Musharraf denied request to travel to Saudi Arabia
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ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf was denied permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to condole over the death of King Abdullah, DawnNews reported.
Sources at the Interior Ministry said that the former president had made a request to travel to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences over the monarch’s death.
Musharraf, in his request, stated that King Abdullah had been like a brother to him which was why he wanted to travel to the kingdom, the sources said.
However Musharraf’s request was rejected by the Interior Ministry due to his name being included in the Exit Control List (ECL), which bars people from leaving the country.
The ministry stated that the former president had been put on the ECL after a court decision, and that he should refer to the judiciary regarding his request to leave the country.
Earlier reports suggested that the government had in principle agreed to allow the former president to leave the country.
Read also: Govt may let Musharraf fly to S. Arabia
Musharraf had sought a relaxation of the travel ban placed on him so that he could fly to meet members of the Saudi royal family.
A source had said that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was among the few members of the cabinet who had been trying to persuade the PML-N leadership to soften its stance on Musharraf, particularly when the PTI’s sit-in was ongoing and there were rumours of a military takeover.
Musharraf’s name was added to the ECL due to multiple high-profile cases pending against him, including high treason and murder.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (115) Closed
Jan 29, 2015 07:06pm
Excellent.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:07pm
Right decision.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:07pm
Good decision!
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Jan 29, 2015 07:09pm
Big mistake. Should have let him leave the country
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Jan 29, 2015 07:10pm
PMLN want to be political martyr, forcing military to take them down.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:14pm
Why is the commando so anxious to go out of country, anyway?
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Jan 29, 2015 07:15pm
I knew Nawaz Sharif will not let Musharraf leave the country.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:20pm
Stay home
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Jan 29, 2015 07:20pm
govt is not sure of his return ?
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Jan 29, 2015 07:20pm
Good decision. Musharraf has done too much damage to Pakistan
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Jan 29, 2015 07:21pm
Terrible decision. This government is foolish enough not to reconcile and move on. I can't believe that Nawaz's vendetta is so strong even under the present circumstances.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:21pm
Musharraf is the only Pakistani leader for which the doors of Ka'ba were officially opened. There is a reason behind it
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Jan 29, 2015 07:25pm
fair enough
Government did what was expected from it
all is fair in the fight for the throne
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Jan 29, 2015 07:26pm
I can't understand how these people think their interaction with foreign governments are in their personal capacity and not in their official capacity. Secondly if sitting COAS Gen. Raheel can offer his condolences by visiting Saudi embassy in Pakistan, why not Musharraf, and thirdly if late Abdullah was like elder brother to Musharraf then I am sure he would have prevailed upon NS to let him go like he was prevailed upon Musharraf after 2009 coup. These sick bosses of Pakistan...will never understand realities of life...!!!!
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Jan 29, 2015 07:31pm
Nawaz Shareef's dream to hand cuff and put Musharraf in jail did not come true, but at least he is successful in incarcerating him within pakistan. So some success on both sides.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:36pm
Due to illness he is unable to attend the court but very much fit to visit abroad!!!
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Jan 29, 2015 07:38pm
He is a common citizen of Pakistan now
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Jan 29, 2015 07:40pm
Akbar Bugti is regarded as shaheed and Musharraf is being tried as a traitor..what a nation we are.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:42pm
Govt. need to soften its stand on internal or personnel matters, allow him to leave the country and work with him to make the Pakistan the best place in the world. He was and is a wise leader.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:47pm
Well, Musharraf deserves this all because of his excellent tenure of economic revival in the country. Only people like zardari and sharifs have the right to rule the country.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:49pm
He is still a respected man in Saudi Arabia. Why NS is afraid to give him permission for condolence; definitely it will give a bad impression to the government of Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:51pm
Politics of personal vendetta. Musharaf's tenure was 1000 times better than zardari and sharifs....
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Jan 29, 2015 07:51pm
@AHMED . In which world are you living in ????? Wake up and look around .
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Jan 29, 2015 07:51pm
The governement has to swallow this one day, and let the General go. They dont have raise another conflit or reason of discussion specially when they are having petrol, electricity issues in the country. Not sure of the army will like this stance..!!
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Jan 29, 2015 07:54pm
absolutely not a right decision. He wanted to go there for condolences. They should have allowed him to go. NS should have forgotten the time when Musharraf had allowed him to visit while he was in exile. Going to the funeral had nothing to do with politics.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:54pm
The vendetta continues by the PMLN.
Musharraf, who took on Lal masjid and insurgents everywhere is now at the mercy of these directionless government who talks and now trying to walk the same path as he is being tried for in the courts.
Nawaz and the gang of incompetent ministers think that somehow even with their utter failure in bringing any good to the country, they can at least humiliate a national hero.
Pakistan had the highest economic growth rate in the world during Musharraf's time. Investment in Pakistan was booming, religious extremists were marginalized and on the run. World view of Pakistan was on the positive side.
Alas, all that has been reversed, thanks to the Zardari and PMLN plunder teams.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:56pm
These current rulers will suffer because of their obstinacy. Their own record (corruption) is worse.
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Jan 29, 2015 07:57pm
So, he isn't well enought to take a stand in the court but strong enough to travel. How can you not love this man?
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Jan 29, 2015 08:01pm
@AHMED You would run without attire and possessions to west if you got a visa.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:03pm
He is the best SON of his motherland !!!!!!!
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Jan 29, 2015 08:10pm
While he allowed Mr. Sharif and BB or even Zardari to return to Pakistan...I think that was the biggest mistake ever but thats okay - nation loves corruption and then cry foul about it.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:14pm
@arshad moghul very well said it is just a common sense. For how long this will go on and poor Pakistanis had to pay the price dearly NS government should pay more attention on the welfare of citizens and get rid of dishonest leaders
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Jan 29, 2015 08:16pm
It's nothing but Tit-for-Tat. The whole world knows it.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:16pm
another nail in PMLN's coffin.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:20pm
condolences can be offered offer at embassy of Saudi within Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:22pm
He needs a medal for taking care of the traitors of LaL Masjid
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Jan 29, 2015 08:23pm
"Yes, in principle agreed". I said it at the time - NS won't let him. He can deal with retired generals. In service is another story.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:27pm
Nawaz Sharif has demonstrated yet once again, that he is no statesman. His political acumen is sadly lacking!
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Jan 29, 2015 08:30pm
Government doesn’t want him to travel Saudi Arabia because he will come back for sure, and that will show he is honest and brave, more slaps on government face.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:34pm
President Musharraf when requested the permission for travel to Saudi knew that it will be denied. However, The meanness of Nawaz & Associates is worth noting. This gang is making sure that next time around when they are sent into the slammer they do not come out.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:35pm
Good decision, if you allow him to leave the country, he won't come back. Husain Haqqani, ex ambassador to US did, he went out and never returned though he promised the court he would return in 5 days notice.I do n't care what he did to Sharifs or to ex CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry, but I do hold him responsible for issuing NRO which paved the way for all corrupts to come back to Pakistan. It was a criminal act.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:38pm
He would have flown away like the parrot never to return to Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:42pm
Its a judicious decision. The man should not be allowed to leave Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 08:46pm
Its sad to see a patriotic soldier, a patriotic general going through this ordeal. He had a chance to do a lot for Pakistan, straighten out its problems & throw out crooked politicians. Unfortunately, he got himself involved in politices, result was those famous concilliatory gestures to politicians that lead to onset of his problems and now a big problem for the nation. No big fish or looters ever caught in the net, and some of the big name crooked politicians roaming around freely. Very sad, what could have been a turn around for better life of 180 millions of Pakistanis, that never happened. May Almighty have mercy on desperate & suffering people of Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:00pm
The only leader of Pakistan who has not been involved in bribes & corruption and look at what is being done to him. Did we really expect PMLN leadership to behave any differently?. The answer is a BIG no.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:00pm
I wonder why the army is so quite. Any wise person can tell who are enemies of this nation. God help this nation
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Jan 29, 2015 09:02pm
Army and NS showdown is inevitable. NS is the classic 'aa bayl aa mujhe maar'. He will go to the limit then loose everything. Doesn't know when to back off. On every count Musharraf has been proven right. And if NRO is his crime then that is the most shameful and disgraceful claim of NS. Neither AZ nor Ns would have been where they reached without the NRO. What a perversion of facts and logic.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:05pm
He is consuming almost 80% of our legal resources at tremendous cost.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:08pm
Looking at the series of events in the country, Nawaz Sharif could be thinking of running away to S.Arabia himself, and he wouldn't want Mushrraf sitting there already with the King.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:08pm
Don't worry there won't be any more NRO deals for corrupts leaders , in future their name will be also added on ECL.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:17pm
Person responsible for the demise of this patriotic Pakistani leader, Iftikhar Chaudhry is now a laughing stock. He fixed the 2013 elections and set the clock back for Pakistan to progress. Hopefully, we can come out of this mess soon.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:19pm
Musharraf was in air when Nawaz Government was toppled. It was Nawaz who gave him extension and reversed it just two weeks later and that too when he was out of the country. Who was behind his (Nawaz's) hasty action and on whose dictation it was done? That was the reason for the ouster of Nawaz but, the entire drama was scripted and performed by those who were back home.
We are seriously short of memory and live only in present without learning from the past mistakes or planning for the future.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:20pm
Shame on the Government. very bad decision. Nawaz Shariff will regret later.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:25pm
wise counsel.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:25pm
How terribly vindictive and vengeful the Sharif s' and their coterie are. Such a lack of gray cells amongst those who rule in Pakistan is such a pity for the nation.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:27pm
@Kamal So, Nawaz told you also?
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Jan 29, 2015 09:35pm
And Nawaz just shot himself on the foot again. This will not bode well with his masters in the KSA because all Musharaf wanted was to go and visit the SA and offer his condolences. I am sure there would have been guarantees put in place before allowing him to go which is the due process.
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Jan 29, 2015 09:47pm
Long live Musharraf, a true patriot.
We will always be by your side Sir.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:01pm
Hopefully it wont be long before Musharraf doesn't let Nawaz leave Pakistan.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:12pm
One of failed government's failed decision!
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Jan 29, 2015 10:13pm
Best political victim of time.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:18pm
@Key Points He is as patriotic as the common man and should not be allowed to leave like any other person would not be. If he wants to condole, he should use the phone.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:22pm
who is Musharraf ???
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Jan 29, 2015 10:22pm
One day, Nawaz Sharif and his corrupted team members will put their tails between their legs and try to leave the country. Some people never learn from their mistakes.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:25pm
You get what you sow, I wonder if the general can't brave a little inincarceration.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:36pm
@AKNasser
People like you vote for those corrupt leaders. Do remember Musharraf's party lost that election. Pakistan as whole voted for those corrupt people, but as always Pakistanis will blame someone else for their own stupidity. Under Musharraf Pakistan had two election in both of which his supporting parties could not get majority he was just too fair for this country.
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Jan 29, 2015 10:50pm
PML(N) should be PML (R)...."revenge" party....to new limits
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Jan 29, 2015 10:53pm
This commando is a spineless coward who pretends to be weak and hides behind his mums illness. Generals are brave and honourable, this man is neither!
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Jan 29, 2015 11:00pm
It was inappropriate on the part of ex general Musharraf make such a request. We should stop doing politics over dead bodies. It is likely to show the government in unfavorable light abroad.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:01pm
May be he wants an exile in Arabia.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:12pm
No way should he be allowed. This man is the primary cause of pakistan's foes today.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:12pm
A stupid decision from a stupid govt. they aren't worried about him not returning they are worried that he will return...making them look like bigger fools and losers!
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Jan 29, 2015 11:16pm
Shame corrupt nawaz & zardari democracy.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:17pm
....and the government shoots itself in the foot...yet again.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:34pm
Pakistani politicians, both Nawaz and Zardari should have been tried for their corruption and not forgiven by Musharraf. This is minor punishment for him but the Pakistani nation is being punished the most by the corrupt leaders. In future, there should be no forgiveness for any politician...
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Jan 29, 2015 11:36pm
down with nawaz sharif
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Jan 29, 2015 11:36pm
Some people are not even eligible to be third rate citizens in Saudi! Way to go Saudi Arabia, respect
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Jan 29, 2015 11:39pm
No way Nawaz will let him go, if he leaves he will do same thing as Kayani - organizing soft coups with TuQ-TuQ and IM khan.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:40pm
minister is lying. supreme court has given decision earlier that it's Govt to decide. What a lame excuse by who is good for nothing. so sad. perhaps this will bring end to PML N Govt?
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Jan 29, 2015 11:41pm
Coward decision by incompetent government.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:43pm
Such a coward commando, he first bcame heart sick, now want to flee.
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Jan 29, 2015 11:50pm
Should have let him go , it would have benefited Pakistan.Maybe its time to work together and not against each other ?
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Jan 29, 2015 11:52pm
go nawaz go
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Jan 30, 2015 12:06am
Godd decision, Musharaf is criminal
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Jan 30, 2015 12:08am
It does not seem odd to me that Nawaz Sharif has the inside tract with the Saudi nobility, while the general stands outside the window looking in.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:11am
@saeed
Thomas Wolf wrote a famous novel in America called You Can't Go Home Again.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:12am
@AKNasser And those corrupts are now trying him in false cases. I do not understand your logic.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:13am
Funny. This guy is always sick to attend the court of law before which he is being tried and always produces medical certificates from the Army hospitals. But he is miraculously fit as a fiddle to fly to Saudi Arabia to pay homage to a dead King. Miracles never cease.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:16am
U should have never returned,your miscalculation was like your Kargil adventurism.
Now enjoy your stay in Pakistan for there is no escape for you the Army will not help you and do not think of another coup by army for it has already happened when you and the nation of Pakistan was a sleep.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:44am
@Asif kamil
Well spoken.
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Jan 30, 2015 12:46am
@Reality Bites
Totally agree with you.
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Jan 30, 2015 01:41am
Musharaf is bigger than asking for travel permission for crying out loud. He will lose respect if he acts like a begger.
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Jan 30, 2015 01:51am
Coward wants to escape@!
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Jan 30, 2015 02:02am
Nawaz is being stubborn and bitter. He is holding a grudge.
What Nawaz has to remember is that Musharraf could of hanged him like Bhutto was,
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Jan 30, 2015 02:42am
This is bad. The Nawaz brothers are acting like dictators again, after all Imran Khan is right about them.
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Jan 30, 2015 02:58am
@AHMED What Damage? All the decisions he took have proven to be right (lal masjid operation, arresting corrupt chief justice etc etc)... He has only harmed those who have harmed the nation, which is the right thing to do.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:02am
@AKNasser It was his national reconciliation plan. He did it out of good faith because like it or not these corrupt politicians of ours do command some support within the wider public. If there was one mistake he did make, it was exactly this, however there was tremendous pressure internally and externally to forgive, forget and move on. He did that but the others didn't.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:05am
@Imran Mehmood Musharraf is the pride of Pakistan. The sooner you learn about him, the sooner you will enlighten yourself.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:07am
@Faraz As patriotic as the common man? Do you know who he is? an ex Commando of the Pakistani Army, who has put his life down for the country... This is no job of the common man. Please enlighten yourself and fight on the front-line to see if it's a commoners job!
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Jan 30, 2015 03:09am
@allaisa what is even more funny is the cases against him!... Just shows you the stupidity of our Nation!
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Jan 30, 2015 03:12am
@Thoroughthinker Yeh and it sounds like you helped script the whole drama, given your level of insider knowledge.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:17am
Such news just shows that the country does not have leaders who can look at matters on their own merit. Sadly over 50,000 Pakistanis have been killed in the recent past but leadership instead of healing the nation is busy burning it.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:23am
This government has never taken a sensible decision ever and that is why the country is suffering.
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Jan 30, 2015 03:40am
Come on guys, are we ever going to get ourselves out of the box. Get over it and move on. There are more pressing problems we should devote our energy on. Does a common man on the street benefit out of this personal vendetta. Please, let's move on...
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Jan 30, 2015 03:59am
Do the crime pay the time
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Jan 30, 2015 04:04am
@Junaid but his health do not allow to go into court in the same city?
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Jan 30, 2015 04:07am
Sharif brothers are afraid that Musharraf would come back.
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Jan 30, 2015 04:09am
@Thoroughthinker nations are built with sacrifices.
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Jan 30, 2015 04:10am
@Junaid very nice!
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Jan 30, 2015 04:27am
The government has maintained through out that its a judicial matter and nothing to do with the NS government,.
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Jan 30, 2015 04:54am
Poor NS again in trouble, third mistake is the last mistake
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Jan 30, 2015 05:33am
do not send him anywhere ... he is the rear spoiler of Indo - Pak relations ... send Navap sab to Dubai ... he can look after his business at UK from Dubai along with Dawood...
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Jan 30, 2015 05:51am
Why exactly is his name on the No exit list ?
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Jan 30, 2015 06:16am
Go Musharraf Go! ..... Sorry u can't LOL
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Jan 31, 2015 01:13am
Musharraf earned more credit for Pakistan by progressing in enhancing the image of Pakistan. Zardari put all his efforts in extorting ZAR (money( for himself and Sharifs are following the rat race. trying to pull any one down who accomplished and believes in the real progress for Pakistan.
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