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KARACHI: The vice-principal of the Jinnah Medical and Dental College's student affairs wing was shot and seriously injured on Shaheed-e-Millat Road, police said Thursday.
Police identified the victim as American national Debra Lobo, and said she was attacked by four unidentified gunmen as she left the college premises on Shaheed-e-Millat Road.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, where doctors said that she is 'out of danger' after hours of treatment.
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| Damage to Debra Lobo's car in the attack ─ DawnNews screengrab |
SSP East told Dawn.com that a flyer was recovered from the crime scene which appears to be from a militant group, saying the shooting was revenge for the killings of militants in the Kemari encounter this week.
A police official told Dawn.com that 55-year-old Mrs Lobo had left the college at 3:00pm for her home when four gunmen shot her twice in the cheek and shoulder. He added that she hails from California.
Jinnah Medical and Dental College, where Lobo is an associate professor of community medicine, is affiliated with University of Karachi and is recognised by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
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| Debra Lobo was attacked by four unidentified gunmen in Karachi ─ DawnNews screengrab |
Karachi-East SSP Pir Mohammed Shah said the 55-year-old woman had been attacked by militants for being an American citizen. She hails from California.
Mr Shah said that a leaflet found near the crime scene said ‘we will burn America’ and that the attack was to avenge the recent killing of five militants in an ‘encounter’ in Keamari area.
He said the leaflet did not carry a logo of any militant organisation but claimed that they were ‘lions of Islamic State’ and ‘falcons of the caliph’.
At a news briefing Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said: “We have seen the reports that a US citizen was injured in a shooting incident in Karachi. Our consulate general . . . there is in close contact with Pakistani authorities and is working to obtain more information. The local police authorities in Pakistan are handling the investigation.”
Earlier today, Preedy Police Station's Station House Officer (SHO) was gunned down in Akhtar Colony.
SHO Aijaz Khawaja was in his car when he was severely injured after gunmen fired at him. He was rushed to Jinnah hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
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| Interior of the vehicle ─ DawnNews screengrab |
Rampant violence has terrorised Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and economic heartbeat, in recent years, but a recent security crackdown seems to have brought a lull in the bloodshed.
Kidnappings for ransom, sectarian attacks and gang warfare have spiralled since 2008, terrifying the city's 18 million inhabitants and prompting tens of thousands of businessmen to flee to the safety of Punjab province.
The city claimed a grisly record in 2014 as 2,029 people were murdered on its streets, according to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the victim as 'Dr' Debra Lobo. This has been revised.
Imtiaz Ali is a Karachi-based reporter for Dawn with over 25 years of experience in the field. His reporting portfolio encompasses crime, politics, and the provincial legislature, alongside coverage of the courts, government affairs, and the health sector.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:28pm
The claims to dismantle the terrorism by law enforcement agencies are not justified as being a karchites,we happen to see dozens of murders in various parts of the city.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:30pm
The only solution to have peace in Karachi is to hand over the city to the army or face more blood bath on the way
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Apr 16, 2015 04:30pm
That means terrorists are now becoming smarter and they are dodging our intelligence.
Pakistan's intelligence agencies need to revisit their tactics and intensify their efforts manifold.
I believe Madressahs in Karachi are still supporting terrorist elements operating in Karachi.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:31pm
not again.......
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Apr 16, 2015 04:35pm
Two high profile attacks so far today and attackers made their escape good? Challenge for the law enforcerd
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Apr 16, 2015 04:37pm
Common people put a blame on MQM. There are other parties which need operation clean up as well. We need to have operation clean up in all parties including MQM else this is will carry on and on.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:39pm
According to CM Sindh the target killings have come to almost zero. But these continuing incidents show that the govt claim stands no where as compared to reality / factual situation.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:41pm
Well target killings have stopped due to successful targeted operation of rangers and police.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:43pm
Sindh Government and the Province's Police require a complete overhaul.
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Apr 16, 2015 04:53pm
there need to have cctv on main roads..and at traffic signals..then u can catch culprit easily...thats rich country do..put cctv everywhere...ppl cannot escape after doing crime..
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Apr 16, 2015 04:57pm
Operation against MQM is not enough. Get rid of all the parties including PPP so have some sanity prevail in the city
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Apr 16, 2015 04:57pm
Minorities in Pakistan are scared for their lives
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Apr 16, 2015 05:07pm
Bad people (terrorist) wants to kill all good people...
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Apr 16, 2015 05:26pm
@Haider Dear Friend she is still in hospital. still alive
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Apr 16, 2015 05:26pm
Now that shows MQM getting all the attention and other groups are not being handled with the equal sternness.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:38pm
Killing teachers, professors, and principal is like depriving us from education. deprive us from the transformation into a civilized society... folks..One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen. this is indeed a sad incident beyond words
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Apr 16, 2015 05:41pm
political issues cannot be solved by force only.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:42pm
This particular killing seems to have been done to discredit the army operation; it is a pretty high profile attack........need to continue operation with strong force........need to restore law and order in the country.......action with a measure of caution........
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Apr 16, 2015 05:42pm
I am all for eliminating terrorist group(s) from Karachi but I think targeting only MQM is not enough as everyone knows that banned outfits (supported by extremist Madersas) are key element in such target killings. We have witnessed routinely, killing of Doctors, Lawyers, other professionals from one particular sect in Karachi, which cannot be attributed to MQM as officially banned outfits (LJ, ASWJ, TTP, etc.) have claimed responsibility of such attacks but Govt. of Pakistan cannot do squat in it as they are supported within elements from politicians. However, until we'll all unite together against all terrorist group (irrespective of their Religion, race, sect, etc.) no operation can be successful. One more thing which need attention is that, if the current operation can be perceived as another operation targeting only MQM, then I must say, Karachi will see another sweep in election.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:44pm
Why a sudden spurge in targeted attacks, seems to divert attention of rangers from going after TTP and other mafias. More intelligence based operation needed. Hope she will survive the attack and will be alright. Lets all pray for her recovery.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:45pm
Why! Why would anyone do such a thing! :'(
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Apr 16, 2015 05:45pm
Someone does not like the latest Rangers crackdown in Karachi. I wonder who could it be. Guess anyone?
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Apr 16, 2015 05:45pm
@raja farhat abbas Common dude. hope for the best both for the lady and karachi
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Apr 16, 2015 05:45pm
Sindh government and the rangers have failed so often and for so long Army must be called and governor rule imposed on the province. All of their tall claims are nonsense.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:47pm
@Khalil Anwer Hassan Executions of top brass of Police would be a more effective option.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:51pm
@Gautam . Thank you for the correction. I made a mistake and misunderstood the news. I pray for her recovery. Thank you Sir.
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Apr 16, 2015 05:58pm
@Haider she is alive as of the last update in this article at 7:45 am CST and doctors are trying to save her life. I sincerely hope she recovers to defeat the criminals and to continue her mission to educate our youth
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Apr 16, 2015 06:00pm
Only an enemy of Pakistan can hurt this innocent human soul who is here to impart education. Wish her speedy recovery.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:00pm
@Raza. Not only MQM, other terrorist groups have also been targeted by the Rangers. In terms of number of raids, most have been made at Lyari and outer areas of Karachi.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:05pm
So this lady was threat to fortress of Islam .
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Apr 16, 2015 06:07pm
Very sad. Almost all political parties have armed groups. Involvement of religious groups in politics must be banned and if they exists, check their source of survival. Police must be depoliticize and speedy trials for these criminals. It takes years and years to get punished. No permission to form religious groups and religious political groups.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:07pm
Barbarians! They have no regard for life
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Apr 16, 2015 06:09pm
@Haider I don't think she has passed away. My understanding from reading the news is that she is injured.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:24pm
I just commented earlier, that something like this would happen, as soon as there is good news (Chinese President visiting), an attack like this happens, the Pak Intelligence should carry out a similar raid on the teams behind this attacke, regardless of them being in Pakistan or the neighbouring countries.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:29pm
The sleeper cells of enemy states are now active. When are we going to pay them back?
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Apr 16, 2015 06:31pm
Our apathy knows no bounds. Rather than condemn these acts, there is point scoring going on about claims and counter claims of reduction in target killings by the government. These acts on the contrary should strengthen the government's resolve to go after the murderers, and stay on with its operations, and not leave the job half done.
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Apr 16, 2015 06:32pm
Great work by Police and angers in recent operation clean up.
Free open ground for Taliban NOW
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Apr 16, 2015 06:34pm
Taliban did that.
Jamat Islami and PTI supports taliban and only those partiers were allowed to to open public gathering on streets of Karachi during election. Isn't?
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Apr 16, 2015 06:37pm
We are all praying for her fast recovery and health...its very sad news indeed but please RANGERS and COAS stay focus and clean our city from this filth. City already paid heavy price
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Apr 16, 2015 06:42pm
@D Great work "Sherlock". Case closed. Should we put you on other high profile cases as well?
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Apr 16, 2015 06:45pm
So why Pakistan was built ???
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Apr 16, 2015 06:52pm
Half of the Karachi police is working on the operation to change the results of NA 246 and other half on the escort duty of the elite class , who would be protecting the common people.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:04pm
This country seems to be on course to kill all its educators, doctors and lawyers until only frothing madmen are left behind - it's like a race to the bottom
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Apr 16, 2015 07:13pm
@A Troll From Nowhere
it takes courage & willingness to go all the way to eradicate terrorism. The terrorism roots are deep into our society; political parties support & provide protection to some of these terrorists. We need people who are loyal to the country & are honest to the their cause, to go forward. Politicians have failed miserably on both accounts, they need to be replaced.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:18pm
these things happen when operation become political...
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Apr 16, 2015 07:22pm
governor rule!
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Apr 16, 2015 07:30pm
MQM trying to prove to US and the west, look we are the protectors of west, against the Taliban...this happens when the liberal party is targeted by the rangers. Time to stop operation against the party and shift gear towards the extremists.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:42pm
@Haider She is alive and out of danger.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:44pm
@Haider She is not dead, she was taken to hospital for treatment and remains there in serious condition.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:46pm
Had the Sindh Govt. put more safety for foreigners and other targets and better anticipated this kind of retaliation this incident would have been prevented.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:48pm
@Haider she is out of danger
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Apr 16, 2015 07:49pm
@Haider she is seriously wounded but safe now.
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Apr 16, 2015 07:50pm
@Haider Pray for her speedy recovery. I knew her personally as well, good dean and a good person.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:09pm
I once saw a documentary on YouTube. It was on old pre-independence Karachi. It made me nostalgic. Even being an Indian I feel bad seeing today's Karachi in this situation. Karachi is compared to Mumbai. But more than 2000 deaths on street is not a good news. If this continues the future of the city looks not so positive. 2 decades ago even Mumbai had had local gangs and dons. But Mumbai Police cracked down on them very harshly giving us this stable Mumbai. Of course problems of Karachi are bigger and worse as terrorism is involved. But hopefully you guys will bring back the peace in the city.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:16pm
@natey We have CCTV cameras installed on every important road but most of them either not functioning or need overhaul / service
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Apr 16, 2015 08:20pm
Why do we have police anyway?
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Apr 16, 2015 08:32pm
I presume, her students and the fellow professors are demontrating against this madness.
Karachi has fallen deep into this frenzy and - it seems - only citizens can put an end to it by forming citizen committees. Such a movement can only have a meaning, if it acts impartially against violence. The ethnic and religious divide in the society can not be bridged without an active effort within the society itself.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:33pm
As soon as Zimbabwe cricket team announced visit to Pak, someone shoots a foreigner. You see how our enemy is trying to destroy cricket in Pak?
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Apr 16, 2015 08:41pm
@Khan Excellent analysis.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:42pm
Get well soon lady.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:48pm
Government is busy with Imran khan and Altaf hussain. They dont have time for these kind of activities. so dont expect they will do any thing. This news will come to CNN soon and then government will take action by capturing few innocent people. case will go for years and everyone will forget what happened.Any way how is the election going in NA_246.
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Apr 16, 2015 08:57pm
So unfortunate and condemnable.
Pakistan cannot and will not grow till it appreciates and acknowledges all the foreigners who are coming and bringing with them the knowledge. I hope and pray she recovers soon
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Apr 16, 2015 09:02pm
My deepest regrets and sorrow for people like her, who inspite of the bad reputation Pakistan is suffering internationaly, choose to remain in the country like it was their home. Please pray for her recovery.
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Apr 16, 2015 09:36pm
Time for America to act upon this act of terror. We take lives lost very seriously, unlike Pakistanis who this losing 10-15 lives a day is a normal matter. America, send a strong message to this country!
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Apr 16, 2015 09:50pm
Oh God. Is police that ineffective? Get Well Soon Ms Debra!
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Apr 16, 2015 09:51pm
@waleedfakhar
All terrorism cant be eliminated as soon as operation start. We need Army.
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Apr 16, 2015 09:56pm
so sad, she is the teacher not political or ethnic leader.
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Apr 16, 2015 10:40pm
We pray for her speedy recovery.
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Apr 16, 2015 10:50pm
I am ashamed of this behavior of so called Islamist. Their conduct is against the teaching of our Prophet.
It is lack of education. Let each educated Pakistani resolve to educate at least 2 children presently not going to school. It may take sometime but it is step in the right direction
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Apr 16, 2015 10:58pm
Where is the National Action Plan ?
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Apr 16, 2015 10:59pm
@Asad hahaha.so these are not targetted killings. Did the victims shoot themselves?
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Apr 16, 2015 11:14pm
I am very sad for Ms Debra Lobo :(
The shooter shall be shot in the same way to feel the pain suffered by an innocent
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Apr 16, 2015 11:20pm
Where are such pictures of Mr. Hamid Mirs's attacked car
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Apr 16, 2015 11:40pm
It is sad, and deplorable to see women and children being targeted, professionals, minorities, and of course police too. Unfortunately nothing happens to the mainstream political parties who are complicit in these heinous crimes. Pakistan needs strong arm tactics; and only army can make a difference.
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Apr 16, 2015 11:41pm
We wish you a speedy recovery and are sorry for what has happened.
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Apr 16, 2015 11:44pm
Very disgusted with this attack on an educator who loves Pakistan otherwise she wouldn't be working there. There's no rhyme or reason to this attack, and if it was a targeted attack v a random shooting, it must be investigated to its fullest extent... alas we are still waiting for Parween Rehman's killers to be brought to justice .. too many are getting away with barbaric crimes and the motive is not clear especially for Debra Lobo who was in Pakistan on a noble mission. She was not military or a diplomat .. simply an educator.
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Apr 16, 2015 11:46pm
They hit education, socialism and modernism to go down Pakistan
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Apr 17, 2015 12:04am
Karachi is ruled by criminals there is not much hope in police and justice system.
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Apr 17, 2015 12:07am
Rangers are doing great job. Terror attacks have been minimized. This is the very reason these animals are now going after soft targets just to make their presense felt. This also (probably) means Karachi operation's 1st stage has been completed successfully. We are now into decisive (final) stage. To catch a herd (of terrorists) is relatively easy - already accomplished. Now the leftover is to be nabbed.
Our prayers are with Ms Lobo.
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Apr 17, 2015 12:57am
Deploy army the only solution. The army will clean it
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Apr 17, 2015 01:19am
@uzair - I to know her very well as I am related to her. I wish we could get some accurate news about her.
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Apr 17, 2015 01:37am
@Aaqil the only killing that has gone to zero is that of politicians. look what happened to ANP in KPK.
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Apr 17, 2015 01:47am
@Raza Very nicely put in Raza, I have this same opinion, why target only one group
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Apr 17, 2015 01:48am
A land where education has little value and educationists even less.
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Apr 17, 2015 01:51am
It is sad . Who in their right mind will use violence against academicians ? What has happened to the society ?
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Apr 17, 2015 02:01am
A swift and stern action must be taken against the criminals and their supporters.
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Apr 17, 2015 02:40am
Solution for Karachi is only if you hand over the city to the Army, as such this is the only solution is left I can not under stand what M. Nawaz Sharif is thinking over this. why don't he take the action in Karachi. unless he do this action the city will never come to the normal. I was grown up in Karachi, I went to school and college at Karachi, since I am her in U.S. since 30 years I do not go to Karachi, even my two brothers they live in Karachi.
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Apr 17, 2015 03:19am
you need to ban double sawari for a while, no one is paying attention to this.
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Apr 17, 2015 03:50am
Everyone knows who did it. Talibans will not be tolerated and their supporter will no longer be tolerated.
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Apr 17, 2015 04:24am
What about all the song of successful operation and awards generously distributed only one day ago? Until justice is done and corruption is rooted out nothing can be achieved but the corruption can never be rooted out until corrupt individuals like Mirza Aslam beg are sent to jail for takng millions from Mehran bank
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Apr 17, 2015 04:30am
I have read about 30 comments and not one says a prayer for the injured. Come on guys...we are a Islamic country. Lets first show our compassion and say a prayer for the injured to come to full recovery. Politics need to take a backseat here.
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Apr 17, 2015 05:20am
@natey
Not a bad idea. That just might work very well combined with Karachi's new motorcycle police.
......and yes. The rich should pay for Karachi's Eyes In The Skies. If they don't then the rich don't intend to ever support the people of Karachi.
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Apr 17, 2015 05:30am
@rukhsar
Not exactly. Good people are the easiest to kill because they won't stand up and fight back. Goodness can have a very bad order.
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Apr 17, 2015 05:40am
@salman
I agree.
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Apr 17, 2015 05:48am
@Mali
To defeat the criminals citizens must have the courage to point them out to the army. The police in Karachi cannot be trusted.
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Apr 17, 2015 05:54am
@shahid
American government solved that problem at it's birth.
Government and religion are separate. Day to day problems on earth are not solved by Puritan's planning a future government in the sky.
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Apr 17, 2015 06:17am
Pakistan, the minority heaven. And they have the audacity to talk about India.
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Apr 17, 2015 06:21am
@Aqil Siddiqi
It is too late to worry about that now.
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Apr 17, 2015 06:25am
Long awaited crack down over terrorists and other miscreants may have little or no impact over target killings. It was mentioned by myself at a forum that Operation cleanup in Karachi should be done at one go that may take week or to, Karachiites can sustain or in other words have to survive. Our LEAs are capable and aware of all the places and safe havens of these terrorists. Attack on foreign national in Karachi is not a good sign, it happened after quite a period of time. A humble advice to our esteemed LEAs in Karachi, seal all entry and exit spots of the city, bring in more enforcement or take support from Army, coduct operations in all parts of Karachi and do not spare the elite areas as it is one of the most secure places for terrorists, take your time, impose curfew and apprehend as many known and unknown terrorists belonhing to any political or religiously extremist parties it is not required to mention banned outfits operating under new and known names.
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Apr 17, 2015 06:33am
It happened at broad daylight, 3 in the afternoon, and the culprits could not be apprehended. That's a height of security lapse in Karachi.
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Apr 17, 2015 06:34am
how can they justify themselves by hurting innocent and vulnerable? what kind of god do they follow?
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Apr 17, 2015 07:00am
Sad day for educators. This is sad and not acceptable to treat the educators in this manner.
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Apr 17, 2015 07:47am
@Aqil Siddiqi : Yes, Why?
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Apr 17, 2015 07:54am
Why Debbie? She is such a beautiful, innocent, harmless person .
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Apr 17, 2015 07:54am
or why anybody else?
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Apr 17, 2015 08:11am
What the hell she was doing in Pakistan?
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Apr 17, 2015 08:53am
@Sheraz bhai they stated with mqm and will go everywhere anywhere its needed
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Apr 17, 2015 09:06am
These so-called motherless militants are only women and children killers. They dont have the guts to face a man. Its beyond human comprehension to associate these diseases with anything Islam.
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Apr 17, 2015 09:18am
No point in becoming too much "religious"...
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Apr 17, 2015 09:28am
It is very amazing that American people still trust Pakistanis.
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Apr 17, 2015 09:34am
This is the exact reason why groups like Let and JeM should be reined in as they preach hatred which in turn instigates our youth to commit such acts. Our beloved country should wake up to this threat and eliminate all terrorists - good or bad.
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Apr 17, 2015 09:38am
@Naeem You are the most intelligent and patriotic Pakistani. Brother let's begin this mmediately. But first all hate speeches against any country should stop
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Apr 17, 2015 09:45am
She will recover soon. IINSHALLAH! She is a great asset and very bravely fighting for her life. We pray for her early recovery.
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Apr 17, 2015 12:03pm
Those who are saying deploy Army to solve Karachi's problem, I would ask for how many years Rangers are here in Karachi, aren't they part of Army?
If there is a will there is a way.
Army or politicians. they just want selective cleaning & that's what they are doing in the name of operation.
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Apr 17, 2015 04:41pm
@Christfollower from my friends working in that particular hospital i can tell that she is conscious can talk via writing but need surgery soon a date for which was not decided till early evening
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Apr 17, 2015 04:45pm
@mike hasan USA teqching people like me and gyiding me and many others towards a great medical future. She was more pakistani than many pakistanis i know..... very gentle caring lloving just can't imagine some one targeted her for being an american
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Apr 18, 2015 06:46am
sad news----- but a daily dose of reality for the pure.
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Apr 18, 2015 10:20am
Bet that attackers will never be caught.
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Apr 18, 2015 04:22pm
Incompetency of intelligence agencies including police. Don't beat the drum by doing half job. Honesty is the key while doing this cleansing operation otherwise Karachi will never be peaceful. I am skeptical whether our big bosses really want peace in karachi? Why Saulat Mirza is not hanged yet?
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