Democracy demands everyone to remain within constitutional limits: Zardari
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ISLAMABAD: Former president and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said the first and foremost demand of establishing true democracy is that all the state institutions respect the limits imposed on them by the Constitution.
"Fighting militancy and corruption are laudable aims but shall not be used as an excuse to overstep the constitutional limits and authority," he said.
In a statement issued on the eve of ‘International Day of Democracy’ the PPP leader said that democracy is more than merely holding elections periodically to distribute political power among parties and individuals according to their electoral strength.
“Rule of law, restraining oneself within the constitutional limits, transparent and across the board accountability and tolerance to criticism are critical elements that constitute a democracy,” the former president said.
Zardari was of the view that the perception of powerful institutions overstepping their constitutional limits and treading into the domain of other institutions is not a good omen for the stability of a democracy and needs to be addressed urgently and meaningfully.
“Such perceptions must not be allowed to gain strength", he said.
Related Zardari cautions military establishment for stepping out of domain
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson maintained that Pakistan has seen democratic setups assaulted by devices such as the doctrine of necessity, the so called Legal Frame Work (LFO) order and Provisional Constitution Orders (PCOs).
"The enemies of democracy constantly change their faces and tactics," he remarked.
Asif Ali Zardari also cautioned against threats to democracy from extremists, who in his view seek to arbitrarily impose their agenda.
Congratulating the democratic forces in the world in general and in Pakistan in particular on the 'International Day of Democracy' the former President expressed the hope that the celebrations today would enhance the awareness of people of Pakistan to the new forms of threats to democracy and guard against them.
He also paid glowing tributes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto as icons of democracy and the countless political leaders and workers, belonging to different political parties, who rendered huge sacrifices for the cause of democracy.
If dictatorship has not been able to take roots in Pakistan it is because of the huge sacrifices rendered by all democracy loving people, the former president said.
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Comments (113) Closed
Sep 15, 2015 02:43pm
Look who is talking !
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Sep 15, 2015 02:43pm
I am sure democracy also demands well for the masses & not for the ruling class alone. The masses are getting poorer & the ruling class getting richer.
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Sep 15, 2015 02:43pm
We don't need your version of democracy. To me martial law is a hundred times better than what you did in your term as president. It's hard for me to believe you were once the president who now is fled to Dubai talking of democracy and law.
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Sep 15, 2015 02:46pm
We curse the democracy under which people like you rule. Dictatorship is far better than this deplorable democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 02:47pm
We'll listen you, but for that you will have to come to Pakistan, we miss you brother, LOL!
Please don't tease us anymore, you are living luxurious life in Dubai and now you have started calling your ruling mafia to Dubai for meetings, please for God sake, leave us alone!
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Sep 15, 2015 02:51pm
Lol!!! this guy is just amazing!
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Sep 15, 2015 02:51pm
It also demands for you to be in the country and not sitting outside country. If haven't done anything wrong then why did you run away? Come back please we miss you
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Sep 15, 2015 02:52pm
All brothers and sisters Stand up for Mr. Zardari in respect....
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Sep 15, 2015 02:52pm
so you think, corruption is not unconstitutional and not over stepping the limits?
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Sep 15, 2015 02:53pm
Right. Spoken by someone who does not even live in the country!
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Sep 15, 2015 02:57pm
And absolutley avoid 10% or more overheads in government purchase affairs!
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Sep 15, 2015 02:58pm
When these politicians do Corruption then they do not care law and constitution.
If law, democracy allow to do all corruption then no need of such things
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Sep 15, 2015 02:59pm
So remain within yours and do not come into decisions taken by courts. double faced politician
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Sep 15, 2015 03:00pm
Certainly, Mr. Zardari is right that each institute should remain in boundary which has been defined in the constitution. If one institute do not respect to an other institute definitely the problem would arise. Apart from this, the whole system would be disturbed.
Therefore, it is necessary for each institute to respect the constitution and work under the defined parameters.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:00pm
yeah yeah yeah whatever!!! and who dosen't know you have set some limits too i guess it was 10% right. Correct me if that limit was higher.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:00pm
I think we should introduce another law where politicians should not be allowed to comment on constitution, national security etc. from foreign land.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:01pm
@rizwan_swindon@yahoo.co.uk bravo. Exactly same words came in my mind.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:01pm
We need that constitution and democracy which stop corruption.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:02pm
Compare Musharraf era and these almost 8 years of so called democracy. Which one was good for general public? We know these 8 years have been very good for these corrupt politicians but not for general public. So, why should we support this sham democracy?
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Sep 15, 2015 03:03pm
I wish that Mr. Zardari should read the comments from readers.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:10pm
Mr Zardari teach us the lessons of democracy, Rulers must be assigned through the will or recommendation of the former ruler, similar to Zardari assigned by the will.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:10pm
Absolutely right! Constitutional roles means the rule of law, which is the ultimate fruit of democracy and cure to all ailments. Unfortunately our 'educated public' hardly know what are constitutional roles and how important is imposing them.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:14pm
Good one. Do corrupt things under constitutions and when it curbs to go beyond constitution to make it correct, it is fire on seat.
The constitution says to protect citizen, in what aspect did he or any political party done that? Still people are killing. It has only become less by extra constitutional steps by Armed forces but to root that out, they have to root out main people behind.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:16pm
Wonderful statement of a "democrat" who is not ready even to be democratic with his own children!
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Sep 15, 2015 03:17pm
Mr Zardari you never allowed your opponents to speak up during your tenure and now the tide has turned. So how come you are teaching the rulers to abide by the same rules which you broke all along during your tenure. Let's not get hasty and follow the rule of the law and stop running out of the country after making harsh statements every time.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:18pm
Democracy according to Mr Zardari -Mr Nawaz Sharif-Mr Altaf Hussain is get all the benefits and do what ever no one should ask them .
In democracy the Polition are accountable for all the decision and actions which they take .
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Sep 15, 2015 03:18pm
If democracy lead you for corruption then we don't need democracy ! In democracy everyone is answerable too ! Democracy is not to promote corruptions
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Sep 15, 2015 03:19pm
A big joke. For these people democracy means unlimited corruption, loot, plunder, kidnapping and murder of innocent people.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:21pm
Don't know whether to laugh or cry when we get occasional Mandela-like sermons from Asif Zardari while sitting in comforts of Dubai.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:23pm
ok, under which constitutional clause you and your ministers did the corruption?
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Sep 15, 2015 03:25pm
Be first, you & your Co., in those limits then tell others.
You and MQM have ruined the Sindh and the whole Pakistan.
Zardari & Co. have crossed all the limits in corruptions and in Mafias.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:27pm
I thought it was the....best revenge...??!
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Sep 15, 2015 03:32pm
who cares what says
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Sep 15, 2015 03:37pm
Mr. Zardari...lost nothing in this game..because he had nothing to lose. PPP lost its charm in Pakistan...lovers of PPP lost their self belief....Pakistan lost a left wing political party... Society lost values and values lost dignity...
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Sep 15, 2015 03:40pm
@Azi He or anyone may be the worst character on planet earth but democracy in any form or shape even one that is the worst is better than the best dictatorship or military rule. Democracy allows rule of the people instead of one man show and people are provided with an opportunity to change every five years even earlier if they are unhappy with their rulers. Martial law deprives common man's participation and as a result, one man's wisdom or lack of leads only backward.
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Sep 15, 2015 03:47pm
You only talk about constitution when you need a cover to hide behind for you wrong-doings. Have you ever done anything written in the constitution that talks about the rights of ordinary citizens?
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Sep 15, 2015 03:48pm
To hell with constitution we need corruption free Pakistan
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Sep 15, 2015 03:52pm
Hush and listen--Mr. Democracy is speaking
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Sep 15, 2015 04:00pm
Don't the politicians cross the limits of the Constitution when they favor their so called friends with Pakistan's resources what ever the window range is (1paisa - billions). When they favor their friends on big posts though many of tanllented people across the country exist. When they give big tips/gifts from Govt treasuries more than their salaries. Instead of using public transport use charted transport and in a country where billions have no access to clean food, water, and health; (Education is luxury as per their thinking). Use unfair means to crush rivals. No discussion culture. Only what one person thinks is the party rule. no political vision, no aim where to stand in the world. Long live the people of Pakistan.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:02pm
When there is a will there is a way and specially if the will is written on a piece of paper.... but that 'will' did well for Mr. Zardari.
Anyways, Mr. Zardari we are missing you, please come back because you have a 'will'!!!
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Sep 15, 2015 04:05pm
Pakistanis mainly politicians have $billions in Swiss bank accounts. If all politicians bring back half of the corruption money and invest directly on basic education and scholarships for HEC Pakistan can become Asian leader in next 10 years.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:14pm
@Syed Zafar Kazmi We don't want this version of democracy, and people like you who supports it are the people who gain some fruits from it, and then shouts in favor of them. Where is this written that worst democracy is better than good dictatorship ? who said it ? and how many ppl have faith on it ? I guess only few ppl like you, who gains something out of this system.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:15pm
@Akbar Saeed
there is nothing wrong with constitution only we people are the Wong. we people don,t care to follow law, and don,t follow the real democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:15pm
Agree Kazmi Sahab, Democracy is better option in any form. we Pakistani people have more experience of dictatorships so actually dictatorship is no option in any case. The weaknesses of the democracy can only be overcomed through continuity of democratic process. I also want to say there is no any better form of dictatorship. Dictatorship is only dictatorship and it is worst in any form. Democracy can perform better or worst but its continuity is only option to improve. The nations developed and become prosperous only through democratic process and faced same challenges that we Pakistani people are facing.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:22pm
What about Democracy in his own Political Party ?
For Zardari, democracy may be meaning License for corruption, inefficiency and misrule; like we have seen in his 5 years of Presidency and 2.5 years in Sindh.
People of Pakistan are definitely fed up with his lessons of democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:23pm
Mr Zerdari with all due respect, Please stop giving statements.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:30pm
As they say, no matter what happens to state or the people of the state... Democracy should not be derailed.
Long Live Democracy, Long Live Corruption.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:30pm
There are no Constitutional limits for politicians to plunder money and state lands and when someone tells them what they did, they cross the borders and teach others what constitution is and what are the limits... hilarious
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Sep 15, 2015 04:35pm
and you should be allowed to do what you are famous for....
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Sep 15, 2015 04:37pm
also democracy dont allow corruption
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Sep 15, 2015 04:40pm
Democracy also wants Serving the Masses excluding your children and foreign coffers.
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Sep 15, 2015 04:45pm
Democracy demands everyone to remain within constitutional limits: said Hazart Zardari.
But NO constitutional limits for ZARDARI - ALTAF - NAWAZ.
. If you are in power than stay in Pakistan otherwise all you have palaces in Dubai - London- Saudia
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Sep 15, 2015 04:50pm
@Muhammad Usman Khan sorry sir, he is not educated enough but managed to become our president
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Sep 15, 2015 04:52pm
People who hold their party meetings in Dubai when common man is starving are defining democracy. How ironical
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Sep 15, 2015 04:54pm
@Abdulla Hussain Spot on!!
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Sep 15, 2015 04:56pm
@@lovepakistan Everyone else, please remain seated!
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Sep 15, 2015 04:57pm
@M.Saeed or his own party. I don't remeber elections within PPP.If out of thousands of PPP workers the only ones good to be co chair are the 2 then there is something wrong with the party. With murad, a sad and others in the party why do we only see these two as co chairmen?
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Sep 15, 2015 04:58pm
Any constitution that supports the corrupts should be thrash. The constitution should should guarantee the equal right for rich and poor alike...besides in order to protect the democracy the education can play a vital role... A constitutional democracy is in serious trouble if its citizenry does not have a certain degree of education and civic virtue.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:05pm
To night on talk shows we will see every political party giving us lectures on democracy, and how to integrate curruption with democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:07pm
Bhutto abhi bhi zinda hey. There is an alternative, if Zardari heads an accountability committee to do the job across the board and leave the culprits fate on Zardari disposal.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:10pm
Lets all make this promise that this person shall not come in power again in Pakistan.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:19pm
It is constitutional requirement that corrupts should be punished and their wealth should be confiscated. It is requirement of institutions to act against corrupt. So, let first have stark accountability ('Ahtasab'), let all person ever holding public (government) office, be that as politicians or bureaucrats, go through this accountability and justify their wealth (and wealth of their close ones), and if they are found corrupt than let hang them and confiscate their wealth. After that, we should talk about democracy or army rule.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:27pm
Agreed with Mr. Zardari. Irrespective of allegations or charges on his personality his vision of democracy is unparallel. I guess our politicians should understand that best way to strengthening democracy is to deliver to the public.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:39pm
Democracy redefined: by the politicians, for the politicians. Mr. Zardari, read the oath one more time and see what it says. The political power are supposed to benefit the voters and general pybkic, and not your ruch " chanchas" and your friends mint unlimited wealth at the cost of govt schools without education and hospitals without medicens. Come back n pay a visit to Sindh interior, and see for yourself how your jialas distroted it in every way.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:44pm
Why don't you call "COD" as doctrine of necessity!!!!
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Sep 15, 2015 05:45pm
The man who is corrupt giving lecture about democracy!!!!!!!!! no one has hurt more to Pakistan than you.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:45pm
Yes,remain in constitution limits and u loot every thing.
you are so funny Mr.Zardari
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Sep 15, 2015 05:45pm
He need democracy for himself not for the nation and the lover of democracy he shows himself what he have done for his nation
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Sep 15, 2015 05:47pm
your/Nawaz version of democracy vs Militiary rule !...Militiary rule/ technocrat setup 10000 times, this is we want.
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Sep 15, 2015 05:47pm
That constitutional limit should also apply to your ministers and cronies who loot and plunder the country, or is it part of constitution?
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Sep 15, 2015 06:00pm
Point the finger towards yourself Zardari.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:04pm
That does not mean that you have the right to pillage the country resources.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:07pm
@Imran
Has the 'will' ever been published?
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Sep 15, 2015 06:09pm
@Syed Zafar Kazmi
Wake up Mr Kazmi! Haven't you seen what our 'democrats' have been doing since Pakistan was created and are doing even now?
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Sep 15, 2015 06:13pm
Look who is talking, you never respected democracy. You and your party created chaos in the country, created problems for every citizen. Took country's money, assets, and hiding in banks, underground in foreign countries. Look inside you, and try to see who is the real culprit, and enemy of democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:15pm
Wow - I am impressed and agree with Rizwan_Swindon "look who is talking".
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Sep 15, 2015 06:18pm
Did you ever acted within the limits of the constitution. And which democracy are you talking about.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:19pm
Spoken like a true democrat! Every Pakistani miss the 5 yr rule of progress and development under his leadership...
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Sep 15, 2015 06:21pm
Dear friends, I think he is speaking with respect to Dubai politics he doesn't live in Pakistan :) so please don't mid-interpret him with respect to Pakistani politics.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:22pm
What's with all the negative comments here? This is a bold statement and needs to be appreciated. You either want democracy or you don't. Don't make half hearted attempts at democracy every few years and complain about it not working. Democracy is messy, and sometimes dysfunctional in the short term. But in the long term it pays off. Don't think military rule is corruption free. It's just that military corruption never sees the light of the day.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:30pm
AZ and democracy do not mix just st as oil and water doesn't. His democracy is to loot the county in the name of democracy.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:33pm
Asif Zardari Shahib , the most important rules of true democracy that no one shall steal, lie or get involved in any kind of corruption. Since your fake domestic system cannot stop all this, forced outside of democratic system have to get involved to stop mega corruption in the country.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:35pm
@Zulfiqar Ali Keeryo :
So you are in favor of corruption in the name of democracy. You seem to not want anyone to be accountable. That's very sad and selfish thinking.
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Sep 15, 2015 06:41pm
Asif Zardari should know, democracy demands that politicians do "not" indulge in corruption, money laundering, kidnapping, land grabbing, water mafia, killings and terrorism. Democracy is freedom with accountability. Where is accountability of our corrupt politicians?
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Sep 15, 2015 06:45pm
If you could cross all constitutional limits to loot this country, we strongly support all bodies that can bring looted money back to the country, be it across constitutional limits. We care for our money,
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Sep 15, 2015 06:45pm
I love the part of democracy which protects the corrupts
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Sep 15, 2015 06:46pm
Does this guy even knows how to spell constitution?
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Sep 15, 2015 06:54pm
You want run the party come to PAK...no more orders from overseas...otherwise you are out for good...
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Sep 15, 2015 06:57pm
Constitutional limits does not mean that elected representative and others have a free hand in looting the wealth of the nation, this tantamount economic terrorism against the State. If the judiciary is unwilling to prosecute these culprits then other mechanism need to protect the right of the State which above any of these Individual.
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Sep 15, 2015 07:01pm
Mr Zardari can you please identify limits for corruption.
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Sep 15, 2015 07:21pm
NAB, don't let him hide behind the banner of democracy!
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Sep 15, 2015 07:35pm
Sadly, thanks to people like Mr. Zardari, the people of Pakistan have become allergic to democracy which is really sad because military rule and dictators have never brought peace and prosperity for their countries.
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Sep 15, 2015 07:38pm
First of all they do corruption and when some establishment try to apprehand the corrupts, then the call it danger to demoracy.
If NAB and FIA or Ranger can not take action in Sindh then where they can do that, Punjab, KPK or Baluchestan will also put the same argument.
Perhaps these organizations are established to take actions on Moon or Mars
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Sep 15, 2015 07:38pm
It is people like Mr. Zardari who have driven the peace loving people of Pakistan into the arms of dictators and military generals. Sadly, real democracy is still struggling to survive in this country.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:20pm
I wish Zardari would understand the real meaning of Democracy,I wish all politicians did.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:21pm
There are rights and obligations and limits. Are the political parties aware of their obligations.
Come and fulfil your obligations and limits will take care of itself.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:21pm
Sadly, Democracy has only worked for corrupts and powerful in the country so far.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:22pm
Corruption is also against the constitution
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Sep 15, 2015 08:24pm
Zardari uncle the democracy you showed in your term is worst form of any kind of governance . And please dont pass such comments otherwise your freedom of speech will become a question ! "
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Sep 15, 2015 08:30pm
Mr. Zardari: what is the meaning of "limitless corruption" in your dictionary..?????
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Sep 15, 2015 08:36pm
Mr. Zaradari the constitution is not your friend. If the constitution was followed by everyone in government most politicians would be behind bars and never allowed to run for any office again.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:38pm
Influencing NAB, FIA, election commissions, courts, this is all against the constitution.
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Sep 15, 2015 08:47pm
There is no democracy in Pakistan. Democracy is government government of the people, by the people, for the people.
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Sep 15, 2015 09:14pm
In our country,our politicians are the kings of self imposed exiles and self rewarded immunity against corruption
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Sep 15, 2015 09:49pm
@Syed Zafar Kazmi
Under current leadership of army, General Raheel a superb leader who knows what this country and its citizens want, anyone can very comfortably put trust him in. If one cant, besides these politicians, then he / she hasn't been following what he has done so far to put this country back on track. A disgruntled friend of mine used to say, we are a nation that doesnt learn by examples but a stick. However General raheel would never go that far as to force his will on citizens but politicians which incidentally is the will of people as well. i.e. corruption free Pakistan.
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Sep 16, 2015 01:26am
If he had stayed in power for another five years there would have been complete equality in Pakistan. Everyone would be poor as all the rich Pakistanis would have gone to Dubai with him.
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Sep 16, 2015 01:45am
Dont be another Altaf trick and style. You got guts come and fight it here in Pakistan, don't be coward. Khapay Pakistan
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Sep 16, 2015 02:59am
Democracy demands everyone to remain within constitutional limits and for Zardari to remain outside the limits of Pakistan boundaries!! HAHA
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Sep 16, 2015 05:34am
Is there any "constitutional limit" for corruption Mr Zardai?
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Sep 16, 2015 06:26am
We have to respectful to Ex. President of Pakistan. He was good or bad, he is the only president in history of Pakistan who work with opposition, armed forces and every external pressure and transferred power to democratically elected opposition party. His comments are right. As far as corruption, rights of poor masses are concerned, it is uphill better to overcome a corrupt brucracy. Pakistan top to bottom, bottom to top corruption is a norm of life.
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Sep 16, 2015 06:27am
@CITIZEN agreed, corruption is the mother of all evils.
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Sep 16, 2015 07:47am
@Zulfiqar Ali Keeryo
Mr. Zardari, what about the rulers staying within the boundaries defined by the constitution? Does the constitution give them unbridled powers to do as they please, treating the country as their serfdom?
The last five years under PPP witnessed the worst kind of loot and plunder. Common man was the ultimate sufferer. The figures of suicides during the period would bear testimony to the inept and corrupt rule by PPP under Mr. Zardari. And now he has the gall to give sermons on democracy.
For him and others like him, the time has come. And they know it. All this howling about democracy being in danger goes to prove that they are feeling the heat.
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Sep 16, 2015 09:50am
Zardari is talking true that all institution should perform within constitutional limits . But there is no right for any political elite to loot state resources for own financial benefits .
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