Suicide blast at Mardan funeral; death toll rises to 34
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PESHAWAR: The death toll from a suicide attack at a funeral in Mardan district of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province rose to 34 on Wednesday after seven victims died overnight in hospital, police said.
At least 29 people, including a provincial lawmaker of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives during a funeral procession in Mardan.
Five persons succumbed to their injuries today, taking the death toll to 34.
Moreover, at least 52 other people were also injured in the blast, said Jaffar Khan, the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of police in Mardan.
KP Information and Health Minister Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed that Imran Khan Mohmand, a PTI provincial lawmaker, was killed in the blast at the funeral procession.
Imran Mohmand was a worker for the Awami National Party, the former ruling party in the province, before he parted ways to contest the May 11 polls as an independent candidate. He later joined the PTI after winning the PK-27 seat.
The provincial lawmaker was attending the funeral in Sher Garh, located 20 kilometres from Mardan town, of Haji Abdullah, the owner of a local petrol station who was shot dead by unknown gunmen the previous day.
Worshippers were offering funeral prayers when the loud explosion ripped through the procession.
DIG Jaffar Khan confirmed that the explosion was a suicide attack.
Former MNA and central leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Muhammad Qasim was leading the funeral prayers but survived the attack.
No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.
Mohmand is the second PTI lawmaker to be killed this month in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where the party leads the ruling coalition government.
On June 3, PTI provincial lawmaker Fareed Khan was gunned down by unknown militants in the province’s Hangu district.
PTI chairman Imran Khan condemned the bombing, and called the attack on a funeral “truly shocking”.
“(I) strongly condemn the blast at funeral in Mardan & at the tragic loss of lives including our MPA Imran Mohmand. Our prayers go to the families of the Shaheeds (martyrs),” said the PTI chief in messages posted on social media website Twitter. “Targeting a funeral is truly shocking.”
Khan’s PTI-led KP government has announced cash compensation for those killed and injured in the deadly suicide blast.
Those killed in the blast would be given Rs.300,000 and those injured Rs.100,000.
Eleven people injured in the blast have been shifted to Peshawar for further treatment. The condition of at least two is stated to be critical.
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On DawnNews
Comments (74) Closed
Jun 18, 2013 05:56pm
I cannot believe this happening in my beloved village. Why are we at war with ourselves? What these cowards gain from these senseless and barbaric acts? Why these people are not reported to the authorities? I am sure any outsider in that funeral would have been spotted immediately but no body paid attention to him/her. I wish people were more vigilant and proactive, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities ASAP. That is the only way to get rid of these undesirable people from among us.
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Jun 18, 2013 06:06pm
He was the lone independent MPA and had not joined any political party after polls.
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Jun 18, 2013 06:13pm
Perhaps this will bring Imran Khan to his senses. You cannot negotiate with these animals.
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Jun 18, 2013 06:16pm
**SHOCKED ** MAULANA SHIBLI NOMANI WROTE ;
YEH SAILAB-E-BALA BALQAN SE JO BARHTA ATA HAI
ISE ROKE GA MAZLUMON KI AHON KA DHUAN KAB TAB
**strong text**
*emphasized text*
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Jun 18, 2013 06:23pm
These so callad suicide bombers,bomb mosques'shrines market places,kill there Muslim brothers and sister's and yet proclaim they are Muslims,can anyone please tell me where in the Quran or the Hadith it say's go and blow your self up and kill your fellow humans on the name of Islam?
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Jun 18, 2013 06:22pm
"We have no enmity with the Taliban " - said Mr. Imran Khan . But they seem to have enmity with you... kya karenge Imransahib ?
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Jun 18, 2013 06:27pm
First and foremost, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those killed in this act of terror. We sincerely hope their loved ones will find the strength to deal with this tragedy. We also wish to see the injured make a quick and speedy recovery. Incidents like these emphasize the importance of shared cooperation in regards to our peace objectives in the region. Those who are working against our peace efforts continue to send the region into chaos and frenzy with these acts of terror. We fully support the government of Pakistan in its fight against these extremist organizations. We share a common stance against terrorism, and it only makes sense to work together to negate the common threat. We hope to continue our partnership and remain unified for the sake of stabilizing the region.
Ali Khan
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Jun 18, 2013 06:29pm
Well what can i say.
This is what PPP and other wanted when they accused PTI being darling of Taliban.
I hope now they are happy and convinced that the terrorist are nobody's friend.
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Jun 18, 2013 06:37pm
Best ever govt. in KPK is unable to handle the lawlessness. The best team from PTI is claiming that they will made KPK model province but in reality they are not even able to handle few terrorists. The main reason is that PTI and Taliban are allies and PTI will never do anything against Taliban even though they will kill PTI workers. PTI and Taliban share the same ideology.
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Jun 18, 2013 06:41pm
Wonder if they will protest at 2 talwar again
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Jun 18, 2013 06:42pm
sad news
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Jun 18, 2013 06:39pm
sad news
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Jun 18, 2013 06:43pm
Rest in peace my beloved. Our eyes are tearing and our hearts are weeping. These terrorists don't believe in law and order. They only know how to murder. I never supported PTI but anyone with a little bit humanity will feel the pain for any innocent soul departs in this fashion.
Imran Khan thought it would be alright if he DID not condemn these terrorists. It won you the majority but what
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Jun 18, 2013 06:47pm
When will this nonsense stop? Why can't all the so called "best govt agencies" can not protect the public. They've failed miserably. PM & senior team MUST immediately convene negotiation with taliban and all regional players to END this killing. There are no words to condemn this type of heineous crime. How long this will continue. PLEASE STOP
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Jun 18, 2013 06:46pm
Still PTI keep blaming America or will do some realistic analysis of the situation???
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Jun 18, 2013 06:54pm
Quetta two days back. Now this. And yet all we get to hear is that Islam is in danger from "infidels" that include Christians, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Tao-ists, Sikhs.....
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Jun 18, 2013 07:08pm
How many more people have to die before Imran Khan wakes up from his delusionary state.
Stubborness is one thing and may have some good points if used carefully. However stupidity that results in loss of many lives is unforgivable in a national leader.
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Jun 18, 2013 07:15pm
So first they kill a prominent personality in a town that will ensure many more will gather at the funeral so they can then really hit hard. Now, this looks like a trend. And if it is then it does not look impossible to stop all suicide bombings. Why cannot people put in safety mechanisms such as checking everyone attending any gatherings such as these funerals? It seems terrorists are not only well equipped but they are smarter individuals as well.
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Jun 18, 2013 07:18pm
killing all the good people will just leave the country in wrong hands seems like you never hear of a bad man kill of course its now for pakistani to decide whats a good man and whats a bad man till now looks like we get a clear idea of the choice praying for a good change the 90% of good people deserve a normal life are politician able to offer that,yes some and quite a lot offer their life
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Jun 18, 2013 07:27pm
no but PTI will ask miliaants to please stop slapping because we are ready to accept you and your demands.
death of innocent pakistanis at the hands of these animals doesnot affect PTI
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Jun 18, 2013 07:56pm
none of the member of Funeral congregation was a foreigner but Pakistanis and Muslims of KP. The gruesome carnage and attack on the innocent victims of Mardan funeral prayers and Bolan Girls College, Balochistan is a living testimony that Drone attacks and Army Operation against terrorists, militants and secessionists are not only justified but should be enforced and intensified from Karachi to KP to rid the Nation from all sorts of terrorists, militants
and secessionists. .
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Jun 18, 2013 07:54pm
where are our world famous intelligence agencies?
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Jun 18, 2013 07:55pm
Its an unfortunate incident, May Allah bless Pakistan (ameen)
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Jun 18, 2013 07:59pm
In my opinion Dawn should report the incident by at least using proper verbs and sentence structure commensurate with the occasion or incident. For example it should have been reported that "PTI's lawmaker along with other innocent civilians "died" soon after the blast.....(ok if not using martyred because it's only for military and police i guess)".
thanks
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Jun 18, 2013 08:02pm
It says those killed in the blast will be given the compensation. Forgive me but how exactly do they intend on giving the dead compensation?
The point I am trying to make here is that could you kindly proof read your articles before publishing them. Also, while the gesture of providing the family's of the deceased with money is a sympathetic and humane one, I believe that it goes to show the defeatist mentality of the government in that they accept that they are to blame for the loss of life and are hence providing blood money.
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Jun 18, 2013 08:09pm
With or without peacemaking, the carnage continues .. no way out, except to condemn and condole.
Barbaric!
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Jun 18, 2013 08:16pm
Go ahead Imran Khan. Go and have peace talk with Taliban now. These ppl are worse than animals. Which Islam tells them to kill innocent ppl and carryout such attacks in a funeral of all the places. One can talk only with rational ppl. These barbarians needs to be dealth with with force and the whole nation must be united in this war.
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Jun 18, 2013 08:56pm
The concept of a nation is that a body of people choose to live together s an identifiable unit in a defined territory called country. As they accept the participants will have different cultures they agree to a lowest common denominator of behaviour which will set the boundaries for behaviour so that all may live together comfortably. These are laws. If laws are not followed and the lawbreakers are not restrained there is a danger that others will either opt out of the country or also break laws. This will lead to destruction of the country. Therefore if it is not possible to explain to outlaws that their demands are not acceptable to the majority of their country people and they must modify their behaviour to stay within the law then they must be physically restrained if necessary eliminated from the body through permanent exile or death. This is not a vengeful act it is necessary for preserving the country the majority want. It is in essence a consequence of democracy one does not often hear about. It appears clear from their actions over years the murderers of innocent people are bent upon imposing a perverse brand of their belief on others who do not accept it by force irrespective of the consequences to others. It would seem we have moved beyond dialogue to the physical Al restraint stage. The State must no longer hesitate in discharging it's responsibility
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Jun 18, 2013 09:12pm
Sincerely saddened on this tragedy .When peace will return to normality.
There is no check or remedy to these savage action .Helplessness is only answer to unabated suicide killing everywhere in country.
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Jun 18, 2013 09:14pm
The governemnt should now consult with the loacl people and in all over Pakistan and specially in KP and Baluchistanthe, survillance teams among the local people should be formed who could monitor what is happening around and when the see any misterous activity ,they should inform police and necessary action should be taken abruptly ....for this peupose some special courts should constituted who can give their final judgement within few days.....and if this process is started,the crime and terrorism activities can be stoped ...
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Jun 18, 2013 09:15pm
All concerned in Pakistan: Either you control Fazal Rahman (m. diesel) or these killings will go on. This is open secret that all these boombers come from the madarassas supported by his group. Somebody need to dare and bring him and his cronies to justice or every one wait for their turn. ANP took no action against them thinking that they would not be targeted in return. They were gravely mistaken and saw the result. For PTI leadership, you should bring them to justice or suffer like ANP!
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Jun 18, 2013 09:32pm
So Imran Khan still thinks that the Taliban are innocent misguided youths who can be negotiated with???
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Jun 18, 2013 10:22pm
Does Imran Khan still wants to shake hand with Taliban, biggest enemy of Pakistan???
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Jun 18, 2013 11:08pm
A wake up call for PTI. Time to go after the beasts.
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Jun 18, 2013 11:23pm
another blast ok anything new? maybe someone saved a life? Oh I see "foreign hand" involved we are all pious and loving people don't hurt a fly, it is foreign hand right?
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Jun 18, 2013 11:30pm
Kahiye! Imran sahib. Do you still want to negotiate with these barbarians?
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Jun 18, 2013 11:32pm
@anwar khushab:
And America can hold talks with them but we cant.
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Jun 18, 2013 11:37pm
@anwar khushab:
Well, the Afghan Taliban just opened an office in Doha (Qatar) and the US and Karzai will start the peace talks. Using your logic, the US and Karzai must not be in their senses.
Thank goodness you are not PTI!
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Jun 18, 2013 11:57pm
Does IK still wants to negotiate with these marauders?
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Jun 19, 2013 12:06am
**It is time an Army General like Musharraf or another General take the lead to wipe out militancy and terrorism in Pakistan to save bloodshed of innocent lives. If you do not act now, you are equally responsible for bloodshed and you may dwell in Hell forever.**
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Jun 19, 2013 12:03am
One thing good about the suicide bombers is that they cannot do it again.
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Jun 19, 2013 12:05am
@anwar khushab: The political recipe of US bashing has given IK traction Pakistan, It would be difficult from him to move away from his thesis of convince in the near future.....
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Jun 19, 2013 12:13am
Yes, let's talk to them because they LOVE us. Really!! *Yawn*
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Jun 19, 2013 12:36am
i agree with anwar.no negotiations.
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Jun 19, 2013 02:20am
Did PTI did his home-work before coming into power or politics......obviously '"NO".
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Jun 19, 2013 02:22am
This is a lesson for people of Karachi who wants to go for PTI.......look what they can do and what they can not.
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Jun 19, 2013 02:46am
The federal govt doesn't have a will to fix issues. It is way past time to resolve issues by only and only taking interests of Pakistan top priority. The tragedy of each government is that they look for the interest of other powers and which is why we are in this mess. On top of that, there is foreign involvement and no one dares to bring it up, shame on us as a nation, we deserve this destruction.
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Jun 19, 2013 02:58am
@Mohammad Khan:
This is a price you guys paying blindly sticking to tradition and religion. Don't blame anyone but yourself . It goes to all pakistani
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Jun 19, 2013 03:24am
@anwar khushab:
Which animals are you referring to, do you really know who is behind this? There are so many powers active in that part of the world, you can not point any fingers until you have done some serious investigations!!!
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Jun 19, 2013 05:07am
Let's not blame only the politicians. The blame lies squarely on the entire Pakistani nation for harbouring these terrorists murderers in their community and knowingly turning a blind eye. If all you Pakistanis were united as true Muslims & patriotic citizens, these bastard murderers would never exist. So as a foreigner who is concerned for Pakistan, everyone in Pakistan must share the blame, not just the armed forces, security apparatus and the elected government officials.
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Jun 19, 2013 05:37am
@Mohammad Khan:
The authorities are busy classifying them in good & bad Taliban. Those who are blasting Afghan funerals are good. This is what you get Khan Saib from Pakistan ruled from Takhte Lahore.
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Jun 19, 2013 05:41am
@anwar khushab:
Imran Khan should be recognized as the hypocrite that he is. He thought that siding with the Taliban would win him the popular vote. Well that worked. But now Mr. Khan, the chicken have come to roost. And brought with them the roosters and turkeys as well.
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Jun 19, 2013 06:00am
these animals are being funded and armed by perverse political motives to undermine all honest politicians. What better way to silence your opponent than a resonating blast at a funeral? Instead of communicating our views through language we speak through bomb blasts... no one can oppose you if all your rivals are dead by the hand of some uneducated zealot.
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Jun 19, 2013 06:05am
killing innocent people and calling it jihad does not make any sense if Taliban have courage they should attack on those people who are active in fight against them - O Taliban what kind of muslim are you?..hain... this is not the teaching of our Holy Prophet (PBUH)
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Jun 19, 2013 06:27am
@Mohammad Khan:
I truly share your feelings. Being a Pathan myself, I always felt that we had a code of honour, a code of Pukhtunewali but not such a barbaric act. These terrorists & their masters are not from human race , they don't even belong to animal kingdom .
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Jun 19, 2013 11:03am
@Mohammad Khan:
MK Sb: These mishaps show that there are still many who support them due to many reasons.
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Jun 19, 2013 11:32am
dear IK,
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Jun 19, 2013 11:39am
@Mohammad Khan:
why cannot you believe it Khan. because it's happening in your own country. When this act of coward happens outside pakistan like in India or anywhere, then you people call these terrorists so called freedom fighters, Now they are doing same thing in pakistan , they are terrorists and their acts are barbaric. Why you people have double standards. The reality is Pakistan is exporting terrorism and terrorists in all over the world. some of terrorist which don't get exported, stay in pakistan and do this on the name of islam and jehad. As you sow so shall you reap.
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Jun 19, 2013 11:42am
they are just terrorist and nothing else , you can't put blame on Taliban all the time , may be they are the people of some agencies or may be Govt is also dealing with it internally ??
like an attack on Quaid e Azam residency clearily shows the atni pakistan they are
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Jun 19, 2013 11:46am
@anwar khushab:
i am not agreed with you at all , you don't have proof for it
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Jun 19, 2013 12:11pm
Hate to say this quite honestly, but I think that we are back to "normal" proceedings NOW after the euphoria of recent elections with all the talk about the successful democratic transition, "New Dawn" or "Naya Pakistan" etc etc. The more the things change, the more they seem to remain the same (as the saying goes) -- certainly seems true for this country! Deja-vu, in a word...
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Jun 19, 2013 12:32pm
@anwar khushab:
I agree with you, one can not talk peace with animals. It is just a hollow slogan like political parties that we are killing people because America is in Afghanistan and Pakistan is supporting America for drone attacks. They are not fighting for Islam they killing innocent people for money and power. In my opinion our so called religious parties and political parties are equally responsible for their act. Now it is a high time for Pakistani nation to realise who are the supporters of these animals and who are enemies of Pakistan and innocent people.
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Jun 19, 2013 12:38pm
by givivg the people money wont bring back their loved ones,try to stop the killers............
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Jun 19, 2013 12:44pm
my brother in law along with his 2 cousins died in it.
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Jun 19, 2013 01:04pm
@Waseem:
mourn others as well.not only vips
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Jun 19, 2013 01:11pm
Attack at a funeral!!
this could only happen in pakistan
may god help those who lost their relatives
as an indian i feel sorry for pakistani people, last five years have been worst
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Jun 19, 2013 04:14pm
@Najamuddin:
So you wouldn't mind if people killed were foreigners..... Seems like the most common Pakistani attitude
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Jun 19, 2013 04:25pm
Quote, "Wanton killing of innocent civilians is terrorism, not a war against terrorism.Noam Chomsky (Brainyquotes.com)
Please do not tell me these innocent and peaceful citizens voluntarily sacrificed their lives in the footsteps of Imran Khan's (PTI chief) romance of dialogue with terrorists. Salams
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Jun 19, 2013 04:50pm
@Kamal Gupta:
With due respect, Islam has never bbeen a tolerant religion from the very beginning. Check your history and ask the descendants of victims of Islamic hordes from Mecca to North Africa to Middle East, and South Asia!
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Jun 19, 2013 04:56pm
Still want to blame Jews, Christians, America, Israel, the West, Hindus, ...........????
Wiill IK and others change their mind after they or their loved ones lose their limbs or lives?
To these terrorists, negotiation and civility only means weakness. Their only stock and trade is violence.
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Jun 19, 2013 05:50pm
@Mohammad Khan:
I understand what you mean but you can't really stop anyone from attending a funeral since even passers-by are encouraged to join in the prayers for the deceased. The only thing distinguishing a suicide bomber and the general populace is that they have explosives hidden beneath their clothes. Near impossible to counter. The terrorist is going to detonate whether he/she is discovered or not. The only way to stop them is by destroying the indoctrination schools where suicide bombers are made.
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Jun 19, 2013 06:02pm
@anwar khushab:
Yet he will probably continue on about "how this isn't our war". How many deaths before he has a change of heart?
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Jun 19, 2013 09:24pm
There are about 100 verses that incite violence against unbelievers. The way it is done is to declare your opponents as disbelievers or aligned to disbelievers. Then, you can use the many verses in Quran to justify killing.
Quran (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]... but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah."
Quran (66:9) - "O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey's end."
People who think about the verses of peace are talking about the verses from the initial portions of Quran. There are many verses later on that contradict them. Due to the abrogation concept in Quran- later verses are taken as true over earlier ones.
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Jun 20, 2013 12:09am
Why are we targeting only Imran K? Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazal, JI and others also have been in favour of talking to talibans. In the long run it is going to be Nawaz Sharif's decision.
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