken Mr. PM and they are not going to be fooled by your lies so better keep enjoying your life in your palace till you can, because sooner you have to pay price for your deeds.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:49pm
If only he had addressed our problems with the same regularity with which he addresses the nation.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:51pm
remembering his first ejection from the office when first he denied corruption charges and later resigned and then attacked our Supreme Court................ history repeating itself. its sad to say good bye to him, but good to know at least he is bowing out for one last time, finally. glad.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:55pm
FINALLY! I expected this long ago. It is time to answer some of the Container Mens daily accusations leveled against any one and everyone IK dislike . He how ever has never touched The Army or any ex Army man. History tell's us that there would be much to talk about it if he really wanted to fight corruption at large. How ever for now it is NS time to talk for a change.
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Nov 24, 2014 02:56pm
Can he say anything other than what military asks him to say ? He is a sensible man but fully tied-up!
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Nov 24, 2014 02:59pm
Good bye Nawaz Sharif!
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Nov 24, 2014 03:00pm
Feeling the heat Mr. Nawaz ;)
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Nov 24, 2014 03:00pm
All he ever does is trying to defend his incompetences at any photo shoots, even overseas. Now there will be another one. Government's efforts are totally wasted on working against IK, nothing better to do than to save their crown.
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Nov 24, 2014 03:08pm
Good news. Speak your mind dear PM. Shun old practices. Start a new beginning. Take control. NS is talking leaf out of Modi's book.
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Nov 24, 2014 03:12pm
To get the nation out of current impasse he must announce fresh elections in Islamabad and four provinces without delay!
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Nov 24, 2014 03:13pm
Sorry Mr. Prime minister, we are not interested in your delusions, you need to answer IK's allegations with proof first, the nation also have a right to know about your sons life in Britain,mishap,s dollars properties in UAE and your brothers presence in every visit you had in last couple of years
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Nov 24, 2014 03:17pm
Is he addressing the nation from Germany or China? Or from Islamabad?
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Nov 24, 2014 03:18pm
On 12 August 2014 he assured nation about the formation of a judicial commission, after more than 100 days he didn't delivered on his promises, why should anyone trust your Mr. rigged PM? Please stope miusing tax payers money for settling your personal scores!
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Nov 24, 2014 03:25pm
It will all be an indirect reflection of whats been dictated to him from outside masters. His qualities of boldly lying to the nation at every step, publishing falsified economic figures, deceiving masses openly, protecting cronies, corrupts and thugs, and threatening those who raise voice for justice says it all. He can't be trusted.
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Nov 24, 2014 03:27pm
Nice Job by Dawn of reminding us nothing came of previous PM speech just words words no actions I can predict he will say Dharna Dharna Cleanest Elections
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Nov 24, 2014 03:36pm
And 99% of Pakistan will be watching Bollywood movies at that time!
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Nov 24, 2014 03:41pm
Mr Prime minister spare your speech....A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself and it tells us all...
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Nov 24, 2014 03:42pm
pre recorded ?
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Nov 24, 2014 03:44pm
PM Mr.Nawaz Sharif you are the BEST PM for Pakistan, and for the people of Pakistan.
You are doing GREAT JOB to improve economy of Pakistan. People of Pakistan must appreciate you, and
join hand to hand with you, and support you 100%...PM Mr, Nawaz Sharif you are a gentleman.
Imran and Qadri must be arrested and should serve time in JAIL. They both are DHADHLEE-BAZ.
Allah Bless PM Mr. Nawaz Sharif (AAMEEN)
Sincerely, Ashraf Mirza (USA) ashwmirza@yahoo.com
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Nov 24, 2014 03:50pm
The usual tripe of counter allegations, malice and sob stories how well he is performing blah blah, nothing substantial fron this prerecorded crap
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Nov 24, 2014 03:58pm
Most probably he is going resign.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:07pm
@Harsh dream on. like all newbies sensibilities and intricacies of power are unknown to their kind
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Nov 24, 2014 04:08pm
Thanks Imran Khan. At least PM remember his nation every time before your dead line.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:13pm
To tell lies
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Nov 24, 2014 04:14pm
This is absolutely wrong news, PM media office denies
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Nov 24, 2014 04:17pm
will only cry and cry hard and put all blame on IK for his incompetence and inefficiencies.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:20pm
"both of whom have agreed on an agenda aimed at introducing, "true participatory democracy" based on alleged rigging in the elections". Really? I thought that IK was against 'rigging'. Anyway, I am keen to see how a true participatory democracy based on rigging, alleged or real, works.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:25pm
@Naveed first imran khan need to get proof of his allegation then the prime minster will answer ... and the visits which he have are committed to do
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Nov 24, 2014 04:31pm
prerecorded speech.
Can he not talk directly to nation? May be then he need his notices with him. Who is going to believe you Mr. President.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:32pm
Mr. Imran and his cronies should wait until the next general election to be scheduled in 2018 and must consolidate his efforts to build naya Kpk as proto model to claim for the election to win across the country. He should not be hesitant as the Aam Admi Party did in India and finally vanished away from national scene. People like sheikh Rashid and so like others now have no future in Pakistan politics.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:39pm
No matter what he says, i expect the November 30th turnout doubled. The only way NS can turn the wheel around is by speaking the truth.. we all know thats a rare trait, specially coming from a politician.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:41pm
So it is PTI again which forces the corrupt politicians (leaders) to even address public. Last time it was Aug 14 which forced them to address the public and this time it is Nov 30.
PM of a country like us should talk to its nation at least bimonthly for sharing what they are planing and what they are doing.
As the corrupt leaders do not plan anything good for the nation so they do not feel any need to address the public.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:47pm
@Harsh >>> I hope you are right - NS is resigning. Resigning is the best solution for this PM at this time. He once said that he is not fond of premiership. Why is he sticking now?
Mr. PM, being PM is not the only way to serve the country. Just get out and do some real service.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:51pm
If Pakistani's hate this person so much than,why not they ask for martial law and immediately put a process for new round of election's,I don't know the Pakistani laws that much but nobody can stop Pakistani army if they want to put the martial law,after all Pakistan is a army that has got the nation.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:54pm
The nation awaits his resignation announcement and no blah blah blah.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:56pm
Hope NS musters courage to tell the nation in his address how he amassed all the wealth that he has while paying no income tax during the last four years( the last time he paid income tax four years ago was Rs. 5,000.00 ). Also, he should truthfully explain to the nation why he did not lower the prices of petroleum products earlier in proportion to the steep fall in international prices of the commodity over the last three months. I expect his usual empty promises of soon overcoming all the problems afflicting this country and not to rest till then. Well, Mr. NZ, days of wine and roses are over - you must match your words with deed. The writing on the wall is loud and clear.
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Nov 24, 2014 04:58pm
Yeah, another holiday is a better idea!!!
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Nov 24, 2014 05:01pm
May be Mr. PM has lost the paper through which he prepared to read out National Lip Service.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:04pm
"true participatory democracy" I hope many will understand that PM could not establish this with his speech. Ahhh Pakistan.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:04pm
@saad which are his own family lol
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Nov 24, 2014 05:25pm
We Pakiatanis cannot tolerate "mere Aziz humwatno" any more. Enough of this corruption and fraud.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:28pm
so PM realize that he can no more fool nation by speaking more and more lies so better stay quite and continue with his luxurious life
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Nov 24, 2014 05:31pm
Was this a news ?
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Nov 24, 2014 05:58pm
PM should be constitutionally mandated to address the nation periodically, explaining the challenges, progress made on these challenges and any other national issues. Right now these addresses are meant only to further selfish political agendas.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:05pm
Some new instructions from US, Saudia or !!!
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Nov 24, 2014 06:09pm
Of course, I m not surprised because he doesn't have any important words to say, otherwise IK is ready to criticize NS's work...
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Nov 24, 2014 06:46pm
P.M..address cancelled ....he has become mute after so many lies..
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Nov 24, 2014 06:47pm
Better sense has prevailed - the address has been cancelled. After all, NS had nothing of any import to report to the nation. Please, Mr.NS, first do something GOOD for the people during the next few days and then tell them that you have done this, this and this, which had not been done during the past 67 years. The people are really sick and tired of hearing hollow promises and empty slogans, while the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Just for a change, may be, do something for the people and then see how grateful they can be.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:52pm
@someguyinthewest With all due respect, all he cares is accumulating wealth from the Bait-ul-Maal.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:54pm
@s.khan Take a wild guess :)
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Nov 24, 2014 07:04pm
@Zahid ask IK is he ready for election in KP.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:26pm
@M.zafar iqbal Poor PML-N failed to realized that they are providing free advertisement to what is being done in KPK under PTI-JI.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:45pm
@Noora
What about continuous lies from rebel prince. IK?
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Nov 24, 2014 09:53pm
@Naveed
May be u are not but rest of us are interesed. Only fools close their ears to listen to the truth because they cannot bear the truth for their own slelfish reasons.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:54pm
@khanm
Really, because you cannot bear the truth.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:56pm
@M.zafar iqbal
IK and his cronies , they cannot win the election so they statred gunda gardi in Islamabad and bringing gundas from KP. Shame on IK and his losers cronies.
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Nov 24, 2014 11:57pm
Thank God it got cancelled
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Nov 25, 2014 05:21am
@KarachiteYouth and literate class always make a country prosperous when make decisions through their intellect. And same class destroys the country when they make decisions based on their personal liking like that ofIK.
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Nov 25, 2014 05:24am
@hira shah Soon people like you who are new to these power politics wilsO acknowledged that IK is rthe name of Slogans and PM is the name ofp practical development of Country.
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Nov 25, 2014 05:36am
IK the King of accusation, has misguided the nation on various points.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:30am
Goli baaz. Only pakistanis know the meaning of what i said. Obama knows nothing
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Nov 25, 2014 01:39pm
Army is way too powerful.
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Nov 26, 2014 08:13am
Interesting, I thought Pakistanis use denial mode only when talking to outside countries but it seems that within Pakistan also instead of admitting that the address was cancelled, they just deny that they ever planned it. Pathetic, I don't know how most of you can tolerate living there, maybe you are used to it and are part of it. Mian Sharif does not have anything to talk about it so what was he thinking when he planned to address? Have Chinese suddenly gone back on investments?
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Nov 26, 2014 09:00am
@Akbaruddin
premier is missing the nations address. TV is telling the truth.
what am I to add more.
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Nov 26, 2014 09:04am
premier is missing the nations address. Internet Dawn is telling the story. Karachi is facing explosions.
Saarc meeting is snatching the premier out of country right away. Factories are getting saved.
Some one is jealous.
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