Despite last minute appeals for dialogue from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek are determined to march to the capital - come what may.
Many parts of Lahore and Islamabad have been blocked off with containers; sensitive areas are expected to be without cellular services for the duration of the marches; there is real fear that there will be blood as the protests advance.
Despite the Lahore High Court's order that maintained that the PTI and PAT's marches should not proceed, the parties' leaders said they would not be deterred.
Below is a round-up of the day’s political happenings and statements on the even of August 14.
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On DawnNews
Comments (51) Closed
SANA
Aug 13, 2014 12:40pm
LAHORE High court has ordered removal of ALL containers. This is a peaceful march and has every right to march. The government has no right to stop the peoples freedom, nor does the government have the right to dictate and control where the march will go. Unless of course it is scared and guilty...
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Aitullah
Aug 13, 2014 12:43pm
Some of blocking containers on roads having filled with flammable chemical which can be make any big disaster
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SMI
Aug 13, 2014 12:52pm
Each life is precious please all concern should consider this I urged Nawaz go to Imran and Imran cool down what you said about Nawaz 100% correct register case against his rising wealth, about conflict of interest let SC to disqualify him and his family like SC did for Gilani convert this long March into Join Celebration after registering all cases against Nawaz and his family
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Hassan Nasir
Aug 13, 2014 01:08pm
Shouldn't there be a petition against the Punjab government for not obliging to the LHC's orders and not removing containers?
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Malik
Aug 13, 2014 01:16pm
@SANA that u will come to know tomorrow...
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Hasan Hasni
Aug 13, 2014 01:25pm
I am surprised from Shariff's aghast. They made the recent protest look that this is the end of their government. Let democracy in the parliament and outside prevail. We should also learn to solve problems of the day inside the parliament. But this will only be happened when rule of law is fully implemented inside and outside the parliament. Otherwise these type of processions will go on.
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AbidRashid
Aug 13, 2014 01:29pm
should a peaceful march for illegal demands be allowed. How would you disperse a crowd shouting to resign a PM elected legally
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Aamir
Aug 13, 2014 01:37pm
This government is willing to torch the country with fuel laced containers. They are disregarding Lahore High court as well as Rawalpindi Court rulings for removal of all containers. This government is doing everything undemocratic and is calling itself democratically elected. Their time is up. Gone.
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Musa
Aug 13, 2014 01:39pm
lets march and march like never before! this should be the march for the future of Pakistan the March to Honor all those who have sacrificed their lives. Long live Pakistan!
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sudheer
Aug 13, 2014 01:54pm
I don't know why the Govt. do not permit this march. Let them march and if there is any law order problem during the march firmly deal with it. Marches like this are part of democracy and govt has to interfere if there is an indefinite blockade by marchers. Instead of blocking roads they may keep key installations secure against vandalism by marchers and may appeal the city dwellers to stay inside on the day. Obviously this is not the way to deal with the situation there are alternate ways to deal with the situation.
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iqbal
Aug 13, 2014 02:18pm
@SANA unless of course it is scared and guilty
please clarify/explain
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Masoud
Aug 13, 2014 02:29pm
Please don't brand the struggle to make a new Pakistan free from corruption & tyranny as Azadi March Madness. It may be called "Azadi March enthusiasm" It will be foolish to create hurdles to stop the march. The decision that NS took now to order judicial probe into election rigging should have been ordered long back. Now the arrow is out of the bow. While not resigning Nawaz Sharif should appoint a care taker Dy PM (acceptable to all) to take care of the affairs until the judicial probe is completed & findings made public. This probe should be completed within 90 days. If the finding is in favour of the PML N gov't then Dy. PM goes & everything revert to the original else New Election cannot be avoided.
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uhu
Aug 13, 2014 03:00pm
I hate to say that Imran Khan is loosing his integrity very fast. His reasoning and justification of his actions is flawed. A few more irrational steps, and he will join the leagues of typical Pakistani politicians with Nawaz, Zardari, Altaf, Shujaat etc.. The hope that he gave to the people before the elections is fading quickly..
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shuaib
Aug 13, 2014 03:05pm
@Malik We already know it and is very much evident from your pic
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Harmony
Aug 13, 2014 03:18pm
@AbidRashid - "PM elected legally"???
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Harmony
Aug 13, 2014 03:22pm
Its not march "madness". Its for the truth and right cause.
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Yahya
Aug 13, 2014 03:23pm
NS is not serious with the mach. If IK can bring thousands so can NS too. Street power and protest is destined to move Pak in the foots of Egypt, Syria and Iraq. Guys use your sanity and work together for a better Pakistan.We cannot have the best but the current guys are better of the lot. For IK and PTI, please focus on KPK and press the govt for electoral reforms. Punjab and so the KPK will be better off by next elections but Sindh and Balouchistan needs a desperate overhaul. Please join hands and turn around Sindh and Balochistan.
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IK
Aug 13, 2014 03:42pm
open air toilets? :)
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Nasreen
Aug 13, 2014 03:56pm
@SANA Unless Mr. Qadri openly asks his followers to attack LEAs.
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Nasreen
Aug 13, 2014 03:58pm
Why our politicians are acting so immaturely
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Babar
Aug 13, 2014 04:12pm
In a country where people do not have the basic common sense to stop at a red light, how can they expect the leaders to act?
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Fahad
Aug 13, 2014 04:27pm
I hate the way the N-League has performed but I believe that the march procession should stop right outside Islamabad. I believe that Imran and TUQ should give negotiations another chance. The last thing we want is terrorists to hijack these demonstrations and create havoc causing loss of innocent lives. Leaders should lead with the national peace as the first priority not at the hem of their demands.
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Fahad
Aug 13, 2014 04:29pm
@Musa For the sake of the people who will ACTUALLY MARCH...and not trigger it from the comfort of their humble abodes I sincerely hope that these marches dont break out into riots. We want change through a peacefull demonstration. I hope the people will stay alert and will do their best not to get agitated beyond control
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Jadugar
Aug 13, 2014 04:55pm
It is good to see the youth of Pakistan participating in this Historical Azadi March. They are the future of Pakistan not the children of the privileged only. Pakistan needs to involve their youth in responsible rebuilding of the nation. These youth will carry Pakistan in the future. A Pakistan free of Tribal, Cultural, traditional and religious dogma. Youth of Pakistan, Its for you to take Pakistan into the 21 Century.
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Momin
Aug 13, 2014 05:15pm
seriously what a joke - Sharifs complained when they were stopped from marching by Musharraf and now when its their time to show democracy, the whole city has been shut down one day in advance. Billions of dollars lost and poor street workers will go hungry - shame on Sharifs.
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Tariq Ahmad
Aug 13, 2014 05:19pm
IK has installed commodes, where does he think the waste will go. This is not a portable toilet this is amazing and he thinks he knows how to run a country, what a joke
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Musa
Aug 13, 2014 05:40pm
@Fahad I agree with you but nevertheless it has to be a show of force in numbers and will. I still see some of my country men talking about democracy tell me where is that democracy! I have one worry though and that is; PMLN will make sure to stir violence and have a counter march. I think to counter PMLNs containers PTI should march at 12 midnight.
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Shahzad
Aug 13, 2014 05:53pm
Dear all Pakistani,
Its the country our elders get after a long hardships and hard work.
But now what we can see the Tremendous brain storming of young generation and the coming one.
Is this the excellent way to change any thing by power or disturbance.
If the PTI wants a real change than first they have to change this young generation in an achievable goals not by engage them in politics.
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Agha Ata
Aug 13, 2014 06:04pm
A question : If all these people voted for PMN, then why to worry? Why this panic, unprecedented security arrangements and for whom?
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Hamid
Aug 13, 2014 06:21pm
Dear Marchers
Jashane Azadi Mubarak ho! You are free to look towards your 'holy' leadership,in case the 'Great' captain isn't there to disclose few other 'secrets' or culprits,you've leaders in form of Chaudhary Brothers and Sheikh Sb for gudiance,so don't stop,keep moving,you owe it to your "leaders" !
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ashfaq08@hotmail.com
Aug 13, 2014 06:22pm
Constitutional violence by the Government
No respect of court orders when the court orders removal of containers. Also there is no written order presented by the Punjab government to the court. Yet court seems to be giving a leniency to the PML(N) government. Is there any document available that suggests that the owners of containers were hired? So far none. Pakistan will not see any change with the present political turmoil. We need Nicolo Machiavelli's Prince.
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Fahd
Aug 13, 2014 07:23pm
If NS has so much confidence on 2013 election results.
Then why not announce re-election he'll become a hero instantly.
But he cant do that. And he knows why !!
I think it time for my country men to stand up and fights for there rights.
We should change our compromising attitude and get what we deserve a government elected from Free and fare election.
If today IK as willing to lead us to get our rights back then we should respect him and standby him because he is fighting for our rights. Another day he might choose not to.
And i really hope IK has no personal interest in this Azadi march
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alibaba
Aug 13, 2014 08:31pm
@ashfaq08@hotmail.com let's see if Imran obeys court order, he has been banned from going ahead with the march...
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Ayesha
Aug 13, 2014 09:01pm
Why the government is scared, or assuming that there will be bloodshed, it seems that Nawaz Sharif after left with no other option is using these cheap stunts to demoralize people. In which book is it written that people cannot protest, it is their right under democratic rule. It's clear and simple that the PML (N) does not wish to see this march in advance, but for how long they can shut the voice of people, if not today, then tomorrow they will get up, and each time there are obstacles created for them they will emerge with more powerful protest next time. All this commotion is a proof that Nawaz Sharif is guilty, and very vulnerable at this moment.
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NadeemKhan
Aug 13, 2014 09:04pm
IK will never become PM - unfortunate but true. He cannot grow up any more.
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M J Syed
Aug 13, 2014 10:09pm
Imran Khan took a calculated risk and he has lost. Goodbye IK. Unfortunately Pakistan has lost a good potential leader.
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DOC
Aug 13, 2014 10:40pm
In English.... Freedom, Liberty, Independance, Solidarity, Social Justice...... hamaray haan .....AAZAADI !!!!! wo bhi qurbani ki baanhon mein... :)
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RFAK
Aug 13, 2014 10:53pm
What a country!
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Tariq Javed
Aug 13, 2014 11:10pm
First of all let me state that peaceful protest is right of every political party. So my rational brain supports 'Azadi March'.
Some other issues:
1. What measures 'PTI' has taken to ensure that extremists within the March i.e TUQ group turn this march into riots, or highjack?
2. Majority of people take IK seriously but there are suspicions over the conduct of TUQ in the past. I have suspicion that TUQ would high jack and sabotage the March. Let me more clear about it. some elements in TUQ are actually working for PMLN and they are influencing TUQ.
Let me appreciate stance of Mr. Javed Anwar Hashmi. He is working for democracy and does not want another Martial Law or Semi Martial Law government.
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YA
Aug 13, 2014 11:21pm
Another twist in the sop opera called Pakistan.... What a dark comedy
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gerry d'cunha
Aug 13, 2014 11:53pm
a way for martial law in the country
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Asif khan
Aug 14, 2014 12:34am
I am with king khan (Imran khan) in tommorow's Azadi March.
And with the help of ALLAH imran khan will reach his destiny successfully insha allah
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Asif khan
Aug 14, 2014 12:38am
Imran Khan is a true leader
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M J Syed
Aug 14, 2014 12:43am
Imran Khan has staked major part of his political future on this futile march. More and more he is appearing like a rebel without a clue. His loss as a leader will be unfortunate for Pakistan. This, however, is his own fault.
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M J Syed
Aug 14, 2014 12:45am
@Asif khan Well said my friend. That is what he considers himself and that is why it is difficult for him to accept that he lost the last election.
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Ahmad
Aug 14, 2014 01:09am
I think this whole event can be best described as ' Buyer Remorse'.
The man was elected last year as PM with all the enthusiasm and hoopla. Now people are having second thoughts. They are disappointed with the progress of their elected leader. So rather than following the law, waiting till next
election, Hey why not start a 'Laanng March' ( as NP describes it ).
This is nothing but a Tamasha. People are going to get hurt. Many are going to lose their lives. Look at the damage it is doing to the economy. Who is going to pay for all the container rental fees. Brave security staff's pay, etc.
It is quite evident that certain people are agitating the masses for one purpose only. SELF BRAVADO.
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Lucky Star
Aug 14, 2014 05:25am
@Fahd
He(IK) might be fighting for your rights, but what about those millions of voter cast their ballots for NS.
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Lucky Star
Aug 14, 2014 05:25am
@SANA
Government has every right to stop the miscreants with clubs and ice-breakers.
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Pakistani
Aug 14, 2014 09:16am
do the dawn finally decided the biased Azadi march "madness" from the header. a fair start.
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Civilian Pakistani
Aug 14, 2014 10:18pm
@Fahd The problem is, if elections are held tomorrow as demanded by your hero, and he loses again, he will again reject the results and demand reelection, and again and again... But maybe that is beyond your understanding that elections are held only once every five years. Interestingly, the forever captain has no issues with rigging in Karachi, where rigging is big time and open.
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Dr.Faridullahshah
Aug 15, 2014 09:51am
Why Mr.Imran Khan and his fellows have taken the oath of this illegitimate national assembly and provincial assembly & and why he is enjoining the KPK government .He demanded resignation from PM ,but he and his fellows are still the members of the same fraud
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