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LAHORE: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan vowed Saturday to block Nato supplies from crossing through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in response to the US drone strike that killed Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud and 'sabotaged' peace talks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of two key routes Nato supplies move in and out of Afghanistan and is seen as crucial as US-led allied forces prepare to drawdown from the war-torn country in 2014.
Opposition parties in Pakistan have accused the US of using the drone strike to stymie the peace process before talks proper had even started.
Khan, whose party leads the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “Even if we lose our provincial government, we will not let Nato supplies pass through as long as drone strikes do not stop.”
He was speaking at a news conference in the eastern city of Lahore after a meeting of the party’s central committee.
He said the all parties’ conference had decided to pursue the path of peace talks, and that the Taliban had only put forth the condition of halting drone attacks.
Commending the interior minister, he said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had brought the government to a stage where the peace dialogue process could be taken forward.
“This drone strike has sabotaged the dialogue process. It has proved that they (the Americans) do not want peace in Pakistan,” said the cricketer-turned-politician.
Urging all political parties to unite “in this defining moment”, Khan said that their party would pass a ‘unanimous’ resolution in the KP assembly on Monday. He said the party would also raise the matter of stopping Nato supplies in Parliament on Monday.
Other political parties have also condemned Friday’s drone strike.
Jan Achakzai, spokesman for the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) religious party whose head Fazlur Rehman is helping government in contacts with Taliban, also condemned the drone strike.
“It is a setback for a peace camp in Pakistan. The drone attack has been carried out a time when there was an enabling environment for peace talks and despite the Americans saying they supported the internal reconciliations,” he said earlier.
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Nov 02, 2013 06:47pm
Thank God he didn't win the general elections. He's really making irrational policy statements. He has really disappointed me. I had a lot of faith on his intelligence.
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Nov 02, 2013 06:52pm
For Pakistan government one thing is more important and urgent than the drone attacks and NATO supplies, and that is American aid.
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Nov 02, 2013 07:17pm
Easy to say,to use for politics.Do it if you can then you will see the result Mr.Khan Sahib.This will be the last nail in the coffin.
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Nov 02, 2013 07:27pm
IK is playing to the gallery.
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Nov 02, 2013 07:34pm
Where was this outrage from Imran Khan when Mehsud was killing all those Pakistanis - military personnel to common citizens? Is this his view of "peace"?
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Nov 02, 2013 08:10pm
America should restrict Imran Khan's entry into USA for any fundraising and campaigning.
Now that we see him for what he really is. (Tacit supporter of Taliban). Hakim ullah Mehsud was no innocent casualty of this drone strike. Imran and his KPK government are up in arms for the killing of this menace. You didn't hear such passion from him when TTP kills the Christians, explodes bombs and sends suicide killers to market places. Pakistan should be thankful to the US for cleaning out the rot of the society that has infested the society here.
These politicians should get a back bone and stop the double talk and cowardice behavior. Shame on all those who are willing to talk peace with a bunch of ruthless thugs.
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Nov 02, 2013 08:14pm
This is a good incentive for the next TTP leader to take part in peace talks and give up terrorism.
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Nov 02, 2013 08:17pm
This Young appearing old man is playing double. He will not do what he spoke. You will see as you can take my words;
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Nov 02, 2013 09:10pm
Go ahead, Imran Khan, and block all Nato traffic and watch your truckers and realted workers starve. Hakimullah Mehsood was NOT a peaceful man. Your claim of U.S. drone attack on "Peace", killing Mehsood, is laughable. Maybe cricket management might be a more suitable occupation?
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Nov 02, 2013 09:55pm
its only hot air. That is why Gen Musharaf told about him as terrorist without beard
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Nov 02, 2013 10:10pm
Nothing will happen Mr.Iman Khan, Pakistan's dependency on western powers and the influence and power of US will not allow this nation to go against their interests. Even China is also following the same pattern.
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Nov 02, 2013 10:33pm
Rubbish........ He should vow to end corruption and inefficiency within his party.Period.
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Nov 02, 2013 10:46pm
He should also vow to block Taliban and other terrorist's traffic in KP.
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Nov 02, 2013 11:15pm
"This drone strike has sabotaged the dialogue process" Mr Khan Dialogue are heard in Punjabi films . In real life you have actions, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and steadfastness, all lacking in Pakistan. Mr Khan the country is burning and you are safeguarding the fuel that burns this country for the sake of politics.
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Nov 02, 2013 11:31pm
So attack on innocent people, little girls, women and bombing of worshipers is okay with Imran.
He never condemned any killings by brutals. Is he for real?
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Nov 02, 2013 11:41pm
We are with you Imran Khan.
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Nov 03, 2013 12:07am
The Great Khan is at his best. The whole nation stand behind you. Pakistan must show courage and dignity.
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Nov 03, 2013 12:05am
Can't figure out if IK speaks in the interest of Pakistan or against Pakistan OR he is simply supporting his electoral base.
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Nov 03, 2013 12:36am
imran is trying to play in the hands of the talibans to gain their sympathy for his province only but remember the talibans are not friends of any and who are bent to destroy the very existance of pakistan in their own religious belief
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Nov 03, 2013 12:47am
Sorry captain, there is nothing you can do.
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Nov 03, 2013 01:18am
There is a saying in Urdu, "Khas kum Jahan Pak" ! And that is exactly what has happened with the execution of this terrorist leader. Has Imran gone mad? He should rejoice like all sane people should for eliminating a worst criminal. IK and the rest of Pakistani leaders must have left their senses somewhere. Why can't they understand that a Govt should never negotiate anything with a gang of terrorists who are bent upon taking over the reigns of power through fear and terror. Fight them and be thankful to America for doing their job for them.
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Nov 03, 2013 01:11am
Hakimullah mehsud's violent death is the consequence of his outlawed outfits heinous crimes against innocent thousands who died and wounded.
pitty the politicians who mourn his demise.
As for peace negocitation with outlawed Taliban , time will vindicate the futility of efforts and resources being put to achieve the impossible.
drones strikes must continue until the hard core militants are eliminated to give peace a chance .
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Nov 03, 2013 04:30am
Please stop all NATO supplies and shoot down drones if you want to save Pakistan. It is quite clear that USA wants to break Pakistan and does not want peace. While USA is minding their own interests, Pakistan must care about their national sovereignty. Imran Khan has made the right decision.
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Nov 03, 2013 05:17am
I voted for imran khan, and i say "shame on you imran khan"
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Nov 03, 2013 06:17am
While he's at it, maybe he can also block Taliban supplies going into Afghanistan from KP.
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Nov 03, 2013 07:29am
Imran Khan, this is the sixth vow you are making since you came into politics.
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Nov 03, 2013 07:49am
Very recently taliabn killed Pakistani's senior Army officer when , seems Imran khan is epitome of demagoguery
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Nov 03, 2013 08:14am
Come on IK block all NATO supplies and be a marde-momin
Ps: Would love to see the US reaction :)
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Nov 03, 2013 08:30am
Evidently, Imran has gone bananas in the banana republic of Pakistan.
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Nov 03, 2013 09:30am
More then Peshawar Blast, Hakimullah killing hurts more Imran Khan
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Nov 03, 2013 11:53am
Someone please tell Imran Khan that had the Taliban wanted, they could have easily targeted NATO supplies in the past. The reason they dont, is that their own people are engaged in this business and earn money for TTP from this transportation business. There is no need for Imran to call for blocking the supplies, let the Taliban do it, if they really want to hurt US.
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Nov 03, 2013 12:01pm
let us make Pakistan the personification of Jinnah's courage and Allama Iqbal's dream. InshaAllah
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Nov 03, 2013 12:53pm
Ladies and gentlemen I present you new chief of TTP Mr Imran Khan.
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Nov 03, 2013 01:16pm
way to go IK.lets get something concrete done from this pledge.
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Nov 03, 2013 02:19pm
Peace talks sabotaged because a heinous mass murderer was
vaporized? How low has this country and it's politicians have sunk.
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Nov 03, 2013 05:07pm
Quite thrill affair within days. Now, the first step is to define all policies immediately-- from security and defence to economic. Are we a part of war on terror or the object of it.
The next is, CUT all ties with BOTH. We have been exploited by BOTH.
No Drones, Loans and mourns. No negations at the cost of LIVES of Pakistan with all militants.
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Nov 03, 2013 05:00pm
Quite thrill affair within days. Now, the first step is to define all policies immediately-- from security and defence to economic. Are we a part of war on terror or the object of it.
The next is, CUT all ties with BOTH. We have been exploited by BOTH.
No Drones, Loans and mourns. No negations at the cost of LIVES of Pakistan with all militants.
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Nov 03, 2013 06:01pm
Someone please tell Imran Khan that had Taliban wanted, they could have easily targeted the NATO supplies in the past. You know, they are themsleves engaged in this business and making money out of this supply line.
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Nov 03, 2013 07:50pm
@Ron B:
It is far more complex ur government supports corrupt politicians and gets them in power via rigging clearlyu have very little understanding of politics because when u have no accountability and no rule of law due to corruption u get terrorists and criminal activities so study
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Nov 03, 2013 08:44pm
He waits for non-issues to misguide public. This time he has found one. A type of leader who incites violence, terror.
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Nov 04, 2013 01:13am
This guy is out of his mind or he is a biggest supporter of ttp. He doesn't care fews weeks ago his army's commanders were killed by these thugs now he shreds tears over criminal who killed thousands of Pakistani. Till today I think none of his immediate family members been killed by these ttp thugs that's why he doesn't feels intensity of grief suffered by close of those killed by ttp militants.
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Nov 04, 2013 05:30am
We love u Imran khan Go ahead u r a leader
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Nov 04, 2013 07:59am
@Ubaid Shah:
Pakistan can't afford your brave idea!
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Nov 04, 2013 08:02am
@Agha Ata:
On the seventh vow, IK will get married again!
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Nov 04, 2013 12:03pm
Khan Sahib, I wished you showed the same passion towards the families of victims killed by Taliban groups across country. Taliban openly claim and celebrate their success in killing innocent people and all you are showing the passion towards a well know criminal. I think you should spend more time talking to the innocent victims and their families as you need to wake up your human values which you had when you started SKM. I see no difference here between an oxford graduate (IK) and an illiterate and ignorant follower of a Taleban leader. You lost my contributions to your political cause.
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Nov 04, 2013 08:05pm
I would salute Imran Khan if he ever showed such outrage on killing of innocent people by Taliban he vowed to block the path of terrorists he vowed to curb the terrorism and extremism with similar intensity and vehemence as he did on the death of Hakim Ullah
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Nov 05, 2013 06:53pm
This fruit cake, all mixed up ex cricketer, should answer one question, "What do talibans want ?" They are not waging war for territory, they want Sharia laws according to their interpretation of Islam. Is he ready to accept it ?
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