Masses have rejected the govt, Imran tells Mianwali rally

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

MIANWALI: Addressing a rally in Mianwali on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the masses in Pakistan have rejected the incumbent rulers.

The PTI chairman claimed he had exposed the electoral rigging by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and added that he would ensure they do not go unpunished for this crime.

He further said that protests would continue until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif steps down.

Khan said there was nothing wrong in raising the slogans of “Go Nawaz Go” and wondered as to why the Sharif family had objections to the people’s democratic right.

“Why would they beat up the sloganeers?” he asked

Imran advised his followers to “never bow down to evil” and to always stand united against it.

Talking about the success of his rally in his native Mianwali city, he said all other political parties would have taken six months to stage a demonstration of such a proportion but the PTI had managed the event in just three days.

He said that if Nawaz Sharif could manage a political gathering of even thirty per cent in size of the PTI's Mianwali rally, he would concede that elections were not rigged.

Describing his plans for the country’s future, Khan said that the best local governance system would be implemented across the country. He added that the PTI would bring in such a system where the rich would not be able to exploit the poor and the education system would be improved.

He said the police (thaana) culture needs to be improved in Punjab and gave the example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in this regard.

The PTI chief said that in neighbouring India, the government provides assistance to its farmers who receive subsidised electricity bills whereas in Pakistan farmers receive electricity bills of six hundred thousand rupees.

He said that if farmers increase their yield then the country would get richer and added: “We have to lift the farmers and help them.”

He also thanked the people of Mianwali for supporting him since the inception of his political party in the 90s and for helping him get elected into the National Assembly twice.

Khan said he would never leave the people of Mianwali and apologised to them for having to cut his speech short and leave the venue early.

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Jameel

Oct 02, 2014 09:30pm

keep it up we with you all the way

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Kaleem Ullah

Oct 02, 2014 09:31pm

On a sidenote, Khan resembles Sanjay datt at times.

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Usman

Oct 02, 2014 09:33pm

Great leader. I love Imran Khan. He may have his weaknesses and maynot be perfect, but he sure is much, much better than any other leader we have in Pakistan right now. Nonone can doubt his honesty. Love IK.

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Oct 02, 2014 09:35pm

As a Canadian-Pakistani I wish Imran well.

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Oct 02, 2014 09:36pm

Khan said there was nothing wrong in raising the slogans of “Go Nawaz Go” and wondered as to why the Sharif family had objections to the people’s democratic right. I come form a Country where democratic values and practices are 700 years old. But I have never heard nor do I believe that abuse or bulling is one of the democratic rights of any one any where, nor does it go under freedom of speech.

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samar

Oct 02, 2014 09:39pm

Score a few pts IK its all about that for u ...the patience shown by the govt is commendable and to mention the protection given to his dharnas

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Oct 02, 2014 09:41pm

I voted PTI and now simple question... Why he did not conduct local body elections in 18 months in KPK. Balochistan did it how come not KPK? He is just telling lies as when he said a thousand time before elections for 90 days local bodies elections.

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Aamer Khawaja

Oct 02, 2014 09:49pm

Yes probably the masses may have rejected the govt. we the people will decide about that hopefully in 2018 & no sooner, but we have equally rejected & have surely grown tired and nauseated at this non-stop agitation by you, stop it, you're playing with fire. We don't want perpetual dharnas by opposition parties against the govt. Let the govt. sink or rise on their own, otherwise, if (God-forbid) you are in power, then surely you will get a taste of your own medicine, it maybe no issue for you or your supporters, but this will become a headache for the masses who'll be lining up for votes every year with no respite or stability in life.

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Oct 02, 2014 09:50pm

Khan said there was nothing wrong in raising the slogans of “Go Nawaz Go” and wondered as to why the Sharif family had objections to the people’s democratic right. Mr Khan is teaching strange democratic values to the people of Pakistan . Bulling and abuse is not one of the democratic values no were in the world just as much it is not acceptable under the freedom of speech .

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One Nation

Oct 02, 2014 09:51pm

I am surprised that the news story does not mention that it was a huge gathering.

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samar

Oct 02, 2014 09:53pm

Does IK even know ASI Peshawar got shot while dropping his son to school What's his govt going to support his family...that poor boy saw his father shot in front of him who will support his education...IK wants it all and he wants it now ....

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pathanoo

Oct 02, 2014 09:57pm

What masses are you referring to, Imran? Can't you see the empty chairs and the empty ground?

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P Setra

Oct 02, 2014 10:03pm

Have they accepted anarchy instead? Sad day for the country if they did!

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Tangerine

Oct 02, 2014 10:08pm

Don't talk about the democracy in west. He has conducted dharnas and jalsas for the last 47 days and he says whatever nonsense comes to his mind. The gov has tolerated him for so many days without disrupting him still he is so thankless, ungrateful. Another side of his personality!

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bilal

Oct 02, 2014 10:18pm

May Allah always make Imran Khan smile and protect him and also guivehim success. Aamin. He is the true leader of Pakistan.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Oct 02, 2014 10:24pm

Why IK never mentions improvement in Karachi and Sindh.

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hafeez

Oct 02, 2014 10:31pm

I think IK had a chance to prove himself with good governance in KP; instead he took another route and he must know that if the forces behind him won't let NS to rule peacefully why they will let him? Especially when he raised the bar way high with his speeches. If it was hard for him to deliver in KP what makes him think that he will do better if whole country is given to him? To me his vision doesn't make sense, talking is one thing and doing is another....people around him have well known past and not trust worthy.

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Aftab Hussein

Oct 02, 2014 10:33pm

Heard the news of Indian PM Modi taking up the broom and starting "Clean India" initiative with a clever idea to rope-in celebrities challenge similar to the ice-bucket one. Allah knows when our own thick-headed politicians will learn something that is actually good for the society (for once, please..)

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Haroon Mahmood

Oct 02, 2014 10:40pm

@Hj I don't know which country you are referring to, but there aren't any countries with an established democracy I can think of where corruption is rampant in the upper echelons of government like it is in Pakistan. Even the simple lie Nawaz told in the National Assembly about not having approached the army for help would force the resignation of the Prime Minister in any self-respecting democracy. And the people would go off him too. As they are in their droves in Pakistan. Which brings me to my point: well done Imran Khan in exposing the people who have plundered our country all these years and brought it to its knees. Well done for educating the people about this. We're looking forward to your first speech as Prime Minister very soon.

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Jake

Oct 02, 2014 10:41pm

As an Indian, I was and am till date a great fan of the great IMRAN KHAN, the cricketer. But a politician??? i am confused and watching with little amusement his foray in politics. But he is a determined and strong character who pursues what he believes in and with constant commitment. Just like in cricket days when he was a top class cricketer who led from the front for Pakistan as a cerebral captain and always almost shone in his role as a bowler, batsman and even fielding at times. He never gave up and always fought till the end. Many battles he won, only little he lost. i think in politics as well he may end up this way. He is very proud of his country and culture and would do anything to ensure its glory. I wish him well and hope just as he was in cricket he would be successful in politics.

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buzz_g85

Oct 02, 2014 10:53pm

@A Unfortunately the local body elections are under the ECP. They have already violated the supreme courts order of completing LB Elections by April. So how about you do a little research before blaming PTI.

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Dr Mansoor haq

Oct 02, 2014 10:57pm

Whatever sharafat and decency was in Pakistan politics, unfortunately due to imran's actions and conduct all is now gone. Being a staunch supporter and regular donor for him, I will never support him again. At this time I just want the democratic process to continue as it is the best firm of government. It will evolve and get better as evolution is always better than revolution. We just can't blame the politicians as more than half of the time pakistan has been ruled by military and even today it's the establishment which is calling the shots, example is that a pro government channel Geo can not be aired in Pakistan and anti nawaz channel Ary is allowed freely to do nawaz bashing. As a matter of fact our establishment has never allowed any govt to function freely and has always tried to bring them down directly or indirectly through media propaganda. I am sure even if Imran khan, God forbid becomes prime minister he will face the same establishment and then army will become another victim of his long list of insulting propaganda. Shame on Imran khan. You have let down lots of your real long time supporters. Dr Mansoor Haq, canada

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jami

Oct 02, 2014 11:00pm

People of pakistan protest is very right direction, I am not concern with imran or other but what he and pakistani are doing to kick out a worst leader nawaz who came three times and did nothing. Mr nawaz please no excuse of time. 1. No education policy, higher middle or lower. 2. No industrialization program. 3. No practical approach for nationalization.4. No program for familty planning. 5. Could not assign heads for 16 important departments. 6. No action plan to curb terrorism in one year. Yes you introduce 16 your family members in politics as they are great champion for pakistan. Sorry mr. Nawaz it is time to go home, let some good one to run my pakistan.

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Anarchist

Oct 02, 2014 11:02pm

@Hj Chanting 'Go Nawaz Go' is bullying? OK. Then what when PML-N chanted 'Go Zardari Go'? I guess it was freedom of expression.

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Muhammmed

Oct 02, 2014 11:03pm

@Hj how is this abuse? It's called freedom of speech.

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Uxman

Oct 02, 2014 11:05pm

I also request IK to please also do Jalsa in cities of Balouchistan pro Pak balouchis also need you

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Muhammmed

Oct 02, 2014 11:06pm

@pathanoo you should go to specsavers.

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Arif

Oct 02, 2014 11:12pm

I sense mid-term elections. However what is the guarantee that Imran will not cry if he does not get a majority. Country needs stability.

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jin

Oct 02, 2014 11:14pm

@A ask supreme court about this

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Sunny

Oct 02, 2014 11:17pm

Wow, it was gigantic rally. People want to see him in power that's for sure.

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Itsqashi

Oct 02, 2014 11:17pm

He showed green garden to all the people. Can someone ask him in that did he change Thana culture in KPK. Did he bring any change in KPK. What a shameful man playing with people mind.

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kamran

Oct 02, 2014 11:19pm

you himself must stay away from you Imran

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kamran

Oct 02, 2014 11:20pm

@Kaleem Ullah he rather get in the film industry, we still have a space in for Sultan Rahi

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nadeem

Oct 02, 2014 11:20pm

@Jalaluddin S. Hussain What does it mean as Canadian Pakistani?

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kamran

Oct 02, 2014 11:20pm

@Jalaluddin S. Hussain coz you live in Canada, who cares, what goes on there.

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kamran

Oct 02, 2014 11:22pm

@A correct, there is the point to understand Imran's mentality.

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kamran

Oct 02, 2014 11:23pm

@bilal . read his bio please.

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Hina

Oct 02, 2014 11:27pm

What a waste of millions and millions of rupees to boost one man's ego. IK is nothing but a stubborn aristocrat.

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optimist

Oct 02, 2014 11:28pm

"apologised to them for having to cut his speech short and leave the venue early." Not good mr. Imran and not fair to the people of Mianwali who waited for hours to listen to his speech.

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Napier Mole

Oct 02, 2014 11:31pm

Yawwwwwn

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Ali Abbas

Oct 02, 2014 11:31pm

Imran, you beauty...

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Najamuddin

Oct 02, 2014 11:31pm

My heart is bleeding on the innocence or ignorance of the simple minded masses who seeing with their open eyes that this man IK and his comrades betraying the trust and expectations of KPK people, having abandoned them to suffer the worst than before, been engaged in long marches, dharnas and unlawful acts of civil disobedience just for Prime Ministership? How such callously vested interest exploiters could deliver any good to their rallies supporters of Capital City, Punjab, Sind, Balochistan who so ruthlessly have abandoned their voters of KPK where IK and his coteries were needed the most to address the long pending sufferings of their voters and the victims of latest calamities?

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Philanthropist

Oct 02, 2014 11:36pm

@samar It is not the personal responsibility of the government to take action and interfere in police matters. Police in KPK is independent and would take appropriate action InshAllah.

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Sher

Oct 02, 2014 11:38pm

IK is the truest and most sincere leader since Quaid-I-Azam. I pray for Pakistan's sake that he is our next PM....in 2015!

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raghu

Oct 02, 2014 11:45pm

love him or hate him this man has sniffed blood and will create history ....i one can see whats coming raghu....

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Philanthropist

Oct 02, 2014 11:46pm

A great turnout on only three days notice. PPP has been building the hype of its Karachi Jalsa to be held in Mid October for two week now but I bet that even if they are able to pressurize government officers to come to their Jalsa then they would not have the same passion as the one we see in the PTI crowd and secondly PTI Jalsas have families participating which doesn't happen in Jalsas of other parties.

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Lucky Star

Oct 02, 2014 11:46pm

There is time for everything. Organizing campaign gathering before the election is one of them. After the election, public gathering is waste of your time and waste of people’s time who go to your gatherings to listen to your rants. Stop challenging NS, because he is the winner of the election 2012, and you are the loser of that election. But you don't feel any shame not to concede your defeat.

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janan

Oct 02, 2014 11:47pm

@Jalaluddin S. Hussain as a canadian-pakistani you should know better!

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Arshad Khan

Oct 02, 2014 11:47pm

Mr. Khan, Masses had reject many governments of past too. What happend then? A new government in the same system emerged - sweeping dust under the carpet exersize. I commend your efforts but stress that you are a good politician but not as good statesman. Did you dared say anything against incumbents there in recent Karachi gathering? A statesman don't cherry pick things to suit circumstances, a Pakistani politician likes of you do! Any sane PTI voice here to answer this?

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Ahmad Gul Niazi

Oct 02, 2014 11:53pm

Was good to see him at Niazi Land, he came home to be part of us, he is the son of our soil.

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Dilectus

Oct 03, 2014 12:10am

@Dr Mansoor haq - Believe on PML-N rhetoric at your own peril. People who voted for him have a right to protest for their mandate was stolen. First come to Pakistan and serve here only then you would have a right to criticise.

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Ajamal

Oct 03, 2014 12:33am

@A . The local bodies elections held in Baluchistan and even after 6 months there are no local bodies in Baluchistan. Those elections proved totally farce. There is no local body set up in the province. This happens when things are done under court orders without doing ground work.

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nukhan

Oct 03, 2014 12:40am

Good job Imran and Pti Maya Pakistan is imminent

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yawar

Oct 03, 2014 12:50am

What we need is an honest leader who is committed to eradicating the sifaarishi culture and improving education in Pakistan. And IK fits the bill.

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Lucky Star

Oct 03, 2014 01:09am

@Dr Mansoor haq 100% agreed with your post!

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Lucky Star

Oct 03, 2014 01:11am

@Sunny Really, he is bringing 20,000 voters i a rally of 100,000, and with 20,000 voters he cannot win.

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N. Siddiqui

Oct 03, 2014 01:29am

@A Supreme court ordered stopping of local bodies polls in KPK. The reason given by the apex court was since there is a need for delimitation in Punjab and Sind, KPK also should go for delimitation(Election commission also have the same idea). Otherwise new KPK government was ready for the local bodies polls in April this year. Now it will be held in November, this year, hopefully.

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Muhammad Ahmed Khan

Oct 03, 2014 01:38am

Go on IK, masses are with you. 19 years, and at last nation got your message !!!

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Faisal

Oct 03, 2014 01:38am

I'm old enough to remember the crowds BB pulled when she returned from exile in 1986. While it's true that BB wasn't looking to topple the government, Junejo - supposedly a political nobody and weak PM - rode the wave with serene composure. Lessons there for both IK and NS.

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Ajilala01@gmail.com

Oct 03, 2014 01:46am

@Hj I don't know which country you're from,may be from Mother of democracy.i think there's no harm if the people burst their anger their way.Is 21st century, a time of social media playing vital role.

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sid

Oct 03, 2014 02:01am

@Lucky Star : You are indeed very lucky that all your posts are published by dawn. You need to pass some of the luck to NS, before he is lost to history.

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Harmony

Oct 03, 2014 02:09am

@Tangerine - IK "thankless, ungrateful"??? So, he should thank the government for rigging and be grateful for letting him use his legal right to protest?

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Sohrab

Oct 03, 2014 02:27am

Interestingly I went down liking ALL the comments. Everytime I liked pro IK comment it went up two sometimes more likes. For ant IK comment only once. Would that be considered 'dhandli' ?

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Vikas Rehman

Oct 03, 2014 02:28am

@Lucky Star Last year I had a chance to attend a PTI gathering. It was announced only a few days in advance, there was no party funding, no transport to bring people over, no biriani afterwards, and all in a small city in Azad Kashmir. Yet there was a crowd of 10-15k. Now-a-days, PTI gatherings are a lot larger. Is there any other leader in Pakistan including the current PM who can pull such crowds without govt help at such short notice?

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trq

Oct 03, 2014 02:49am

@samar Really. They know if they use force. they will meet with force

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Mustafa J.

Oct 03, 2014 02:50am

News: Addressing a rally in Mianwali on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the masses in Pakistan have rejected the incumbent rulers. My comments: The incumbent rulers were elected by majority of Law Makers who represented 180 Million Pakistanis in 2013 Election. The Pakistanis will exercise their choice again in 5 years. It is absolutely false for anyone to claim that the 180 Million Pakistanis have rejected the incumbent rulers. Be honest. The PTI chairman claimed he had exposed the electoral rigging by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and added that he would ensure they do not go unpunished for this crime. My comments: The Chairman of PTI should know that the only power to decide whether electoral rigging took place is Supreme Court of Pakistan which also has the authority to punish anyone if crime was committed. If in the next election the PTI comes in power to run government, will the Chairman of PTI will automatically become prosecutor, Judge, Jailor/Hang-man?

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trq

Oct 03, 2014 02:51am

@Dr Mansoor haq What democracy. The person who rigged the election and come to power that's what u call democracy. That's how happen in Canada???????????????????

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ashfaq1

Oct 03, 2014 03:43am

One of they major issues facing Pakistan is the establishments control over key policy areas ie foreign security etc. I would like hear IKs ideas how he plans to wrestle these policy areas into the control of elected parliament with oversight

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Jawad

Oct 03, 2014 04:03am

@Arshad Khan 1- he's become a leader and a great one . Not much of a politician. That's why all the politicians especially the corrupt one are scared of him. 2- one fight at a time. Need to concentrate on NS and the current set up and election reforms----- once they are done-- whether it's MQM or any other party it won't matter for the next election which will be soon. See PPP and JI has also begun election jalsaas Now on the other hand can you answer as to why PMLN has still not done LB. Why they still haven't opened up those 4 ( to begin with ) constituencies ? Why SS is still glued to his chair ( even he was not involved, the killings happened under his watch , by his police ) represents massive failure of governance at the least. How come NAB was not able to file reply within 10 days ( if you know what I mean ) how convenient. Why PPP is so scared to a point that Bilawal Zardari had to apologize to his workers. Why suddenly PPP has changed it's tone and given NS the mashwara to resign. You remember Khurshids speech in the Parliment that " we will support you ( NS ) all the way.

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Rana Saifuddin

Oct 03, 2014 04:05am

I have never been a big admirer of IK but for his honesty and uprightness I am going to support him all the way.

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Jawad

Oct 03, 2014 04:09am

@Vikas Rehman You follow lucky stars posts---- either he is NSs family/ braadari or paid. So don't waste your time with him.

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Jawad

Oct 03, 2014 04:18am

@Najamuddin Does your heart bleed for people killed in model town ??? Forget about arrests--- they haven't even named anyone who gave the order. Does your heart bleed for people died and suffered with floods( SS in power for what? 6-7 years now) and while flood happens every year--- no preparations while spending money on buses and lap tops. Does your heart bleed for poor people getting electric bills in 20-40 thousand range ( mind it , these people have only few light bulbs , no ACs etc) I can keep on going. For Sindh , Baluchistan but seems your heart bleeds very selectively.

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Rana Saifuddin

Oct 03, 2014 04:29am

@Dr Mansoor haq I disagree with u what has so called democratic government done for us uptill now? They have been busy making money and collecting more and more wealth democracy will only work when masses are being educated this is IK first priority and that is what we need in Pakistan.

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Lucky Star

Oct 03, 2014 04:40am

@Vikas Rehman Do u have idea how big is 9 or 10 lakh? In a country of 10 lakh how can u gather 10 lakh in a village of Azad Kashmir? -:)

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malick.

Oct 03, 2014 05:26am

ik please repeat in every rally. 1. 4 characters, like truth and plus. 2. foreign loans, no return. 3.keep sit in till resign. 4. education, health ...................... 5. kashmir and flood policy.

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Ahmed USA

Oct 03, 2014 05:50am

@Sohrab it shows true democracy Pakistani style...ignorant folks commenting without factual analysis due to blind favoritism, racism or just pure hatred...hope this helps... :)

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Bravo

Oct 03, 2014 06:40am

If you believe in Masses then they have also rejected you......

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Lucky Star

Oct 03, 2014 07:34am

@trq What proof do u have when International community declared that the election 2013 was fair according to international standnadard?

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Oct 03, 2014 08:02am

@Haroon Mahmood To start with we have democratic values that is holy in our homes too. So I see despite of heroic speeches and accusations that have to be proved first under all norms of believes. It is a good thing that one exposes short comings in a poetical system and it is also a good thing that one works together and fights this short comings out under the forum the Governments are provided and in time the real leader will evolve chosen by action and to slogans.

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Jawad

Oct 03, 2014 08:53am

NA 125-- saad Rafique got caught rigging. Soon it will be Mr Speaker too. And more. ( all the big mouths came into power with rigging) and trying to teach about democracy. Lol. What more excuse this time?? May be the loosing party did the rigging to gift Saad Rafique the seat. Or may be the ROs love Saad Rafique.

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Jawad

Oct 03, 2014 08:56am

@Dr Mansoor haq e. Being a staunch supporter and regular donor for him, I will never support him again.""""" Really---- give me a break.

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Rana Saifuddin

Oct 03, 2014 01:00pm

@Lucky Star Mr. Lucky star the looters and plunderers will be voted out this time in election this time Inshallah.

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Rana Saifuddin

Oct 03, 2014 01:14pm

@Jawad Mr.Jawad I totally agree With you.

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Saawan

Oct 03, 2014 10:25pm

Great movement for PTI congratulation for the successful gathering in Mianwali

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