Opposition urges Imran to do something practical
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ISLAMABAD: The opposition on Sunday reacted to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the nation and said “he has no plan on how to steer away the nation from deadly coronavirus”.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) urged the government to do something practical in the situation instead of asking people to take their own measures to prevent spread of the deadly virus.
PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement: “Mr prime minister, it is not the time for words but actions.”
She said it was not the time to put the whole nation in “confusion and uncertainty” but to make sagacious decisions. “Mr prime minister, you have to think beyond yourself,” she added.
Ms Marriyum said the PM’s address to the nation was evident of the fact that he had no understanding about the gravity of the situation and therefore the government had so far failed to present any plan to rid the nation of Covid-19.
PML-N, PPP say PM has no plan on how to steer away the nation from coronavirus
“Telling the nation about the difference between curfew and lockdown will not serve the purpose as the government should make necessary arrangements prior to lock down the whole country. Khan Sahib, prepare yourself and the nation for a difficult time ahead,” she added.
The PML-N secretary information said the prime minister could not absolve himself from his responsibility by putting all responsibilities on the nation. “Imran Sahib, you are the prime minister, think about your responsibilities,” she said.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s spokesman Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said even in the present trying times Imran Khan had continued to disappoint the nation.
He said that whether the issue of Taliban was concerned or the coronavirus, Imran Khan had always tried to divide the nation. “In contrast the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari gave a message of unity to the nation while Prime Minister Imran Khan displayed a negative attitude,” he added.
Mr Khokhar said: “We should learn lessons from China and other countries. We will have to protect the lives of the people.”
He said the prime minister was hiding behind the poor whereas in the past 18 months of his government he had made poor people’s life a hell. “We cannot push people to death in the garb of saving employment. Why is the prime minister shying away from spending on the people of Pakistan,” he asked.
The PPP leader asked that if the resources were not spent on the poor people of Pakistan in this situation then when would the money be spent on the poor people.
He said the opposition had much to say against the government and the prime minister but it was abstaining itself from doing so due to the prevailing situation.
Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2020
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Comments (121) Closed
Mar 23, 2020 07:13am
The difference between ‘elected’ and ‘selected’ is quite evident now. Unfortunately PMIK falls in the latter category.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:16am
All these people crowding together for photo op should first stay away from each other. What message are they giving to people ?
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Mar 23, 2020 07:19am
Please. Your endless plunder left the country in unpayable debt and the honest PM with no freedom of choice.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:22am
Look the faces who sucked our blood for decades. No wonder they are rejected collectively and forever.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:26am
All the corrupted get together, looted the nation, built palaces, foreign accounts and properties AND then telling the government to lock down! Did they ever left anything behind for the poor or realise the about daily wages people? The poor can’t even have enough for one day food stock let alone fifteen days.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:29am
Really? You caused countless death through ruthless looting; left Tharis to starve and Larkana with AIDS. PMLN left most Pakistanis without basic amenities. Just leave us alone now.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:30am
All big cities in Pakistan should be in lockdown...….Period!!!!!
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Mar 23, 2020 07:32am
PMIk has already told the people, take care yourselves by own.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:32am
Opposition means the royals' assistant Marriam Aurangzeb and the unknown Khokhar? Nice joke.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:32am
The opposition has to tell us their action plan to handle the situation rather than being critical
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Mar 23, 2020 07:33am
IK is doing fine. And Pakistan, despite bordering two disease epicenters, and having limited resources, has done better than distant and well equipped Europe and USA.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:41am
@ZanduBalm,
Worry about your own country, where your educated PM is just busy fudging facts and fooling all of you.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:43am
@ZanduBalm,
Yes. The majority of Pakistanis selected Imran Khan. Got a problem with that?
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Mar 23, 2020 07:48am
Imran Khan is our National Hero. We have faith and trust in his judgement.
Just look at the photo of Sherry Rahman standing with this crowd packed like sardines, jostling for space, breathing and touching the same mike.
These people are not even observing the basics.
Imran Khan will do the right thing at the right time.
Even in USA only 3 States are on lock down, not the whole country even though 49 States have reported cases of Covid-19.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:50am
No social distancing , there you have it, your cluster of Corona.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:56am
@Curious Crow, ...exactly. At least set a good example first to practice social distancing by staying at least two meters from each other. These thugs have no clue about Corona Virus and how to control this pandemic. They are opportunist who don't even know how to properly criticize.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:57am
Did ppp had any plan to save their children of thar from death every year.. No
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Mar 23, 2020 07:59am
And you guys are standing like a herd of sheep....
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Mar 23, 2020 07:59am
This is going the way of the IMF loan. Delay till critical. Problem of ego of one affecting millions.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:02am
This is what happens when people with no experience of public administration are selected for big positions, they think life is a game.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:06am
Nice picture of PPP and PML-N , JUI, and J.I. leaders.
Picture perfect example of Social Distancing. Surely these guys must have some support or how else they have remained so long in the game.
Tells you some thing about Pakistan. Don't just shake your heads guys. Think, how did we ever come to this sordid state of affairs. It did not happen in a day. Its a miracle we are still on the map.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:08am
Bunch of proven crooks! Have seem them for last 30 years.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:12am
It's time that all political parties should work together for common goal . Here the common goal is coronovirus.
Indian opposition parties stepped aside if they can't support Narendra Modi government . They don't block or oppose any modi led government move . Pakistan political parties should learn politics from india . If you can't help then step aside .
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Mar 23, 2020 08:13am
IK,this is beyond your capabilities.It is better you revert to cricket.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:14am
Imran has gave great hope to Nation but Opposition is disappointed, all are together on one issue, leave alone looters and forgive nab cases. Just dream , its not possible.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:25am
Practical, are you jocking
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Mar 23, 2020 08:26am
When IK has been selected to lead the country, he cannot hide behind complaining about past governments. It's almost 20 months of his government which is enough time to rectify past mistakes. By constantly blaming past governments and other countries for his inefficiencies and ineptitude, he is proving how incompetent he is in his capacity as PM. His confused and wayward mind is driving the country towards a catastrophic situation.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:27am
Imran is winning war against Coronavirus on twitter, like he won against India :D
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Mar 23, 2020 08:35am
Is it really the time to get together as a group to critisize government while standing shoulder to shoulder taking risk of passing the virus. These groups of plunderers have no idea themselves how to avoid the virus and they are asking IK to do more.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:35am
Lockdown not an ultimate solution. Look at the pic, one place lots of people; shame o opposition
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Mar 23, 2020 08:36am
All the SOBs and B’s in one photo.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:36am
Why don't you stop criticising Imran Khan and let him do what he is doing as PM? Instead, do something constructive for the poor and underprivileged in our country. About time too. Also stop collecting in groups. Isolate and stay in your homes
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Mar 23, 2020 08:45am
And the drama continues.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:52am
Will these opposition leaders state what should be done instead of blaming govt in their press conferences? Atleast give one example where any govt in world has done some solid action to curtail the covid? Case of China is different being a different n unique democracy.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:58am
@Fastrack, you do really go in for extreme reactions, dont you?
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Mar 23, 2020 09:10am
@ZanduBalm, yeah right... as opposed to the elected opposition. We all know how competent they are.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:10am
@ZanduBalm, you are a follower of a bunch of corrupt politicians.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:22am
@Fastrack, keep living in Fools Paradise
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Mar 23, 2020 09:22am
@Fastrack, do you want Wheat and sugar
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Mar 23, 2020 09:23am
When did IK had a plan for anything? He is just a talk.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:28am
What could be more practical than to throw all the corrupts politicians or non politicians in jails for ever.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:28am
What could be more practical than to throw all the corrupts politicians or non politicians in jails for ever.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:29am
extremely disappointed at the opposition, playing poltics and violating self quarantine, So irresponsible and setting poor example as always.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:29am
@Curious Crow, exactly
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Mar 23, 2020 09:33am
Doing something practical is impossible for PM.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:34am
Don't get me started on steps so-called oppositions' steps during other emergencies.
This is not a time for petty politics. We have not forgotten your debacles.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:54am
The only practical thing to do now is a limited Martial Law. Wake Up people.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:09am
Just like economy , pti has no plan for this healthcare crisis and is sleep walking into a disaster.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:33am
Imran khan has failed miserably
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Mar 23, 2020 10:35am
@Fastrack, provide one proof of looting. Your excuses don’t work anymore. People have realized PTI is the worst thing to happen to the country.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:41am
PML-N, PPP say PM has no plan on how to steer away the nation from coronavirus. _ He is seeking spiritual advice.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:46am
Someone please tell these guys to stand apart.
Do they not watch or follow int conferences.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:54am
shame on gathering
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Mar 23, 2020 10:55am
Like not every good cricketer be a good captain, not every good captain can be good leader(PM) of a society.
Though this is internal matter of Pakistan, but it is a disappointed to see such a great (cricket) captain appears to be so helpless for most of his tenure as PM.
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Mar 23, 2020 11:07am
This is not the time to criticise but to work together and help others. Only unity can help coming out of this crisis successfully. This is the time when even countries have ignored their differences with other countries. Please spend this time and energy for something productive. Together we can make a difference!
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Mar 23, 2020 11:14am
Failed leadership in the hour of crisis...
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Mar 23, 2020 11:39am
Are the official figures about infections and death really authentic since government doesn't have enough required facilities to medically test and verify cases. Are we sitting on a ticking Chinese virus bomb waiting to explode. Citizens please take adequate precautions since government is clueless on how to handle the situation.
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Mar 23, 2020 11:40am
@Rajput, Yes but the tea is still fantastic. Isn’t it?
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Mar 23, 2020 12:17pm
200% true sadly
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Mar 23, 2020 12:26pm
@Rajput, which war did he win against India?
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Mar 23, 2020 12:29pm
@Giftonia.pk, INDIA of course, not a soul was seen on the road through out the country, and at 5 pm people expressed their gratitude to doctors, nurses, paramedics and security staff.
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Mar 23, 2020 12:31pm
I really very warmly and heartily appreciate the stance taken by the opposition parties to fight out corona which is now pandemic and therefore I wish that at such critical juncture we must be united as one nation without any consideration of being in government or opposition. I am quite happy about the announcement of Shahbaz Sharif saying that he has offered all Sharif hospitals to the government to treat corona victims. No denying the hard fact that government alone simply cannot handle it unless and until opposition also extends full help. Needless to mention that during adversities we, even though divided in many groups, become one which is very much commendable to be honest. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
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Mar 23, 2020 12:54pm
Our Politicians care only about themselves unless it’s an election year then they care about us too
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Mar 23, 2020 01:14pm
Its not enough. Cases in Pakistan are slow only due to its limited interaction with outside world as like African countries. The Govt has to prepare now..otherwise worst disaster may be happened.
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Mar 23, 2020 01:18pm
They should be asked what have you done in last 35 years of your ruling to fight such things?
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Mar 23, 2020 01:19pm
@Thomas, Really ?? Or was there a flight of capital on installing the selected genius ??
May be your Madrasah ustad has better knowledge !!
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Mar 23, 2020 01:38pm
@Fastrack,
Blaming past leaders have been the daily routine of IK and his followers like yourself. For the record, IK has surpassed all past Pakistan's leaders in borrowing foreign money and at the end of his term, perhaps he will become a record borrower.
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Mar 23, 2020 02:02pm
The message is good ... the messenger's are tainted.
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Mar 23, 2020 02:20pm
@ZanduBalm, did pppp and n league qualified ??
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Mar 23, 2020 02:21pm
Such diseases can only be cured by people themselves n Govt can only give guidelines and other steps as taken country wide ......
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Mar 23, 2020 02:28pm
having watched the PM's broadcast, I happen to agree with the dilemma he has to deal with, on the one hand 20%+ of the population survives on working a daily wage and thus would be hard pressed to go into lockdown for at lest two weeks for any real tangible control of the virus, this 1 day in India or 3 days in our province of Sindh is a gimmick, the europeans whom certain political classes in Pakistan so love to emulate are each trying their own way to tackle the outbreak, the British may be on the verge of a total shutdown but only if large sections of society do not heed the government's advise, this is similar to the Pakistani governments advise, whereas the Italians and Spanish have gone for a total lock down, the US has 30000 confirmed cases and isn't in lockdown.
These opposition 'leaders', have no concrete plan in place other than for a total shutdown, they have no empathy for the ordinary Pakistani man or woman, this is political opportunism at it's worst.
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Mar 23, 2020 03:17pm
What else can they say to make their presence felt in the political arena, stay afloat, get counted, look busy and remain in the powerful multimedia limelight?
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Mar 23, 2020 03:31pm
Opposition should stop criticizing the Government and give helpful suggestion. Disgusting behaviour.
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Mar 23, 2020 03:31pm
@Fastrack,
Mr. Fastrack,
You are right.
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Mar 23, 2020 03:33pm
@ZanduBalm, 'The difference between ‘elected’ and ‘selected’ is quite evident now. Unfortunately PMIK falls in the latter category.'
Quite evident opposition crying that they're opportunity of robbing nation has been missed during the crisis.
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Mar 23, 2020 03:47pm
@Fastrack,
Mr. Fastrack,
Valid reply.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:11pm
Nice time for opposition to be critical without providing any ideas or solutions to the problem while standing bunched up together thus helping the virus spread, goes to show how much they know.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:17pm
These opposition parties for the past 30 years did nothing for healthcare, the economy, affordable housing, jobs or social structure but they did a lot for personal wealth and trips to London. While Pakistan got poor they got super rich.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:17pm
Looks like the location has become a problem now.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:21pm
These thugs are still busy playing their dirty politics. Firstly, they're all educated and civilised. Why aren't they thinking for themselves and are all so close to each other? Is this the job of the PM to come and explain them this?
When they can't think for themselves, then what right do they get to point their fingers towards the PM?
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Mar 23, 2020 04:31pm
Yes, PM IK please do something practical... starting from scrapping '18th Amendment' so that the Federal Government has some funds to spent.
Secondly, please remove the incompetent ministers from your cabinet.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:40pm
If I was IK, on this Opposition statement, I would have ordered to arrest all these in picture and lockdown for 90 days isolation in far flong areas of Balochistan and Sindh.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:49pm
Ms. Aurangzeb, the most confused and misled individual, telling people not to be confused.
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Mar 23, 2020 04:50pm
Trying to become relevant. These goons gather where no one dares. Trying to take the wind out of the sail. Just look at these jokers. When there was time to do something for Pakistan, they stole the money of the country and invested in enemy territories. Now they are trying to be relevant by showing empathy for the people and make the P.M look bad. They should all be deported.
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Mar 23, 2020 05:01pm
People are quick to blame, every country is fighting this and have failed, what makes IK so special to come up with a plan that will work right away? Very easy to give ideas when you have no idea the impact of any decision. This is tough and IK has done the right things so far and will take measures as needed. Look at any other country, they are struggling with the same. The government doing the same.
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Mar 23, 2020 05:15pm
Sound advice.
First you strengthen PTI government's hand instead of cutting them.
PM sir, please leave your pride and vengeance attitude at the doorsteps of Bani Gala when you head to capital. Didn't you say several times that you are the servant (Khadem) of the country.
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Mar 23, 2020 05:27pm
@Fastrack,
if you see that photo from different angle its bright face of Pakistan...Senator Mohtrama Sherry Rehman standing among those people and playing central role of being the leader of opposition parties in that photo ?
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Mar 23, 2020 06:20pm
I will urge Imran Khan - to lock all these politicians 90 days Isolation / Quarantine.
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Mar 23, 2020 06:44pm
Firstly, almost all countries including the great powers have no clue how to tackle this virus. it even took China 80,000 infections before it could successfully fight this
Secondly, maybe if your previous governments had strengthened the health system and not left the economy in tatters, we would have been better able to fight this and afford a complete lockdown.
PPP, PML-N, blame only yourselves for the current situation.
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Mar 23, 2020 07:23pm
@Ahsan, Till how long you criticise sharifs and zardaris. It can’t be forever
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Mar 23, 2020 08:10pm
@M. Emad, This aint dictatorship for fudging facts, like countries where selected PM’s rule. Other democracies are transparent.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:23pm
Opposition have any ideas to share how to control the spread, if yes then share please. If not then these statements will not help.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:31pm
@Fastrack, Not majority - those in administration. Do you get me, whosoever you are?!
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Mar 23, 2020 08:42pm
No plan? You've got to be kidding. It's a huge problem here in the United States also. World leaders aren't doctors. Even Italian doctors are dying. Don't blame Imran Khan. Silly PPP and PML-N.
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Mar 23, 2020 08:43pm
He came on a platform directing all anger to awards politicians and with promises of magic to turn around economy. He has nothing in hand to do anything. Awareness and governing skills rudimentary. Deadly time to have such a PM
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Mar 23, 2020 09:16pm
Opposition urges Imran to do something practical.
Right, like you are doing in the pic, just surround yourself with a bunch of other leaders and supporters, that too in Karachi, where the numbers of the infected is the worst, Good work dumping the problems on the government and you do nothing to help.
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Mar 23, 2020 09:53pm
No social distancing just point scoring if these looters want public welfare then should do themselves
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Mar 23, 2020 10:28pm
Shameful display of lack of unity and support by Pakistani Politicians.
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Mar 23, 2020 10:29pm
you claim that IK and the govt have no understanding of the virus and situation; yet the picture shows that you and the opposition have NONE, you are setting such a bad example by gathering at such close quarters when the need is isolation. Seems you give more importance to self promotion, making points and photo opportunity than any serious contribution to help save lives. Gatherings spread the virus and could result in deaths
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Mar 23, 2020 10:36pm
This opposition has done nothing even after getting numerous chances. They are not but money looters and a curse for Pakistan. This opposition should be eliminated
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Mar 23, 2020 10:38pm
When was the last time these opposition parties have ever done anything practical? NEVER.
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Mar 23, 2020 11:57pm
What they are saying is right but why they are standing so close and not doing social distancing? Even one of them tests positive there is good chance many of them will test positive.
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Mar 24, 2020 12:17am
Imran Khan is right. There should be no lock down but restriction of unnecessary movement. Complete lockdown will kill millions due to starvation!
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Mar 24, 2020 12:22am
Nothing more practical than social distancing.
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Mar 24, 2020 12:34am
In this picture, I don't see any social distancing. The opposition is only going to politicize the crisis, cheap politics, they don't know anything else. Instead of screaming on the microphone they should go in their constituencies and help educate people and keep them indoors, without making much noise.
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Mar 24, 2020 12:43am
Ignore the opposition. Their only Goal is to make the government fail. And that means the don't give a ... about the people.
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Mar 24, 2020 01:36am
The only practical thing he could do is to Resign. But I am sure he won't.
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Mar 24, 2020 02:41am
The people and the government in Pakistan seem to be complacent. The problem of corona virus is much more serious than they think. Better take some steps immediately. Lock down is inevitable.
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Mar 24, 2020 03:16am
These people first plundered the country and now playing politics with our lives. They don't care of the people of this country. They just want to be in power again so they can loot and get rid of all the cases against them.
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Mar 24, 2020 05:17am
IK is a no solutions PM.
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Mar 24, 2020 05:36am
Opposition should stop playing politics. This is a serious situation. PM IK is making the right calls in the national interest.
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Mar 24, 2020 05:38am
Lockdown will benefit only the rich and privileged class who have big homes, lots of food supplies, access to clean water, and TV/Internet for their entertainment. What about the rest of Pakistan?
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Mar 24, 2020 05:39am
1st of all they should not stand so close and stay at home. Give the nation break from their use less talk. Best practice now all over the world is to stay home so the real sick one can be treated and spread of virus can be reduced if these useless people stay home
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Mar 24, 2020 05:41am
No surprises that 90% of anti-Imran people commenting here are from India. Better to mind your own country, last I heard you are trying to ward of corona with cow dung.
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Mar 24, 2020 05:43am
The people around Ms. Rahman should get tested.
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Mar 24, 2020 05:44am
Opposition illiterates standing close together will get what they deserve.
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Mar 24, 2020 06:15am
corrupt ganging up again in times of crisis!
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Mar 24, 2020 08:00am
@A Khan, Dont you think 90% is a little too much exaggeration? Truth hurts doesn't. IK is the most inefficient and incompetent PM Pakistan has ever had.
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Mar 24, 2020 08:56am
@Justice, worry about your own country and its rising debt, highest in the world. IK has taken wise steps and has dealt with all kinds of crisis, successfully. While yours has divided and indebted the cou try more.
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Mar 24, 2020 08:57am
@TQ, 'All big cities in Pakistan should be in lockdown...….Period!!!!!'
No. Self isolation.
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Mar 24, 2020 09:28am
Is the opposition doing practical steps by not following social distancing height of ignorance.
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