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Senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Andleeb Abbas has sought answers from the Prime Minister's Office to five questions about what she says is the "misuse of authority and the abuse of taxpayer's money" by Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In a letter addressed to the principal secretary of the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Abbas on Friday asked for certified information regarding what she says is Maryam's "misuse of the Prime Minister's Office".
The PTI leader also called out Maryam for allegedly making "Pakistan a laughing stock in the international community by declaring Panama [Papers] Leaks 'trash'".
She asked the PM Office to respond to the following five questions within 21 days under Article 19-A of the Constitution and the Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002.
'Why is Maryam commenting on national security issues?'
"In what capacity is Maryam Nawaz, who is not an elected representative, giving official stances on national security issues," Abbas asked in her letter.
She pointed out that Maryam's clarification terming PM's meeting with Indian business tycoon Sajjan Jindal as a 'personal/friendly meeting' had been denied by Indian journalist Jyoti Malhotra, "who explained that Jindal had come with Modi's message regarding Kulbhushan Jadav".
She asked why the information ministry has not taken any action over "this embarrassment".
'Why does Maryam run the strategic media cell'?
Andleeb Abbas also inquired from the PM Office why Maryam is running the government's Strategic Media Communication Cell.
'Why does the strategic media cell function on taxpayer's money'?
The PTI leader further asked why public funds are allegedly being used to run the Strategic Media Communication Cell.
"The government has allocated [a] record Rs8.3 billion for the Information Ministry for 2016-17," she pointed out.
She asked why the 90 employees of the cell were using the public-funded PM Office and other government departments.
"Why are these people being paid from taxpayer's money, as its budget is corning from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting?" she alleged.
'How does Maryam meet foreign dignitaries'?
Abbas also questioned why Maryam is allowed to arrange meetings with foreign ambassadors and dignitaries at the PM House.
"In what capacity does Maryam Nawaz meet foreign ... dignitaries when she does not hold any official position?"
Abbas termed this a "misuse of taxpayer's money".
'Why has Maryam made Pakistan a laughing stock'?
The PTI leader also said Maryam had caused embarrassment to Pakistan by declaring the Panama Papers 'trash' on Twitter.
"Why has Maryam Nawaz made Pakistan a laughing stock in the international community by declaring Panama [Papers] Leaks 'trash'?" she asked.
Maryam's statements are tantamount to a misdeclaration and a contempt of court as the "Supreme Court is spending its best resource and time on the Panama [Papers] Leaks case", Abbas further said.
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On DawnNews
Comments (85) Closed
May 06, 2017 02:28pm
These actions of Maryam are a mind-blowing abuse of power. Is everyone in Pakistan fallen asleep? This is your money.
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May 06, 2017 02:34pm
Well Done PTI !!
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May 06, 2017 02:36pm
I think all Pakistanis deserve to know answers to these questions.
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May 06, 2017 02:41pm
The family itself is become a laughing stock for the nation, so don't be surprised if foreign nations treat Pakistan as a joke.
Just look at how our 'brothers' the Afghans on the other side of the border are treating our security guards!
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May 06, 2017 02:41pm
All the five questions are valid and deserve official replies.
A sixth question should, however, have been added here concerning PM himself and family. It could have been worded like this:
"Why Sharifs are treating Pakistan like their personal property ?"
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May 06, 2017 02:49pm
Intruder in our politics. Who voted for this lady named M. Sharif? Such a country where family lineage makes you a power broker even in the 21st century.
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May 06, 2017 02:50pm
Keep it up PTI by raising the awareness of the Pakistani voters otherwise we will always be kept in dark.
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May 06, 2017 02:50pm
Democracy redefined.
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May 06, 2017 02:53pm
Good questions.... pmln supporters should also answer these questions right here and now....!!!!
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May 06, 2017 02:55pm
Million dollar questions everyone in Pakistan has a right to ask but there are no answers.
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May 06, 2017 02:57pm
In my view the only valid question is: "What credentials she holds to run a strategic media cell on tax payers money?" ... other actions raised above could be/are done by others e.g. Asifa Bhutto Zardari ..
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May 06, 2017 03:03pm
Don't we know it already? We are living in a Kingdom of Sharifs. The king can do anything, without accountability or permission from anyone. So can a princess.
This is a Monarchy folks. No one dare question the emperor!
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May 06, 2017 03:14pm
"Why has Maryam Nawaz made Pakistan a laughing stock in the international community by declaring Panama [Papers] Leaks 'trash'?" she asked.
Because Sharifs have apparently been collecting a lot of 'Trash' from Pakistan and sending to the UK and Panama. One man's Trash, is another's Treasure.
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May 06, 2017 03:26pm
In what capacity IMRAN khan is given protocol in KPK and using KPK Govt helicopter? She has raised right questions but does her leader not doing the same?
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May 06, 2017 03:29pm
These questions must be answered, we deserve it.
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May 06, 2017 03:34pm
This so-called democracy is allows every government to do what they want whether its PPP, PML or any other party, we are only voters and living in a democratic kingdom being run by the king-minded political parties.
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May 06, 2017 03:37pm
These are just normal things. Even daughter of Trump and her husband have been given offices within White House, maintained and run at taxpayers' expenses.
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May 06, 2017 03:49pm
All these people are Kings and party. And, unfortunately, we are the kingmakers.
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May 06, 2017 03:49pm
PTI have their eye on the ball well done.
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May 06, 2017 03:56pm
ShSHSHSHSHS do not question her authority as she is a PM in making, for your next generations, Sharif Clan same like Bhutto Clan
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May 06, 2017 04:00pm
@M.Saeed I guess you have no Idea what a KINGMAKER is
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May 06, 2017 04:03pm
Atleast some one stood up against these bunch of liars. These are very fundamental and pertinent questions.
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May 06, 2017 04:04pm
@M.Saeed - As though Trump is an exemplary personalty to be emulated!!! FYI, he is mired in nepotism controversy over this.
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May 06, 2017 04:08pm
@M.Saeed Trump daughter and Nawaz daughter are totally different cases. Trump daughter has a well defined role and she stays within it. However, Nawaz daughter is acting like foreign minister, information minister, and in almost in everything without having any defined role.
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May 06, 2017 04:10pm
@M.Saeed Well said. We are king maker...yes, we are king maker...hopefully, this time we chose different king...
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May 06, 2017 04:15pm
@M.Saeed . Trump daughter and her husband have defined roles and are answerable to what they do. The problem with Maryam Nawaz is that she basically runs the media cell of government of Pakistan and not just for her family (party).
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May 06, 2017 04:32pm
In real democracy, governance is public trust assigned for a specified prriod of time to genuinely qualified and 'elected' citizens who understand their roles and responsibilities. Strong institutions keep very close watch and tight control. On the other hand, in pseudo democracies like ours, the terms used in constitutions are 'copied' from the real ones without understanding of true spirit behind the terms. On top of that, undemocratic mind sets take liberties in violating public trust as they wish. That is why violations of public trust raise serious questions such as those in this news item. Simply b/c they are being raised by a member of an opposition political party, who is a citizen as well, these questions cannot and should not be ignored. They deserve clean, clear and honest answers. Until meanings, spirit and value of public trust is understood and practiced responsibly, nothing can/will change for a better society. These questions help in that regard.
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May 06, 2017 04:33pm
Well ! Only questions can be asked and time can be wasted. Nothing useful can be done from both sides
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May 06, 2017 04:39pm
She must be brought to justice if guilty sent to jail if not can enjoy.
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May 06, 2017 04:45pm
PTI keep up the good work but at the same time refrain from adding Mustaf Khar like people in power, we all remember what he did with girls when he was Governor Punjab.
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May 06, 2017 04:49pm
Every PTI leader wants to be in public eye. Attention seeker's like their leader. Negative politics. Why can't you wait another year and do all this shot when in government
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May 06, 2017 04:50pm
The actions of PTI amounts to ' neither we'll play nor let you play' so we are going to question everything but will answer nothing if asked.
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May 06, 2017 05:05pm
@Khan-haqiqi
IK is an elected representative who won elections to the national asssembly from five constituencies. Moreover, he is the head of PTI which is holding power in KP thru an electoral process. Also please compare his meager protocol (only for security) to Sharif's 32 plus immediate family members, whose only claim to fame is a direct familial relationship. IK is no angel but doing real opposition which is essential for democracy. Thanks
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May 06, 2017 05:05pm
Misuse of authority, abuse of tax payer's money, conflict of interest etc. are all common features and unique characteristics of almost all South Asian countries and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is not an exception in this case.
Let's hope that when PTI comes to power, they will strive hard to help and nip the evil in the bud from the very first day by refraining from continuing with the same culture of nepotism, partiality and favoritism.
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May 06, 2017 05:10pm
All other parties are Muk-Mukka and money-making loot-maar parties. That is the reason they never question PM about his corruption and misuse of authority. Only PTI is the real opposition fighting seriously against corruption and injustice for the better future of Pakistan, our children and our next generations.
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May 06, 2017 05:27pm
@Ahmad Junaid Raza khar was Punjab governor for a couple of years in mid 70s. Not defending him but are there any cases against him of similar nature? Or it's only hearsay or stories ? Zia prosecuted all bhuotto's companians with cases against them like his religious duty.
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May 06, 2017 05:28pm
There is a word for her powers.......NEPOTISM.
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May 06, 2017 05:29pm
Congrats ,brave A.A. Maryam is not holding any office and is not under any oath . Public money ? Shareefs do not it is so ;therefore does it matter ?
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May 06, 2017 05:38pm
So there should be another jti. Twitter gate and pm should resign
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May 06, 2017 05:39pm
Maryam is getting free publicity too.
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May 06, 2017 05:39pm
Might as well face the reality ...the country is made for Bhutto's , NS ' and for elite.average Joe's for pay taxes only..The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” “It is sometimes an appropriate response to reality to go insane.” “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” “I believe in everything until it's disproved.
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May 06, 2017 05:49pm
Very valid questions, which need to be answered. But Sharifs have made Pakistan pseudo-democracy, and have always functioned as kings.
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May 06, 2017 05:54pm
She is Princess Royal, she does not need any permission from anyone.
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May 06, 2017 05:55pm
Those are silly questions, its Pakistan.Because she is the daughter, she also gets to enjoy the perks, as for using the term trash on Panama papers, only thing I can say is, according to 5 SC judges, they are not, in fact, the judges find it quite alarming to continue the investigation, two have found them guilty. You be the judge. Embarrassing to say the least, I would not show my face in public.
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May 06, 2017 05:59pm
NS family is making Pakistan a banana republic unelected family members are in charge
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May 06, 2017 06:10pm
She should not tweet in response. I hope.
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May 06, 2017 06:13pm
Are we (the Pakistanis) so stupid that we can't see through this Sharif family?. I bet their suitcases, their bank accounts, their visas and currencies are all ready to leave the country anytime. They have no interest in Pakistan or in Pakistanis.
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May 06, 2017 06:17pm
this is true opposition...what's PPP doing??? scratching backs of PML-N
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May 06, 2017 06:27pm
@Khan-haqiqi .Mr Haqiqi Imran Khan is a national leader, head of PTI the party which governs KPK and he is an elected MNA. Do not compare this lady with no credentials with a national hero,leader of that fantastic calibre endowed integrity ,self respect,honesty and above all honour(ghairat).Corrupts have no principles.
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May 06, 2017 06:33pm
How is it established that Maryiam Nawaz is spending tax payers' money or she is holding any office.
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May 06, 2017 06:51pm
Hater going to Hate!
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May 06, 2017 07:27pm
PTI leaders this is might is right situation... she is PM daughter... that's it. She can do whatever she deems right.
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May 06, 2017 07:41pm
Why is Maryam Nawaz even involved in the PM office at all. No one gave her the votes. This is misuse of power and misuse of democracy.
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May 06, 2017 07:54pm
@Mindshare ,tx : Quote from cnbc: "Alongside her husband, senior presidential adviser Jared Kushner, 35-year-old Ivanka Trump has emerged as one of the key powerbrokers in what has become a distinctly family-oriented White House."
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May 06, 2017 08:05pm
Maryam is PM daughter and next candidate .She is very intelligent women. This is pakistani people habit " keeray nikalna" She has not done anything wrong but workhard for development of pakistan. Infact the sharif family is dedicated for pak
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May 06, 2017 08:10pm
Nepotism is part of our culture. so sad.
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May 06, 2017 08:22pm
This is called republic kingdom of Pakistan.
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May 06, 2017 08:24pm
Valid question raised by PTI. Even members of PML-N are also not happy with this continuous interference by Mariaàm Nawaz in state business.
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May 06, 2017 08:37pm
As an Indian I feel Maryam Sharif is pure in heart and she has love for her family, but she should know panama papers has exposed corruption charges against her family members. She should know and accept that corruption is bad thing though its done by its family members.
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May 06, 2017 08:40pm
What Mariam Nawaz is doing is quite normal in a monarchy, that is precisely what Pakistan's elected governments have always been, using democratic platforms to establish a five years elected monarchy. The last CJ of supreme court called it a monarchy. Apart from people who have been to Europe, Japan, US, Canada or Australia, people of Pakistan do not know the difference between monarchy and democracy, they haven't experienced democracy for even a single day in their entire lives.
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May 06, 2017 09:42pm
SO, we have Faryal Talpur (adhi) in one party calling the shots without any formal position in the government and we have Maryam Nawaz (beti) in the other party calling the shots these days. Rule of families!
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May 06, 2017 09:51pm
Jaisi QAUM wese hukumran. If the Pakistan qaum want to let them steal their money. What can you really do. They just don't get it. It's our money theyr looting. And we keep voting for them. Loyalty to a party should have it's limits. What about patriotism and some common sense. Noora league is literally selling Pakistan. Ppl are blind to see what's really going on.
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May 06, 2017 09:56pm
@Khan-haqiqi IK has been using Jehangeer Tarin planes, not KPK govts one. Tarin has been paying taxes in millions. Anyone can check his tax history. Now compare Kings family, who pay in thousands and has siphoned off in billions from this unfortunate country.
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May 06, 2017 10:08pm
@Khalid Bro Very Apt
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May 06, 2017 10:26pm
@Adnan aziz Sharif's treating Pakistan like their own property? I wish they would because their personal properties are very well taken care of. The reason they don't care is because they're only in Pakistan for temp jobs. Their real interests and properties are outside Pakistan, where they plan to go after their jobs end.
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May 06, 2017 10:50pm
A better sense would have been after all this panamagate dust to keep low profile to minimise further controversies, instead she is making herself and PMLN a laughing stock by her tweets.
Although I am not a PTI supporter but fully support these questions....
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May 06, 2017 10:56pm
@Farooq USA wow wonder what is he on??
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May 06, 2017 10:57pm
Compared to priveleges enjoyed by minisculed Congi keaders in India, Sonia, Rahul & Priyanka..points nored is no big offence as NS is serving PM...
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May 06, 2017 11:17pm
@accept. Thanks for your wise words. Hopefully she will listen to reason if spoken by someone other than a Pakistani
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May 06, 2017 11:42pm
This is just unbelievable ! As if this government is run by some mafia or for that matter by a Don or a godfather.
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May 06, 2017 11:49pm
At least she is abusing power in the public eye, and not behind the scene by awarding and taking contracts worth billions, as has been the case in the past by the children of PMs and Presidents! But, who knows????
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May 07, 2017 12:39am
@ M Saeed, there is a limit to support wrongdoing and negative people, you my friend is going beyond that limit. PML N and PPP are curse for Pakistan with their feudal mindset and they always deprive poor and keep all the power in their hands. Now is the time that we condemn such parties and eliminate th dynastic politics from our country.
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May 07, 2017 01:22am
These are all important questions !!! _ In China the people hate the arrogant and privileged children of the elite more than they hate corrupt leaders.
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May 07, 2017 01:24am
@Falcon1 ... Pakistan is a safe place only for the elite and their families.
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May 07, 2017 01:27am
Maryam Nawaz is a daughter of the Prime Minister and that is that. She has no right to be involved in the state affairs and run media cell using tax payer's money. PM should take appropriate action and refund any amount spent to date by Maryam to the State from his personal bank account. An apology from PM needs to be offered to the public. Pakistan is not a personal kingdom of Sharif family. PTI demands are appropriate
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May 07, 2017 01:28am
@Rahi .... .... She uses taxpayer money but she does not pay her taxes.
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May 07, 2017 01:38am
@M.Saeed .... Ivanka Trump is officially an employee of the US government. She must follow the same general rules of every other government employee. Similar questions were raised about Invanka's presence in the White House. She now officially has her own desk and secretary.
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May 07, 2017 02:28am
Andleeb Abbas letter carry points to ponder. PM Secretariat must clarify the covert media cell working inside PM House,with huge staff. This cell so far produce nothing productive,on the contrary evolve problems for PM and his cabinet. Maryam Nawaz must learn from Ivanka Trump, she is working with her father with no salary. PM Nawaz Sharif must ask Maryam to vacate PM House,and also abolish media cell henceforth.
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May 07, 2017 03:14am
Simple answer, other PML-N politicians are inept and ignorants. Good enough?
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May 07, 2017 03:24am
She is askin as she will get the answers ... did the nation get any answer before??money trial? Foreign businesses? Etc..
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May 07, 2017 03:34am
as per my knowledge Mr Nawaz cannot become pm next time even if he wins as in goc of pak rules one can become pm no more than three time, so the are using my tax money to prepare next pm Miss Maryam.i wonder why dont they prepare an educated laymen for the post of PM :).. who atleast knows how gross margins are calculated.i bet none of them know what import factor is ..and they are running a country ..Salute to you all
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May 07, 2017 04:13am
It's unacceptable. NAWAZ and family must return the stolen money
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May 07, 2017 06:28am
I feel like banging my head to the wall after reading comments from some individuals supporting Marium Nawaz. Hadh hoti hai
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May 07, 2017 08:10am
How many names are in Panama papers?
Why everyone is after Nawaz Sharif and his family?
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May 07, 2017 05:18pm
@sara.afdal ask same question to yourself without prejudice, probably you will not get an answer,
if you could
you would not have asked this question
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