Untiring Imran calls on SC to stop police brutality

E-Paper | October 23, 2026

Untiring Imran calls on SC to stop police brutality

Dawn.com Published September 16, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday appealed to the country’s top court to play its role in stopping police brutality in Islamabad where protesters are engaged in sit-ins against the government.

Addressing participants at the ongoing protest, Khan highlighted the sacrifices rendered by people for the supremacy of the judiciary, adding that it was the responsibility of the Supreme Court to fulfil its constitutional role in order to safeguard democracy.

He also said that protesters were now ready to battle with police after enduring their "unending brutality".

He vowed that a “sea of protesters” would gather at the sit-in on Friday and would remove obstacles and containers placed in an illegal manner and also made an allusion to a possible civil war in the country.

The PTI chairman was engaged in a war of words with former chief justice Ifitkhar Muhammad Chaudhry after he accused the latter for his alleged involvement in rigging in the 2013 elections but has expressed confidence in Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk.

Earlier on Monday, Khan had also called upon CJ Nasirul Mulk to take suo motu notice of the police crackdown on peaceful protesters of his party.

More on this: Imran asks CJ to take suo motu notice of police crackdown

Imran has now resorted to threatening judiciary: Ahsan Iqbal

Heaping scorn on Khan, Minister for Planning and Development said that the PTI chairman had now resorted to threatening the country’s top court, adding that the PTI chief’s maniacal desire to become the premier was proving to be expensive for the nation.

He said that Khan was threatening the Supreme Court to issue a judgement in his favour otherwise there would be a civil war in the country.

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Amin Ansari

Sep 16, 2014 02:00pm

Ahsan Iqbal seems to have lost ability to reason. Another PMLN casualty. Rule of law and holding the rulers accountable is going to happen. We are not going to take this anymore after 67 years of looting and plundering by the powerful.

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lostinPolitics

Sep 16, 2014 02:00pm

I guess it is time to call it a day, IK. Over a month has passed and so far your containerized revolution hasn't achieved much other than creating rifts in the society and mud slinging. So no, don't want your type of democracy either where you are running towards everyone else (SC and Army) but the NA.

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Sep 16, 2014 02:01pm

Imagine what will happen to this country if and when he is coming to power????????? We might all have to go to Canada.

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El Cid

Sep 16, 2014 02:03pm

The Great Khan has demonstrated unbelievable stamina and endurance. The kind of mental focus, passion, and physical fitness a true leader of men must have. Pak people are being tested here, not him. He is already the winner in truth and history.

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ashfaq1

Sep 16, 2014 02:09pm

Civil war seriously? Ok this has to be the limit. You were given permission to demonstrate not permanently camp there. Is there any country that would allow this type of blackmail.

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Sohail

Sep 16, 2014 02:11pm

IK has a point, police should not harass and discriminate against its own people. Court should play its role in enforcement of law.

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karamat bhatti

Sep 16, 2014 02:22pm

IK's assertion is for justice from the top court against state brutalities. what is in it that ignite Ahsan Iqbal.

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Jaj

Sep 16, 2014 02:32pm

Was it necessary for Ahsan Iqbal to off load his wisdom?

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Zeeshan

Sep 16, 2014 02:33pm

May be this would be the climax of the "script" :-)

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Alfa Romeo

Sep 16, 2014 02:38pm

Khan has gone berserk now..

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Haider Rehman

Sep 16, 2014 02:39pm

We are with you IK! Keep fighting these corrupt sarmayakars and bring peace to our country.

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Imran S

Sep 16, 2014 02:39pm

NA-125 Saad Rafiue, NA-122 Ayaz Sadiq, NA-110 Kh Asif, NA-57 Sh Aftab, NA-58 Malik Intakhab, NA-154 Sadique Khan all took stay order to stop recounting of votes. If govt is serious to bring justice then what is it? Are they making all of us fools?

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Buta

Sep 16, 2014 02:41pm

Feel sorry for Nwaz Sharif, too many fronts he is forced to defend,threat to his Monachi,threat to his brother's Chief ministership, threat his family empire, threat to his darbars, threat to his beloved birds and animals, threat to his accumulated wealth, threat to pay taxes. The list goes on and on.Even threat to his hairs on the head getting thin. I suggest him to become a Sufi and live in a cave.

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Haider Rehman

Sep 16, 2014 02:43pm

LHC ordered Govt to remove containers and they didn't listen. Isn't that contempt of court? Mr Ahsan Iqbal should understand that judiciary is being threatened by Govt not IK which is not following court orders.

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syed

Sep 16, 2014 02:43pm

I admire your interpratation of IKs atatement. One can see the motive in your your words.

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nawaz

Sep 16, 2014 02:51pm

ik should have listen to his party president earlier and acted upon that. in the absence of proper sincere political advice, he is bent-upon to fight through to accomplish his desire, which is wrong. i can only pray from Allah to save this nation from fighting with each-other and save the nation from such leader whose foolishness brings heavy cost in the shape of blood and money, may Allah have mercy on us. regards to all

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Qamar

Sep 16, 2014 02:57pm

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, you better keep your 'pearls of wisdom' to yourself. Thanks.

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qaiser

Sep 16, 2014 03:00pm

Tsunami, sea and next what a puddle????

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Sahar

Sep 16, 2014 03:00pm

Time is running out the CJ has to stop this Gullu danda. This government has no credibility and is showing it's last cramps!

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ShManzar

Sep 16, 2014 03:05pm

He mentions civil war in his video, does IK not realize that he would be responsible and accountable, in the Court of Allah for his blood thirsty outbursts. His personal vendetta is driving him crazy. Imran, if you care so much, how many jamaats in namaz have you led. That is how Allah's Rasul trained and disciplined his team. You will not get anywhere until and unless you follow the method of Allah's Rasul SAW. Start with discipline of Namaz. Teach yourself and your workers to work as a team. And if you cannot even do that, you're not worth a single paisa, Loser.

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rehan

Sep 16, 2014 03:11pm

Imran is becoming more and more of a "Ghunda" every day....it's about time he got arrested and put behind bars

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Rishad

Sep 16, 2014 03:12pm

Beautiful. Allusion to a possible civil war. With a police force totally defanged, who is going to protect ordinary civilians, who do not have an army of supporters around them.

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Mariam

Sep 16, 2014 03:19pm

Thank you for waking up the nation Captain! We are with you!

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Shafiq khan kakezai

Sep 16, 2014 03:20pm

It is becoming a theaterical performance . It would be amusing if itvwere not serious. PTI has enough lawyers to help their chief that the SC does not go out to lok for offending things in the roadways. A case , which is withing the jurisdiction of the court, is registered for the SC to consider. He knows it well , but he is being too clever by half to bring the highest court into disrepute. If a police force block roads in whatever means considered appropriate, is legal under the police powers. However if a citizen want to block a highway or byway then the police, NOT the GOVERNMENT will take action to clear the public inconvenience. Why is it new to the PTI leadership. They have a considerable number of intelligent people around, why does IK keep making inane speaches ? Is there something seriously wrong upstaires, which some psychiatric need to look at ? No attempt to be disrespectful but need to understand such behaviour. He was alway a little arrogent from his early days in school and university , became consumed by it during cricketing period. His abusive language was well known in those days. It was especially "jugga Style" if you ever was close by watching practice sessions. Some body got to help him and inject a degree of rationality in his utterances and activities.

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Sammy

Sep 16, 2014 03:24pm

@rehan you'v heard the saying if you can't beat them then join them... You do right IK

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MAlvi

Sep 16, 2014 03:26pm

Ahsan Iqbal must stop twisting and misinterpreting Imran's words. Imran did not threaten SC; he is requesting SC to take sou moto action to stop police brutality. Being a relatively more educated person, he must use his fairness and start acting like a people's representative, instead of his boss's loyal pet.

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Shazeem

Sep 16, 2014 03:43pm

Witness an other kind of revolution...........

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Key Points

Sep 16, 2014 03:50pm

Police force should know protesters rights. If they are illeterate, they should approach legal council of police department. Why they arrest protesters without telling them reason for arrest? Are they professional police force or private servants of politicians?

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NINO

Sep 16, 2014 03:56pm

Imran does not really know what he is doing. He is desperately impatient to become the PM of the country. If Nawaz goes, no arrogant and ignorant man can just be installed as the Chief Executive; no body dare do that any more. The next PM of the country will have to be again an elected man with a majority of seats in the Parliament. Most certainly not a person with 35 seats. And come next elections, with the type of leader they have today, PTI shall return with even fewer seats, no matter what a handful people think otherwise. There is no chance whatever of Imran becoming the PM--not in his this life time. If he choses to live in a fool's paradise, so be it.

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Arsalan

Sep 16, 2014 03:59pm

@ashfaq1 yes!

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SHUJJA

Sep 16, 2014 04:01pm

Ahsan Iqbal has very beautifully rephrased, what Imran Khan said. the word "appeal" has been rephased as "threaten" by Ahsan Iqbal. let me repeat it for Mr. Ahsan Iqbal that Imran khan said "Appealled" to the apex court to play its role. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal it is your responsibility not to represent your opinion as fact.

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Rajab Ali

Sep 16, 2014 04:03pm

Off-loading of Rehman Malik and a MNA is a glimpse of Naya Pakistan.

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saleem

Sep 16, 2014 04:03pm

My friend every body is hurry in expressing their thoughts, all are very welcome, but are we in a position to realize the ground realities exist right now. How many problems, crisis all over the country and we are involved in blame game which is not going to bring any thing notable out of it. Whosoever is responsible or whosoever should be held accountable, there is always certain procedure to follow to justify yourself. If everybody on the street will keep doing the same whatever is going on the image of state is gonna go away. I am not trying to criticize anyone, I honour every body's opinion/ comment but please be rational and loyal to Pakistan. Prophet teachings are also like to resolve the thing amicably. No one from outside will advice us no to put interest of Pakistan on stake. The entire world is enjoying a lot what a funny situation has been created here. For God sake, let us pray for the people of this country who need peace only and nothing else the rest willbe bestowed by Allah not by the mankind. It does not mean that peace is something that we can bring its again in the hands of Allah, but let's try.

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John

Sep 16, 2014 04:04pm

This is really getting serious and reading some of the reckless comments in this blog, going towards civil war. The Supreme Court must restrain the government to stop it from abusing the citizenry demanding change in a peaceful way. Let them battle it out with politics, not with bullets. If the Supreme Court does not act now, one day it will regret sitting on its hands and failing to avoid a fiasco. We will them blaming each other, politicians, military, US, Israel, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Chile, Timbuktu, etc. on many TV programs! Forewarned is forearmed! Don't say no one told you!

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saif

Sep 16, 2014 04:05pm

How can he make such a comment. We are destroying our peace so that he can come into power. This can destroy the remaining peace in our country.

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Rao Hassaan

Sep 16, 2014 04:17pm

He was disappointed from the courts and therefore turned to roads. is he now disappointed from the roads and therefore turning back to courts?

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Sultan

Sep 16, 2014 04:29pm

Quaide Azam Message to intelligentsia and students: I particularly appeal to our intelligentsia and students to come forward and rise to the occasion. You have performed wonders in the past. You are still capable of repeating the history. You are not lacking in the great qualities and virtues in comparison with the other nations. Only you have to be fully conscious of that fact and to act with courage, faith and unity. (Message to Pakistan Day, issued from Delhi March 23, 1943.)

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Baba De Kamaqlano

Sep 16, 2014 04:31pm

Please no more killings, beating and shelling over these protesters because they are struggling for the rights of common Pakistanis that includes civil servants. They should not be subjected to brutalities because they all are having difficult time being in open and away from the comforts of their homes.

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roarwali

Sep 16, 2014 04:36pm

He is talking sense but some in this part of the world don't bother themselves to understand or they are part of the status quo. I salute you IK for your bravery, stamina et endurance. Salute to those who are fighting for this noble cause alongside IK

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ajmal

Sep 16, 2014 04:41pm

Ahsan Iqbal has become mad & wanted to create another impasse to NS.

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ishrat salim

Sep 16, 2014 04:42pm

@ShManzar had IK not be a leader, people would not be sitting in a dharna for the past 33 days today. Not one can manage such a peaceful protest for 33 days, that is a challenge....it is national awakeing by IK / TuQ. They have opened the can of worms & unveiled the abhorrent practices of the people in power & of those who are living in the glass house call " Parliament ".The prevalent system of kleptocracy & oligarchical must END...CHANGE will come....the recent kicking out of R Malik, senator from PPP & minority MNA from PML N from boarding the plane after 2 hrs by the people who were sitting inside the plane for these 2 holy cows, has exposed the awareness of these passengers rights & equality of justice....this is just a beginning...

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SRehman

Sep 16, 2014 04:45pm

@ShManzar Wow.

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SShah

Sep 16, 2014 04:53pm

@Alfa Romeo Its people like you who will never change Pakistan.

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Murad

Sep 16, 2014 04:55pm

@El Cid Great comment. I must copy this with your permission sir.

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Ali

Sep 16, 2014 04:56pm

All the people who think Imran Khan desperately wants to become the PM of Pakistan should understand that you need to have a free and fair election first in order to do that. This is a battle to fix the electoral process and put a stamp on corrupt leaders who have been damaging Pakistan for many many years. If Nawaz Sharief can beat Imran Khan fair and square, then so be it. Why is NS so afraid? You all know the answer to that question.

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khanm

Sep 16, 2014 05:09pm

@lostinPolitics I don't know how to sit outside myself and test against a hypothetical self who stayed home. i have to get them out on street so my grievances are heard. even it takes a year

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Jawad

Sep 16, 2014 05:10pm

the PTI chief’s maniacal desire to become the premier was proving to be expensive for the nation." They don't get it. Do they. It's not about becoming PM. It's about taking back the stolen mandate and end of corruption. And bringing true democracy not a fake one like current rulers.

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Jawad

Sep 16, 2014 05:11pm

@rh May be you with some of they politicians.

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Jawad

Sep 16, 2014 05:12pm

@ashfaq1 Is there any democracy that would allow this kind of governance? ( in the name of democracy)

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Tired of Imran

Sep 16, 2014 05:21pm

IS CJ Nasir ul Mulk the new Umpire?

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khanm

Sep 16, 2014 05:22pm

Folks....Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical. need i say anymore...

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Aamir

Sep 16, 2014 05:33pm

Can Nawaz Sharif prove Imran Khan wrong? If Nawaz thinks that all the allegations made against him have no grounds at all, then why doesn't he bring this issue up in the parliament? Why has Nawaz's assets in England and in home country never remained on radar screen in Assembly? And if Imran is right. If what Imran is saying about Nawaz is true. Then why is Nawaz still our PM. How on earth can we, as a nation, tolerate such non-sense?

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Sep 16, 2014 05:36pm

rightly said but in the corridors of power in Islamabad, who cares?

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Ahmad12

Sep 16, 2014 05:38pm

What a country this has become. People are free to attack govt buildings,so called leaders attack police stations to get their supporters free, every day workers throw stones on news paper offices,every night openly govt officers are threatened for performing their duties. Where is law............................ and is this the Pakistan our new generation will live in ?. Shame on Khan. He has stooped so low ,same rhetoric every night ,senseless talks.

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Key Points

Sep 16, 2014 05:54pm

@Aamir Yes, it would be nice to know if its true that a super rich person like him pays huge tax to British but only Rs. 5,000 to Palistan tax system? This allegation needs clarification, either denied as false or accepted as true. Wonder how many more rich people are engaged in similar practices? No wonder, in Pakistan, rich getting richer and poor getting pooer. May almighty help poor and desperate Pakistani people.

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MAK

Sep 16, 2014 05:57pm

Attack dogs of NS and PMLN are well fed and well paid. Keep it up Mr Iqbal

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Napier Mole

Sep 16, 2014 05:58pm

Javed Hashmi had already alluded that the court would be utilised to give a fig leaf to the illegitimate changes being demanded by IK and his backers. By Pakistan's political traditions, no serious brutality has taken place. IK is trying to raise the stakes unnecessarily by making some bodies fall. The media should expose this trick honestly. IK's farce has failed to find any resonance anywhere in Pakistan. This is clear beyond doubt. The government, for all it's failings, should be supported for the restraint it has exercised so far. And PTI and PAT should be continuously exposed for the insanity of their approach.

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khan

Sep 16, 2014 05:58pm

@Alfa Romeo IK s true leader in pakistan. He s only leader to stand for his ppl. Pakistan s very lucky to have him.

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shuaib

Sep 16, 2014 06:08pm

Goebel's theory is to speak lies 10 times and people will begin to feel it is the truth. IK is very much into the shoes of Goebel but the lies are spoken for some 34 times. GO IMRAN GO....... GO CANADIAN GO

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Zain

Sep 16, 2014 06:11pm

It is amazing how these ministers twist I.Khan,s fair request to the judiciary for an fair assessment about what is going on in the country and to reign in Punjab police ghundas who are targeting Innocent civilians demonstrating their right to a peace full demonstration. Ihsan Iqbal you stick to your job as planning & development and plan something for the people of the country who has lost everything in the floods.floods. Nawaz is promising new and better houses to the people of affected area,so you go and start planning.

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Agha Ata

Sep 16, 2014 06:25pm

New Pakistan or no new Pakistan, Imran Khan is going to be famous for something totally different probably a quality than an achievement.

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MUBARAK PATEL

Sep 16, 2014 06:58pm

Imran Khan is only the hope for people of Pakistan. People of Pakistan should support wholeheartedly Imran Khan for their own good. Politicians so far have looted and have plundered country's wealth for their own benefits. They are political mafias and will not allow Imran Khan to do what he intends for public good. Elected representatives are people's servants but in Pakistan they are business tycoon and care less for people. REMOVE THEM AND SHOW THEM PROPER DOOR.

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Mustafa J.

Sep 16, 2014 07:05pm

You can see Imran Khan's true color. After Taliban he is the greatest danger to Pakistan. His threat of Civil War is alarming and should be taken seriously by civil and military authorities as well as judiciary.

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umair

Sep 16, 2014 07:22pm

Imran Khan reminds me of Captain Ahab...

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HaqueParast

Sep 16, 2014 07:32pm

@Sohail you are right. police should not harass and discriminate against its own people unless they are in Karachi. Since 90% police in Karachi is from Punjab or other places the Karachittes are "not their own people" hence it is OK to harass, brutalize, kidnap and kill them. Punjab is so screwed up and the whole Pakistan have to deal with it.

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Jameel

Sep 16, 2014 07:57pm

Our Hope and Our Inspiration Imran Khan! We salute you for your bravery and making us realise our rights as a nation!

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Buta

Sep 16, 2014 08:05pm

Should our Mnas and senators be polite, respectful, honest,caring,intelligent and talk with some dignity,instead of talking like a Gama Maja of Bhatti Gate.

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Buta

Sep 16, 2014 08:32pm

Who has the authority and wisdom to tell all rulers and their Chamchas that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantee the people of human rights,freedom of speech,freedom of thoughts,freedom to protest lawfully, freedom of assembly and ask for justice and equality.

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Hasan

Sep 16, 2014 10:53pm

@Key Points This is not an allegation but a fact. It is very easy to prove. Go open up his taxes in Pakistan. In Britian, they can be opened very easily and all his assets can be verified.

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Truth will Always Prevail

Sep 16, 2014 11:06pm

Did you notice every time PMLN MNAs open their mouth something stupid comes out. They collectively lack the basic understanding of human rights and democracy. SC need to take a notice of this just as fast they have taken notice of media pointing fingers towards them. Judges and MNAs are public servant they must serve public.

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Nessar

Sep 16, 2014 11:37pm

@Ahmad12 Even worse is killing 14 innocent people and shooting another 100 by police following the instructions of the current PMLN government or can't you see that? Or maybe you were asleep when the Model town incident happened?

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Yasir Khan

Sep 17, 2014 12:06am

Imran Khan is the only leader who is honest. I am with him 100%. I hope we get rid of all the criminal elements of our leadership. You have my support IK! It doesn't matter if the Dharnas continue for 6 months, I am with you!

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Pakistani

Sep 17, 2014 12:22am

IK is right. Purpose of the demonstrations - specially peaceful ones, is to highlight the failures of the government and its negligence on issues - ranging from governance to implementation of justice. However, peaceful demonstrations can only be meaningful when the government can be shamed into doing the right thing. When that is not the case and the government resorts to rogue behavior, it is stupidity to expect people will remain peaceful. For their rightful demands, if they are not given these in a peaceful manner, people will eventually resort to violence. It is therefore the duty of those who hold a degree of power and influence over the government to instill some common sense into the government - otherwise the country will move towards civil war. One thing is for sure - people will not take injustice anymore, nor the VIP culture, nr the police brutalities. People have realized their right and they will snatch them if they are not given duly.

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Buta

Sep 17, 2014 02:18am

Because of Imran Khan's awakening call to the Pakistani people, it is first time in my life have seen VIP culture being kicked out of aeroplane by the passengers in Karachi.

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Mustafa J.

Sep 17, 2014 02:58am

@HaqueParast: You are discriminating people based on where they come from. You have your theory about a Punjabee, a Karachittes etc. etc. Pakistan will never be a peaceful country if people discriminate each other based on where they come from.

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NINO

Sep 17, 2014 08:56am

@Mustafa J. This is and has been the need of the hour. This is the type of slogan Imran and other leaders should be raising. Alas, none of them is persuing this most fundamental requirement; every one from Canada to Bani Halls is self-serving and wish to be installed as PM of the country whether they deserve it or not. More goondaism than an Iota of profound thinking for the sake of the fatherland. Some very unfortunate precedents are being set with or without the collusion ofpowers that be. Follow the sacred constitution, follow the law of the land and become just Pakistanis ;no more, no less.

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Sohail

Sep 18, 2014 10:49pm

Thanks Captain for waking us up. we are with u!!!

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