Imran warns government not to sabotage May 11 rally

Dawn.com Published May 10, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan warned Saturday that the government would be held responsible for any agitation or anarchy if demonstrators are stopped from participating in the May 11 rally in Islamabad.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Khan also said that democracy would be at the risk of being "derailed" if the government attempts to hold back PTI workers from taking part in the protest.

The PTI has planned a major rally in the federal capital to seek justice against 'record rigging' in last year’s polls and to protest against 'the judiciary’s failure' to give justice to the party.

Sunday marks the passage of a year since the 2013 general elections that brought the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz to the government.

Also read: Conditional go-ahead for Imran’s May 11 rally

The federal government has given a conditional go-ahead to the planned rally, which the interior minister says will be closely guarded with strict security arrangements.

Speaking to reporters, Khan said the PTI’s protest movement would continue until the realisation of justice.

Khan said that all political parties had complained of rigging in the elections and the PTI has now decided to campaign for this cause.

He called on all Pakistanis to converge at Islamabad's D-Chowk tomorrow to help "build a new Pakistan".

Editorial: PTI’s perplexing protest

The PTI chief said that his party was not calling for mid-term elections but only protesting against electoral rigging.

He alleged that the police was harassing PTI workers in an attempt to stop the rally from taking place. However, he said, the PTI would continue its movement until 'the system' has been completely reformed.

He added that he had no personal scores to settles, but only wanted to see those responsible for electoral rigging to be held accountable and brought to justice.

Also read: PM invites Imran over ‘a cup of tea’

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May 10, 2014 06:41pm

Shabash...

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Nomi

May 10, 2014 06:53pm

I think PTI is not able to gather large number of people for an undefined protest so now like RIGGING it is taking PRECAUTIONARY measures by placing in advance the BLAME of any INCIDENT on GOVERNMENT..... I will keep my fingers CROSSED but if this rally came out to be Anti Judiciary and Anti Media that would be a big blow to our country and democracy .....

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Khan

May 10, 2014 07:06pm

I stop taking him seriously he is unstable

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Syed (Australia)

May 10, 2014 07:17pm

If Imran Khan is really against this corrupt gov and the system then he must go with Dr Tahir-Ul_Qadree otherwise nothing will change Imran alone can not do a damn.

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Shahpur

May 10, 2014 07:18pm

Whatever Imran Khan is, he is is the only voice people have right now against corruption. May be there will be others, but there is nobody else right now. May be he does not have any fancy ideology but he is out there.

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Rhazes

May 10, 2014 07:22pm

There is always. An option to make an anti US rally. That usually sells well

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independentthinker

May 10, 2014 07:30pm

Will Mr. Khan agree to compensate these folks for lost wages and local businesses for lost income? Furthermore, what did he achieve from past protests and does he honestly believe these protests will make any difference? What has he done, since he was elected, to better the situation - or is he too busy shifting the blame and not taking any responsibility? These are the questions he must answer before he issues any threats - which I bet, to the government, don't mean anything!

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May 10, 2014 07:33pm

Calm down chief. You look overly heated up. You don't gain grounds by screaming and yelling. Talk with other parties' chiefs and come up with a consolidated plan of action. It would be difficult to resolve such complex issues single handedly. My best wishes to you and to your party.

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Agha Ata

May 10, 2014 07:33pm

RIGGING may have taken place. We can't be sure, but what Imran Khan is doing is not clear at all. He doesn't want the present governemnt to resign, he doesn't want to call for mid-term elections. What does he want then? He is not happy with the judiciary; he calls it a judiciary failure. If it is really judiciary failure, it is very very sad. A lot of things have been happening in Pakistan for 64 years. Judiciary wasn't honest either in numerous cases. Lets take it this way, supposing Imran Khan is right; then what is the solution except making th judiciary realize that such failures are not accepted. And how else can Imran Khan do it? How else would do it? Remember, he had always been with the Judiciary in his political career.

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Ganga Din

May 10, 2014 07:50pm

What's his agenda? Election is over. Do some outstanding work in KP and let people decide next time.

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Rizwan

May 10, 2014 07:53pm

He is just trying to get attention and increase his odds by staging stupid dharnas and organizing rallies in the game of musical chairs.

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Man from UNCLE

May 10, 2014 08:03pm

Or else what?

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khuma

May 10, 2014 08:17pm

He himself is a confused leader who is indecisive in his mind. what does he want is not to clear to him. How could he lead others in such situation.

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iftekharhussain

May 10, 2014 09:00pm

Why this fellow cries wolf all the time. Now like the story, no one is listening to him any more. What he is able to do, rock Islamabad?

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Immidimmi

May 10, 2014 09:05pm

Imran Khan is immature,pakistan need him but he should show more maturity.He is not a cricketer now he is a politician.

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Nooruddin

May 10, 2014 09:17pm

I am proud of Imran Khan. He is only honest and sincere politician who has the determination to take on the corruption in Pakistan. He is the only hope for Pakistan at the moment. This corrupt and illegal government needs to go.

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Salman

May 10, 2014 09:43pm

Is every naysayer in the comments section really opposed to "electoral reform"?

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Syed

May 10, 2014 09:51pm

This nation does not deserve imran khan.

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Adil Farooq

May 10, 2014 10:00pm

has he lost it

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Ayesha

May 10, 2014 10:28pm

He has turned into a real politician -- look busy do nothing.

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gerry d'cunha

May 10, 2014 11:04pm

the govt should use its maturity of allowing pti to protest its greviences peacefully without any loss to the govt.

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Abubakar

May 10, 2014 11:23pm

Its simple, Govt should give respect and let PTI do it because its her right

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kaleemullah

May 10, 2014 11:28pm

Imran is right man!

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Concerned Citizen

May 10, 2014 11:37pm

I saw two gatherings of PTI workers today. One at Super market and other near Centaurus. Not more than 50 people and 20 cars. 90% were young boys. Don't think PTI would be able to gather too many supporters.

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babar khan

May 11, 2014 01:26am

PTI has already spent about 2 billions rupees if you calculate conservatively on paid commercial and transportation and other expenses. What is the source of this funding? ISI and USA are the source of this funding.

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Arsal

May 11, 2014 01:57am

I urge all those who allege PTI of not performing to come to KPK and see.See with their own eyes the transformation that is taking place.Schools are being opened, Colleges/Unis, Hospitals, Dams being constructed; corrupt people being shown their place; police system being reinvented; and all of this in less than a year. Recently the the **Heath Drive** where they vaccinated children from all over KPK. Their revenue was the highest among all provinces.Terror attacks are on an all time low.The police are being given power, corrupt officers being sacked and it does transform into results for all of us to see.The last few months have been the most peaceful months we have had here since forever. But the most important aspect are the people.Go in the streets and ask people.I was in Peshawar a few weeks ago and **people are happy**. They said they were happy to roam out again in the streets on will,that their basic need are being taken care off.They are satisfied to a large extent. So what more do you guys want??Remember it's not been even a year since PTI took over.Yes, they have made mistakes and will continue to do so.But they are not angels.Those who expect them to be perfect are sure to be disappointed.For now they are on the right path. **Change takes time, dedication,handwork,support and sacrifice.It doesn't come overnight.That is why it is so satisfying when it do

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Ayaz

May 11, 2014 02:11am

@Agha Ata Not sure about rigging? It's time to come from underneath the rock you have been living under, my friend!

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Ayaz

May 11, 2014 02:13am

Trolls of PMLN have started to come out against the great IK. But it's not going to work. This time there won't be a second chance. The sooner you realise it the better it will be for you!

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Malik

May 11, 2014 02:36am

i can see his political future more or less ending up as nawabzada nasrullah. what a amateur has he become lately. for once, grow up and get a life. show some integrity and serve the nation with the machinery you have. people are sick of this everyday nonsense.

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bhaimanchaur

May 11, 2014 04:23am

This nation doesn't deserve honesty. They are happy with a corrupt electoral system. Shame on all those that support such dishonesty and rigging. The man waited a year for "fairness" but it's never going to come from these leaders aka thieves.

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Man from UNCLE

May 11, 2014 04:26am

Everyone in the political arena in Pakistan is as phony as a Rs.4 bill.

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Man from UNCLE

May 11, 2014 04:30am

You really think that anyone one of these, a to z politicians, can do anything for you. If answer is yes than you are pretty much destined for a huge disappointment. Get up and do something or else you are poised for a very dark time in Pakistan. You, the residents of Pakistan, are in dire straits.

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Khan

May 11, 2014 04:48am

@Concerned Citizen You are doing same thing which was done by GEO on Election Day.

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Najamuddin

May 11, 2014 05:04am

Today the heart of mother Country Pakistan must be bleeding to see that when to heal her long inflicted deeper wounds, equally beloved children of Pakistan like Armed forces, ISI. Nawaz Sharif and his party members, members of News papers and electronic media and opposition party leaders including Mr, Imran Khan and PTI, should work with unity and harmony for the greater interest of their motherland and the Nation, they are engaged in confrontation. Irrespective of who wins and who loses the war of self ego and self-destruction it is clear as the sun on the sky, that the wounds of our beloved motherland will get further aggravated and it will plunge the ill-fated nation into more and more deeper crisis. Even an ordinary citizen could see the ultimate consequence of continued confrontation within one family of Pakistan and that in the end who will be benefited? I could only very humbly request all concerned parties to please sit together to resolve your disputes through sincere dialogues. The ruling party should correct their wrongs and complete 5 years of democratic governance with equal respect to all the stake holders.

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Azam

May 11, 2014 05:49am

These elections were rigged. We need an answer. Good Job Imran. We are with you.

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sja

May 11, 2014 06:47am

@Concerned Citizen -- are you saying this will be little TSUNAMI after all the WATERSHEDDING, and agitations along with DR Tahirul Quadri ---- with him on board this should be a TORNADO uprooting the roots of their political foes. We all will see how the Tsunami Jr under the trained Imran Khan. It took 18 years for Imran Khan to get elected how long will it take for DR. Quadri for any victory at the POLLS? We are all concerned citizens to protect ourselves from Tsunamis the one that passed and the Junior that is coming.

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Sher

May 11, 2014 07:33am

I think PM, CM and all ministers are deaf and dumb, Imran is using his right as a PTI Head or a member of a political party just to open the vote boxes and recount only 4 constituencies out of 70, and in response PM, CM and their Khwajas, Hejras and talking to walls that we did this and that, what a nonsense respone. Just open these 4 constituencies, period. Let the World kinow that there was fraud or NOT.

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Ijaz

May 11, 2014 08:04am

@Nomi: Did you say Democracy? What a joke.

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nusrat

May 11, 2014 08:58am

I think it is better if PTI protest the whole system of the political dictatatorship in pakistan. Becaus there is no democracy in pakistan this is Oligarcy Which rule a few bad people. That is why PAT protest the whole system

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hussain

May 11, 2014 09:01am

the protest is very impressive but very late

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Safar Shah

May 11, 2014 09:02am

Strangely in the last press conference (After Saad Rafiques speech) he seemed to have completely backed down and had admitted that he only wants to correct the system while accepting the results of the election. If he is honest about that why doesn't he just present a comprehensive bill on electoral reforms? instead of spending 10 crores plus on another dharna?

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Arshad Waheed

May 11, 2014 09:40am

Instead of working within constitutional frame work to ensure that rigging does not take place in the next elections, IK has chosen to disrupt public life, economy and law & order through street politics. His party needs to focus on KPK over the next 4 years to make it a model province otherwise PTI will be a dead party. People in KPK have voted to bring PTI in power. If PTI performs in KPK then it will be a successful national party. People in other provinces are watching what PTI does in KPK. Untimely street demonstrations only confirm that IK is desperate and impatient for gaining immediate power without demonstrated public service

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Ali

May 11, 2014 10:22am

I seriously regret voting for his party candidate in Islamabad. It is becoming increasingly embarrassing for me and I think would be the same case for his other supporters as well, who voted for him and also convinced their elders to vote for him instead of PML N, where now PMLN is making concrete progress towards the economic progress of the country while PTI keeps mourning about the elections and engages in baseless disagreements. After five years of PPP, what the country needs now is less of politics and more of progress. N League may have rigged the elections but they are doing a bloody good job. What matters more now is that the semblance of economic improvement is appreciated and incumbents are supported so that they achieve their vision of economic prosperity.

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Irfan Hussain

May 11, 2014 10:45am

i think imran Khan need some more maturity and discipline in his own party rather than to blame others. we need peace and better economy now.

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Faisal

May 11, 2014 11:52am

From most comments it seems our nation --- even the educated class --- is yet to learn the importance of justice and rule of law. Most people's reaction to foul play in the elections is "so what? move on." That is to say this is the norm, not an anomaly in our society. And they are right: it is indeed a true reflection of how we live our daily lives. We see all around us people bribing the police or police extracting their 'chai pani' in broad daylight, but no one stops or cares about it. Ministers, businessmen, police, judiciary, lawyers, government officers from a bureaucrat to a cleric all are busy plundering and looting this country and there is no accountability, no fear of being caught. That is the norm, not an exception. So I find this forum's majority showing the same pattern. They are sticking to the "values" of this society, which are not truth, justice, rule of law or Haq. IK is on to an uphill battle here. May the Haq be with you, Imran Khan!

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ali

May 11, 2014 11:52am

@Shahpur Yea, I agree with you. In a country like Pakistan where most of the politicians/bureaucrats(both military,civil and police)/judicial officials are feudal, autocrat(undemocratic), and fundamentalist in nature, corruption are rampant in every spheres of society; I reckon, it's Mr. Imran Khan--being an honest, well-educated, moderate and democratic personality, who could at least dare to voice against all these of evil designs. I wish him letting go ahead with people and act as a charismatic leader like Mohathir Mohammad of Malaysia.

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Jaffer

May 11, 2014 12:38pm

PTI workers should be allowed to gather to protest peacefully, in same way its the responsibility of PTI workers to protest peacefully and not damage any of the public property.

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A Pakistani

May 11, 2014 02:13pm

@Jaffer A goo suggestion

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A Pakistani

May 11, 2014 02:17pm

Have mercy on the poor nation. Let the government focus on her development agenda. Who will be responsible of wastage of the precious time and resources of people due to this PTI rally.

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A Pakistani

May 11, 2014 02:19pm

@Najamuddin That will be great.

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Rao

May 11, 2014 03:06pm

Poor form of politics.

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Sam

May 11, 2014 03:22pm

I pity pmln followers that they don't have a well educated leader like Imran Khan, the rising inflation serves them right.

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Azhar

May 11, 2014 03:33pm

@Arsal I am really happy with your comment, Pakistan need more people like you to open their eyes and mind to change Pakistan from a fail state to a succesful country,there are lots of evil forces active to destroy Pakistan but it wont happen as long people like Imran khan and many other lives in Pakistan, Pakistan zinda abbad.

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Akram

May 11, 2014 04:34pm

@Ayaz you need to stop seeing opposing views as 'trolls'. To win an argument you need to put your case forward and let people decide for themselves from the evidence you provide. That is how to win in a debate.

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