PTI’s summer of discontent peaks
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SIALKOT: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) continues to take potshots at the PML-N government asking it to make a clean breast of rigging in the 2013 general elections.
Speaking to a capacity crowd at Jinnah Stadium on Saturday evening, PTI chairman Imran Khan pledged to keep the movement against rigging alive. He announced that Bahawalpur would be the next port of call on June 22 (Sunday).He demanded vote recount in NA-110, Sialkot-I, through thumb verification. He alleged rigging was done in the constituency which paved the way for Khwaja Muhammad Asif to win against PTI’s Usman Dar.
He urged the judiciary to rise to the occasion and play a role in providing justice to the nation by taking note of engineered election results. “It is high time the supreme judiciary take notice of rigging and rid the country of the stigma the 2013 poll results brought in their wake,” he said.
He said an independent election tribunal could be helpful in detecting the fraud.
Demands vote recount on Sialkot seat
Acknowledging the support of the people who had come out in droves in scorching sun, he said the masses were getting restless with every passing day due to many issues.
Stalwarts like Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid and local PTI leaders and workers stood behind Imran who asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to bring back $200 billion from Swiss accounts to pull the country out of the quagmire.
Imran dispelled the impression that there was any threat to democracy due to his party’s ongoing campaign. The PTI, he said, stood for democracy and would safeguard the Constitution.
He said the PML-N government had failed to go by its word and “broken all records of acquiring foreign loans in one year.” He said he would tax the rich after coming into power.
The biggest problem Pakistan was facing was dynastic politics. “This is not democracy; this is monarchy,” he remarked.
He once again accused the PML-N and Iftikhar Chaudhry of rigging the 2013 elections and called for action against them under Article 6.
Today’s massive show had proved that Sialkot was a PTI fort, he said and added that people need food, shelter and clothes, and not metro trains.
He said initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would have positive results in the coming three months and the slogan of change would become a reality.
The PTI chairman earlier had a word with reporters and assured the people that there was no plan to topple the elected government.
Sheikh Rashid declared the National Assembly a “fake assembly” and said the budget brought no relief to people. He said the armed forces of Pakistan were being disgraced in the country.
Javed Hashmi, Jehangir Tareen and Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2014
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Comments (39) Closed
Jun 08, 2014 12:09pm
Mr. Khan.
Assuming your allegations of rigging are correct but at least you won in KP. So what your party's government has delivered in that province since last one year. I will only quote two news item from this same reputed newspaper. One in today's newspaper which talks about extortions and threats for doctors and businessmen. Second was yesterday where KP assembly approved generous increases for themselves. Please show some good governance in KP before claiming for takht-e-Lahore.
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Jun 08, 2014 12:23pm
go on PTI we are with you.
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Jun 08, 2014 12:35pm
Man of Contradiction always focused in Half Empty Glass...... from negotiations to Drone Attacks to Peace and stability in country he has only one responses criticism. Even JI proved to be much mature that despite collation partner in KPK they very clearly refused to be part of this Rigging Mantra ..... Keep on roasting the people under 45C and that will solve all issues in Pakistan. Please have mercy at least on your followers
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Jun 08, 2014 01:04pm
public has full right to know how much lawmakers, MPAs, MPAs judges etc are being paid in all provinces including perks,
KP has at least made it bublic
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Jun 08, 2014 01:04pm
I agree with Hamid Imran. IK is misled by people like Jehangir Tareen and Shirin Mazari without any constituency. Mandate is decided at pooling booth and not with kids in public gatherings. He should show results in KPK. A keen observer of polls since 1971,I can say these were fairest polls despite some short comings which may be addressed. We have to see this unfortunate day IK playing in hands of invisibles and going to board train with people like TQ,Chaudhrys and banned outfits.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:08pm
@Nomi
come on poor public is being roasted on daily basis by GOV,
BTW where is CM of punjab who was protesting last year against load shedding ?
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Jun 08, 2014 01:08pm
IK you are confused come out with a plan and let people know that you want to topple this as it is corrupt government. If remain in parliament the why all these hue and cry. Be a man like Qadree and reject the corrupt system totally in this you have to scarifice KPK government also.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:15pm
is usman dar not the same person who before joining PTI was part of PPPP than PMLN and than PMLQ and than again PPPP. lost the seat to Khwaja aasif by more than 60,000 votes even after getting favoured by firdous ashiq awan.. and didnt go to EC to file any complaint for rigging? how on earth Imran khan claims foul play? please pay 1% attention to KPK as tehy have elected you there..in 2008 Punjab gave verdict for PMLn and many pmln candidates were making noise of rigging in sindh and kpk but sharifs acting maturely didnt make fuss out of it and focused on punjab,where they were given mandate,paving their way for Centre government.Similarly PPP didnt win even 5 seats from whole punjab but acted wisely and contented to sindh govt.What you really really want mr u turn?
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Jun 08, 2014 01:18pm
Road map towards true democracy...keep it up Ik...
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Jun 08, 2014 01:18pm
As evident from the newspaper reports that due to a type mistake at the chief election commission office, sharif brothers became the ruler of the country. Rigging was massive, i believe...it should be properly investigated...
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Jun 08, 2014 01:23pm
@Hamid Imran I would suggest read this reputed newspaper every day, analyze the news items from the 4 provinces, and u will get to know what change is. A total 29 bills passed, RTI, Right to services act, an ngo-government framework, sehat ka insaf, depoliticezed police, conflict of interest law, education projects and the list goes on and on. Please read news everyday, befaore voicing the opinion. Thank You
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Jun 08, 2014 01:24pm
@Hamid Imran ... for the least IK is not going through some late age crisis like majority of the ruling lot in Naseebo league... we did show some serious level tolerance for these so called the pioneers of democracy, so why not a bit more patience for a person who is ready to drag down those who have raised the fabric of this society to dust.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:27pm
Everybody agrees that the elections were not fair, so why are you people crying when he is trying to push for system improvement. Surely, it is good for the country so stop showing your party loyalties and support whatever is good for Pakistan. PML keeps saying come talk in the assemblies, but there is nothing stopping the government from forming a parliamentary committee then invite everyone to join. So please stop playing with words and support any effort to make improvements to the system.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:37pm
Why PMLN got less vote in 2008. Everyone except IK knows that NS returned from Saudia few days before the election in 2008 and PMLN even could not find candidates on a large number of seats because no one was expecting an prospects for PMLN. In 2008 elections, PMLN performed surprised the political pundits. Likewise, regarding foreign loans, PPP government took around $8 billion loan in 2009 to shore up falling currency and reserves. Pakistan is paying back the installments of that loan. If government takes loan, the net impact on foreign debt will be minimal because its being used to pay back the debt. Poor people needs METRO or good transportation, health, education and employment opportunities then they will them self earn to buy food, cloths and afford reasonable shelter. Rich people like Imran Khan never use public transport even once in their life so they do not understand the importance of these facilities.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:40pm
Why IK needs to show his "solidarity" with MQM and Mr. Altaf? I totally disagree with IK on this as he was the one who showed all the "evidences" to the Scotland yard against Mr. Altaf and now when Mr. Altaf is "facing the music, IK and his stalwarts like Javed Hashim are showing "concerns" on this arrest? I wonder why IK is taking "U turns" on many issues, this is making many of his followers and supports to lose heart I must tell you.
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Jun 08, 2014 01:54pm
Dear Mr Imran, show a bit of maturity. why do you want to take part in politics? I know your answer is for CHANGE. Which is a good thing. but change will take place when honest people like yourself come into power. I believe so far that you are an honest person. You have come into power in KP so start delivering in KP. One big province can make a huge difference. Next election, whole country will stand behind you if you start delivering within your own province. KP was not organizing elections and all departments in Pakistan has a great degree of corruption available, you know that, we know that, everyone knows that. So stop these rallies and stop wasting time of your people and money of your people. All money spent by your party and your voters collectively who give that much of their time, if this time and money is utilized to give a stand to just one person in Pakistan, you can solve the problem of one man for ever. One man puts bread on the table of at least 10 people in Pakistan.
I am not criticizing you. I am requesting you to adopt a different approach. Your political leaders have become so much morally corrupt that your criticism alone will not bring any change. You are talking to morally dead people. Focus on your province. Whats the level of corruption in your province? Are your borders safe after you came into power? What about illegal goods coming from Afghanistan? Where do people get suicide jackets and where do they get this technology to make bombs and are you planning to disarm people? What about electricity? Gas? Clean Water? Education? Health? Security which is the number 1 Issue? Any reform in Police going on and whats the speed? Will it take million more years? What about fake medicines, they are making these medicines in shops and small houses and call it laboratory, any action by you? Do people still used reusable sringes? This would mean a sick and dead society for all times to come? What about court reforms?
You have a bunch of problems so you spend day and night like your Quaid said Kam, Kam or Bus Kam.
Hope this reaches your ears and hope you are not a deaf person like your opponents.
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Jun 08, 2014 02:05pm
@Hamid Imran Since legislatures in NWFP are not in a business of embezzling tax payer's money unlike Punjab, Sind, and Balochistan, therefore they need to be provided with sufficient monetary benefits to halt the use of corrupt means to make both ends meet. You are so blind by the political chauvinism in favor of Nawaz, that you forget the difference between right and wrong. If you have time and brains, go and check the salaries of legislatures, and prime minister in Singapore.
NWFP is the most unstable region bordering Afghanistan, and to be expecting miracles is uncalled for, and maybe for a change mind as well quote statistics from Punjab province. Lets do a fair comparison based on reliable sources. People like you have vested interests, and they overshadow the national interests. Therefore, I dont expect to have a rational conversation with you on any issue. It is simply disgusting!
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Jun 08, 2014 02:08pm
Have thumb verifications in constituencies both in KPK and Punjab ! ! why go into such lengthy debates
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Jun 08, 2014 02:19pm
@Nisar Ahmad Fairest to your assertion and understanding. This country is sick. You have different definitions to things. Rigged elections to you means fair elections, paid media means independent media to you. This is not your fault but this is how this country is being run after 1947. Hats off to India atleast you have better judiciary and election commission...
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Jun 08, 2014 03:44pm
@Nisar Ahmad fairest elections.....??? hahahaha you serious?
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Jun 08, 2014 03:59pm
what would be the cost of no of flags distributed in such rallies? May be, 1000 poor families could be fed for a month or lets change it, may be 5 small schools could be built?
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Jun 08, 2014 04:11pm
Waste of time and energy. There would be so many ways Imran Khan could act effectively and still make the head lines. He is fooling the poor people just like any other party did in the past for his personal ego.
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Jun 08, 2014 04:47pm
I am supporter of IK ...but I think they need to evident the performance in KPK so far.
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Jun 08, 2014 05:23pm
People who keep on referring to KPK & its development under PTI, are towing the line of PML (N)'s leadership. KPK is a front line province, bearing the brunt of terrorism, pretty far from Raiwind. Once peace is restored in the province, then we should judge the performance of PTI. If he is raising voice against rigging, what is wrong with it ? If dynastic politics of both major parties, PML(N) and PPP continues winning election by unfair means such as rigging, then don't call it democracy, call it sham democracy.
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Jun 08, 2014 05:45pm
@Hamid Imran Your argument is flawed. The subject being discussed is rigging in elections. Lets stick to this topic for time being. if you want, we can open a separate argument on the points mentioned by you!
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Jun 08, 2014 07:41pm
Look at the picture. The sea of people has gathered to listen to IK in Sialkot the centre of PML(N) power base and decide for yourself who the masses are with. And yet, who was declared the winner?
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Jun 08, 2014 08:02pm
PMLN can easily do the thumbs verification in four constituencies that IK is asking for. That's IK's main demand. Why PMLN is not doing it? Probably they are trying to hide the so called typos.
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Jun 08, 2014 11:22pm
So many people came out in searing heat - Bravo!
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Jun 09, 2014 02:17am
Whatever money has gone in foreign accounts is gone. Let's focus on bring those corrupt people to the book and ensuring that more money does not go abroad into foreign accounts in the future. Let's improve the business climate of the country so that money which is outside (legitimate and illegitimate) comes back for investment in the country. Let's do what we can in our own spheres of influence.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:03am
Even if I.K is correct about rigging, we all know it would not have resulted in him being the PM. Why not move on and rather than dwelling over the past do something positive for the country or at least KPK where you do have the government. Opposition for the sake of opposition is not what our country needs. Having big gatherings is not hard in Pakistan, so just having a big jalsa doesn't mean you have won elections. If PTI really needs to win next election they need to start delivering, show us how you are different rather than just having "dhandli" as an answer to every thing. Do something for the country rather than playing the politics of words and expressing soludarity with MQM.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:55am
@Daniel Shiger The Kpk province is at its own place under Chief minister Khattak, hes the one who does the reform there and simply following IKs order and implementing its party's manifesto. So you dont need to worry its been set on the track by IK, let the PTI tenure end and you will see it for yourself the change in the system.
In my opinion IK is doing the right thing, he did not get justice from the court and neither from the election tribunals,to get vote recounting in just 4 constituencies then protesting is the only option which is left for him, if the government wants to move on and progress then they should calmly let vote recounting in its 4 constituencies, theres nothing wrong in that infact it would make the ECP institution far more stronger and reliable.
So IK is doing the right thing provoking government, and these protest are perfect, resulting ECP to announce electronic voting through biometric system for the next general election.
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Jun 09, 2014 08:55am
Imran Khan should divert his energy to KPK, to make it mirror of a truly welfare state. In addition to this he should single handedly introduce Computerised electronic voting system in KPK. These two measures will provide better chance of success in by elections, local bodies elections and finally in national elections.
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Jun 09, 2014 11:06am
Congratulation it was a big show. We are with you IK
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Jun 09, 2014 06:34pm
Nawaz has many faults
Imran walas have only two
What ever they say
And whatever they do
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Jun 10, 2014 03:59am
Imran Khan and PTI supporters should stay resilient and keep their faith. Pakistan is fast realising just how incompetent the two dynastic families are with the passage of time!!!
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Jun 10, 2014 05:07am
I am not a Pakistani but I am shocked to see Pakistanis are standing up for their rights and fight back with Moughal empire.
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Jun 10, 2014 08:13am
@Rashid Ishaq
What would be the cost of 2 bullet proof BMW... need I do the comparison?
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Jun 10, 2014 08:16am
@Ariba
So you're actually supporting corruption? No wonder the country is in such a mess.
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Jun 10, 2014 01:46pm
@SH kph govt is purchasing four bullet proof cars. It is the news reported by express Peshawar which is a big supporter of IK and there is no denial from kpk govt. Open your eyes man.
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