Weapons being smuggled in ambulances: Rangers
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KARACHI: A Rangers spokesperson alleged on Sunday that ambulance services of certain welfare organisations, and their officials, were involved in the illicit trade of illegal weapons in the city.
An official of the paramilitary force said that during investigation of convicted criminals arrested a few days earlier, it has been uncovered that “officials and personnel of certain welfare services are involved in smuggling and hiding of illegal weapons across the city”.
Through the statement, the paramilitary force — currently enjoying policing powers in the provincial capital — warned that “direct or indirect involvement in smuggling of arms is a high level crime. All those involved in such illegal practices will be brought to book under the Sindh Arms Act”.
Also read: Rangers raid MQM HQ in Karachi, detain member of Rabita Committee
The Rangers official further urged citizens of Karachi to call the Rangers Helpline 1101 in case they observe any such criminal activity.
This revelation adds to the series of 'confessions' currently going on after the arrest of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activists by Rangers, following a raid at part headquarters Nine Zero a few days earlier.
The paramilitary force had claimed in a statement that Umair Hassan Siddiqui, allegedly involved in killing of 120 people, was a key member of the ‘target-killing’ racket. The activist became part of a team when the MQM decided to carry out killings on ethnic grounds in 2008.
“The meeting was attended by all sector in-charges of the party. The in-charge of the MQM’s Karachi Tanzeemi Committee, Hammad Siddiqui, also attended the meeting, during which directives were issued to expedite killings on ethnic grounds.”
“The suspect has revealed that it was in 2008 when the party decided to expedite killings on ethnic grounds and for that deputy convener of the party Anis Qaimkhani chaired a meeting at Khursheed Memorial Hall,” the Rangers statement said.
Each time an MQM activist `confesses` to murder or extortion, the party disassociates itself from him. And the constant defensive mantra hinges around anti-MQM conspiracies, whether it is the Scotland Yard inquiry of murder and money-laundering in London, or the widely witnessed violence it launched against a pro-Iftikhar Chaudhry rally in Karachi in May 2007 in which 45 people were killed.
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Comments (100) Closed
Mar 15, 2015 11:25pm
Another shameful practice (along with mob killing in Lahore) reflecting collapse of society. This is what happens when power elites are not interested in establishing rule of law. As long as their businesses grow, all is well.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:30pm
The Rangers are really going over the top with false and fabricated allegations. The credibility of LEA is very shady.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:33pm
So even the ambulances are not safe! Faster way to get the weapons to the wrong hands!
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Mar 15, 2015 11:34pm
Arrest all of these owners, drivers and handlers from all places.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:38pm
It is hoped that not only this serious issue will be thoroughly investigated but that the names of such welfare organisations will also be made public. Most probably the ambulance drivers, and not the officials, are involved in this practice. But in any case the findings should be announced for knowledge of masses.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:39pm
Hood going Rangers! We are proud of you
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Mar 15, 2015 11:41pm
All NGOs and INGOs, operating in Pakistan, must be put under strict surveillance for such illegal activities and they must transact their money into Pakistan in accordance with international banking standards. Their accounts must also be liable to scrutiny by LEAs and audit by FBR. This smuggling and transportation of arms by these ambulances, is a classical example of covert operation under the overt action of a charity organization.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:41pm
So go and arrest them, you have had almost 25 years to do it.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:48pm
In the other report, MQM Faisal Subzwari won in 2013 after Umair Siddiqui confessed that it was through rigging.
Wake up ECP and remove Faisal Subzwari from the power. What are you waiting for??!!!
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Mar 15, 2015 11:51pm
We thought Pakistan army is somewhat trained to control terrorist activities. But, now it is clear that they are making false promises to citizen of the country. Army, police,...all are sleeping. They are only to trouble honest citizen.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:53pm
That was open secret... I think, for most of the people that MQM terrorists use their welfare work as cover...
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Mar 15, 2015 11:55pm
I knew this for long. People always told me that Chhipa Welfare Association is involved in arms smuggling.. and finally Rangers confirmed it. Boycott MQM Forever
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Mar 15, 2015 11:57pm
This is just the beginning of disclosures.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:57pm
Is this a news?????? Stop the chief minister Sindh convoy and check.....you will find more illegal weapons than anywhere else...Karachi has more arm than FATA..
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Mar 15, 2015 11:57pm
wait for a few years from pak rangers to recant this stories like general nasir did for jinnahpur theory.
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Mar 15, 2015 11:59pm
Pakistan is so much dreaming about Kashmir that it almost lost Pakistan to terrorists. What will Pakistan do with Kashmir when country is almost lost to terrorists? You will never get Kashmir and also lose Pakistan.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:01am
"Weapons being smuggled in ambulances: Rangers":
And Edhi is part of it.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:01am
Big and hollow talk of army is looking funny now. The capability is simply zero. It is visible to every Pakistani and the world.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:03am
Tit for tat. What you sow, so shall you reap. MQM is supposed to be dead. But as always happened in the past, they will get away this time as well due to corruption in all cadres in Pakistan. Hope we shall see true justice.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:06am
Based on recent findings, the MQM as a political party must be banned immediately. Other "political" parties; PPP, ANP and PML-N etc. should also be investigated and if found guilty need to be banned. Pakistan deserves political parties which are true political institutions and not personality centric cults established for exhortation and for militant activities.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:07am
For all those supporting these criminals and blaming rangers should be declared Anti-state and condemned. MQM does not represent Karachi or Urdu speaking!!
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Mar 16, 2015 12:10am
Are these weapons being smuggled to "Nine-Zero"?
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Mar 16, 2015 12:10am
Good to know...after so many years and almost 15,000 killings in Karachi
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Mar 16, 2015 12:26am
Rangers should take them to task..No Mercy to anyone. Its now or never.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:32am
Pakistan has the biggest collection of little thugs and big thugs. The little thugs use guns to loot, and the big thugs (elite) use hired guns to loot and also loot with the stroke of a pen.
Maybe loot mar of public life, fund, & property should be declared an national expertise and taught in universities to PHD levelforeign students.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:34am
This must be stopped. Also we should shut down weapons shop in Karachi.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:37am
I have a question. How come this was all happening without the knowledge of our intelligence agencies? What are our agencies doing? Why Umair Siddique's third degree treatment has to reveal all this? Why can't the agencies penetrate the political parties and organisations, like this ambulance services, if not the terror outfits? The head of the intelligence agencies core people should fall in shame after this disclosure.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:38am
@Cornered Tigers face the music.......
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Mar 16, 2015 12:42am
Salam to our Rangers for highlighting these issues which no one can dare..people of Karachi are fed up of these criminal activities..we want peace justice and to bring to justice whoever has brought Karachi in this situation irrespective of the party they belong to.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:43am
What else we needed to declare this party an active wing of TTP in Karachi.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:44am
How long this ranger drama will go on ?
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Mar 16, 2015 12:50am
@F Khan
Because then "democracy" is endangered! If you know what I mean.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:51am
YAHOOOOO!
Shabash Ranger brothers!
May Allah Subhan wa Ta'ala bless you all with eternal success and achievements!
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Mar 16, 2015 12:53am
@AW A truly AWesome comment buddy!
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Mar 16, 2015 12:55am
strong action needs to be taken against all the crimes MQM
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Mar 16, 2015 12:56am
@zafar Rightly stated Zafar!
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Mar 16, 2015 12:57am
"Killing who? What do you mean when you say "Killing on Ethnic Grounds
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Mar 16, 2015 01:07am
@Anarchist If society had truly collapsed there would be no mob killings, but genocidal massacres as happened in Rawanda.
So stop painting a bleak picture. Pakistani society today is much more vibrant and active. These little things will not detract our resolve to root out the terrorists no matter what garb they are in.
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Mar 16, 2015 01:12am
@Jakir Hussain And what makes you say that? Was the american army, ny city police, ny state troopers, fbi, cia, nsa, eastern command, and sac all asleep on 9/11/2011?
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Mar 16, 2015 01:18am
Army and Rangers must complete their job this time without heeding to any political pressure.
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Mar 16, 2015 01:21am
About time rangers are taking action against violent crimes. Good luck and arrest those who do unlawful acts no matter which party they belong just one request target only those who are violent. Good Luck Rangers
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Mar 16, 2015 01:33am
"The Rangers official further urged citizens of Karachi to call the Rangers Helpline 1101.."
Looks like police is officially useless. You know why? Because they aren't trained to deal with terrorists.
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Mar 16, 2015 01:55am
@Umair Babar Chishti For your kind information, Chippa Welfare association is not linked with MQM. It is KKF which is associated with MQM.
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Mar 16, 2015 01:57am
@Javed Shaikh KSA I don't know where you find people going after Kashmir.
Kashmir is the least discussed topic in the country on all levels. You must be another victim of Indian media.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:06am
Political drama nothing else !
If this was all true then every member of MQM would have arrested already. They are just trying to put pressure on MQM to achieve some hidden objectives.
Being a resident of Karachi, I really wish that we can get rid of MQM but I know this will ever happen. I have serious doubts on the intention of Rangers/Army and Nawaz. I am not naive to believe that all of a sudden these corrupt institutions have started doing their jobs honestly.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:09am
Who wrote these scripts for Rangers, first Jinnahpoor then acid pools in 90's and now NATO containers and Ambulance. Let me guess next is Hitler incarnation in 90.... Call Lal masjid cleric to clense Karachi and distribute burqas to all corners of Karachi.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:10am
Good work by Rangers. We also need to focus on Lyari Gangs and Sohrab Goth. I am sure we will find same stuff in there as well.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:14am
I can't understand why an assault rifle, sniper rifle, military grade G3 and M16 rifles are licensable in this pure land. Cancel all licences and then with 1 day notice collect weapons. Third action kill any one found with in the same premises where rifles and ammunition are found. No questions asked no arrests. I do not want to waste my tax money on litigation and luxury life in jail of these criminals.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:21am
Dear rangers, there are no factories in Karachi manufacturing guns and ammunition, instead of endangering the lives of poor ambulance drivers your efforts should be directed to those who manufacture and spread this disease. Show some courage and go after the real criminals.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:26am
Demolish the 9 zero area and build a park named Rangers Park
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Mar 16, 2015 02:31am
Allegations are shady as there are a number of contradicting statements coming from LEA including Weapons stolen from NATO containers, Umair Siddiqui taken in Custody a month back etc. Most of the commenters want to hear the narrative which they like and giving verdict outside the Court. We should look forward to fair trial and shall wait till then.
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Mar 16, 2015 02:40am
if govt.do not take action now that's going to be never clean now so no body else do this situation again lets get it done for ever and bring Karachi back like in sixties so that you can walk out any time and come home safe....Good luck rangers, good job ,Clean Karachi make it PAAK
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Mar 16, 2015 03:12am
These confessions do not mean anything. They will be repudiated once the accused are presented before a court. hopefully it will not be a kangaroo court.
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Mar 16, 2015 03:13am
@Snapshot ... Salam to offer it after 15 years and making your own areas to make money .. :)... In Pakistan everywherenis politics.
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Mar 16, 2015 03:20am
@Syed Ganga Din its Chippa not edhi
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Mar 16, 2015 03:20am
Whats new ? We the karachiets are witness to how a certain ambulance service was introduced in Karachi few years back and now is one of the leading ambulance service of karachi. Just check their source of funding their chief is part of a popular morning show
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Mar 16, 2015 03:21am
I hope this is an unbiased and across the board operation in Karachi. Its high time Karachi gets real peace. MQM has done far more damage than municipal and social work, the party has done. But there is plenty of filth. Almost all the outskirts area of Karachi needs proper operation. These are in the literal sense no-go areas. Nine zero's vicinity is not a no-go area, though one might have a high probability of being mugged, or on those very rare occasions witnessing gunfire or some target killing, the area is commercial and residential and is quite busy on a regular day.
Sadly, the operations of 1992 and 1996, both taint the image of anti-mqm only operations. I hope this Karachi Operation, which started in 2013 and has suddenly gathered pace targets all criminal elements in Karachi. Pakistan Zindabad.
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Mar 16, 2015 03:26am
The question I have is who manage the borders of Sindh? Everybody knows that illicit arms and drugs come from KPK , how it enter Karachi and how 12000 stolen vehicles smuggled out from Karachi yearly. This seriously raise question on the performance of the same rangers and police who at the instead place are suppose to stop it. These concocted stories we are listened earlier also about Bengalis, Balochis, Jinnahpur, sindhudesh etc...
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Mar 16, 2015 03:33am
This is just the tip of the ice berg.
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Mar 16, 2015 03:35am
Puish them like they would get punished in Saudi Arabia!
Then watch if anyone dares!
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Mar 16, 2015 03:37am
@Ziyan. How many times have you been able to stop and check the Chief Ministers motorcade. However, I agree that Chief Minister is not among the best man in the world either.
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Mar 16, 2015 03:38am
@F Khan Agencies are for external or federal events only. This is the responsibility of the Sindh Government. Rangers have only recently given police powers.
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Mar 16, 2015 04:21am
@Cornered Tigers
Tamil Tigers were defeated! All anti- Pakistan elements will be eliminated by the army. All kind of tigers need to leave the country asap.
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Mar 16, 2015 04:24am
@Asif
They will arrest all the so-called Tigers, target killers and Bhatta thieves by the grace of Allah.
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Mar 16, 2015 05:03am
Last time i read, Hafiz Saeed and his "charity" organisation started ambulance services in Lahore. I guess, he has extended his operations in Karachi as well.
Pakistan, keep your blinkers on!!!
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Mar 16, 2015 05:09am
@Raja Good Question..
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Mar 16, 2015 05:16am
@Cornered Tigers oh really? How do you know they are shady? Do you work for them?
Sir, if you are saying that because of your association with the aforementioned party, then you should be shameful of yourself. You require others to put blame with evidence, yet here you are maligning an institution with no proof yourself? Please stop playing victim, and if you have been wronged then take the RIGHT action. Don't talk yourself out of situations.
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Mar 16, 2015 05:19am
@Karachi Man is it really? Do you work for the army? Please educate yourself before making any tall claims.
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Mar 16, 2015 05:26am
The Rangers re doing a god job. I believe they are acting as authorize by the Commander-in-Chief, Raheel Sharif. It is becoming clear now how much the polce was politicized. It's all politicians' fault.
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Mar 16, 2015 06:09am
@Javed Shaikh KSA .Wake up, wake up. There is no mention Of Edi in the above news, I read it thrice after reading your comment.
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Mar 16, 2015 06:28am
@Umair Babar Chishti
I think they are talking about MQM-run KKF (Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation).
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Mar 16, 2015 06:41am
its not only mqm every party in this country is corrupt and a militant wing. PTI is relatively new so can not blame much on them but other parties have been in power two three times and they did nothing pretty much. Today we stand no where. Other countries have progressed so much and we don't even have any of basic necessaries. I guess its time to take action against everyone irrespective of parties.
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Mar 16, 2015 07:07am
What about the killers of MQM workers and MPAs? Who was killing them?
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Mar 16, 2015 07:14am
@Anarchist Mob killing in Lahore is no collaps of society rather it is comittment of society to eliminate terrorism. Now rule of Law will be pushed by common public.
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Mar 16, 2015 07:28am
Innocent Question:
Will rangers now raid vicinity of Bilwal House which is effectively Aman Committee extortion cell ? will Rangers raid ANP taliban target killers as well ?
Will Rangers free up Kati Pahari ? Will Rangers free up Liyari from Gangsters?
MQM might be the can opener only .
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Mar 16, 2015 09:08am
@Zubaida Khan "@Jakir Hussain And what makes you say that? Was the american army, ny city police, ny state troopers, fbi, cia, nsa, eastern command, and sac all asleep on 9/11/2011"
I presume you meant 2001 and not 2011. Anyway, that was a solitary incident. Karachi has had this target killing going on for 7 years. Anyone can be blindsided in a solitary terorist attack especially one which uses a completely new tactic never ever seen before. This cannot be compared woth onoing target killing day after day after day for 7 years and the gun running used o support such target killing.
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Mar 16, 2015 09:10am
This is the best time to catch each black sheep corrupt traitors and LAND MAFIA as well. Justice with all and punish all criminals. Since 1947 masses heard one slogan NOW OR NEVER. What is the meaning of this now or never. Catch all criminals and especially LAND MAFIA. Please catch now. Do not say never. They were never eliminated. They exist and are enjoying withstanding with law. All powerful officials are for poor masses, rich scare them. WHY?
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Mar 16, 2015 09:16am
Yes, these drivers have to live also, who is providing them protection... How about next raid on Peoples Party, Bilawal house and Zulfiqaar Mirza, who had created and admitted the creation of Peoples Aman Committee. Unfortunately, actions against one criminal party will not have long lasting outcome.
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Mar 16, 2015 09:37am
Our Rangers are heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the good of our nation, and they are true soldiers in this war against the Enemies of the
State.
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Mar 16, 2015 10:07am
@Majid Ahmed Contrary to loud claims of govt no institution, none, seems to be independent or impartial.
And ECP ? Its actions of ignoring the rigging complaints - dozens of rigging videos were also telecast as proofs - leaves no doubt in the minds of masses that ECP did in fact play its part in letting the elections widely rigged. Even now - at this stage - the ECP and / or the so-called tribunals are doing nothing concrete to settle the rigging complaints in a fare manner. Its image stands badly dented for sure and there is no hope for any better outcome in the near future.
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Mar 16, 2015 10:17am
The good news for us kpk people is that PTI didn't win in the whole country. Otherwise it would be too much of work for the newly elected pti leaders. There attention is on kp and which is awsome. Go kp and pti
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Mar 16, 2015 10:17am
Its time to ban KKF!
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Mar 16, 2015 10:28am
I don't disagree with the recent uncovering of weapons and wanted criminals from 90. MQM has shady affairs but one likes to think that there is more to it that meets the eyes. MQM isn't the only party with weapons and militant wings. Its a political norm to have such militant arms in Pakistan especially Karachi. The key to peace is not to target one party but to target them all !! PPP ANP and others are no angels either but just targeting MQM will be unjust. Rangers & law enforcement agencies need to prove that recent events are a part in scheme of events aiming to bring lasting peace in Karachi which means unbiased action against all violators of law irrespective of their political identity.
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Mar 16, 2015 10:45am
@omar true
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Mar 16, 2015 10:55am
@Majid Ahmed stop dreaming.... MNAs and MPAs are not removed from their seats based on allegations that nobody have really seen or heard.
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Mar 16, 2015 10:57am
Did anybody inquired how large quantity of weaponsa reached lal masjid when it was stormed. All sympathies were with the maulana
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Mar 16, 2015 10:57am
@haris well said
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Mar 16, 2015 11:14am
@Javed Shaikh KSA: A very appropriate comment. Thanx. Salams
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Mar 16, 2015 11:35am
How about JuD ambulances
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Mar 16, 2015 11:37am
This was my statement at least 14 years back when I first visited Karachi city but people used to laugh at me and my mentality. But the good thing is, I received several phone calls from my immediate friends and relatives who used to laugh and make jokes of me. They were surprised after watching this news on Dawn.
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Mar 16, 2015 12:24pm
Recently launched JUD ambulance service to be checked.
Sad, humanitarians are preparing for human catastrophe!
God will not forgive these people.
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Mar 16, 2015 04:34pm
@Haider Rehman No, the reason is the Police dept, I think now apart from KPK, in Pakistan is completely politicized and they work only for the political party in power and not for the safety of ordinary person like us.
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Mar 16, 2015 05:05pm
As per previous government, "Arms are being smuggled into Karachi and other parts of Sind from KPK". Now what you say??
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Mar 17, 2015 12:28pm
When States fail as is our case, everything and anything is possible. When states do not take ownership of their duties, their responsibilities, then it is essentially each person for himself or herself. When you know there is no law, anyone can do anything to you, than you have to be alert at all times, do not let your guard down in public domain, just take extra precautions. When political parties, political leaders, terrorists, law enforcement agencies, police, robbers, murderers, extortionists, ambulance drivers, body guards, are indistinguishable from each other in the work they do, then can any reader advise what can a common man do to be "safe", to keep his family "safe"??? Why was this country made, so that after 67 years we have write these sort of letters???.
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Mar 18, 2015 01:49pm
Rangers, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Zindabad.
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Mar 18, 2015 06:29pm
We are proud of Sind Rangers and the great son of a soil Col Tahir for his brave acts of apprehending the criminals. May Allah Almighty give them strength, courage and determination to end the conspiracy against karachi and its people. Weldone Sind Rangers
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Mar 19, 2015 05:27am
Pakistan govt and establishment is really working...rather working hard.
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Mar 20, 2015 02:24pm
@Ziyan Good one!!
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Mar 20, 2015 02:32pm
@rabz Totally true
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Mar 21, 2015 04:37pm
Everyone seems to be wanking in Pakistan, and they are so fond of getting facials from eachother. Its the worlds largest pornshop of corruption. Nothing you couldn't buy with money. Silly kunts like mqm, ppp, pml and all should be covered under to a lot of those gooey facials before being publically analazied and sexecuted with red hot crow bars.
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