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ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has reacted strongly to a statement made by United States President Barack Obama that both Pakistan and Afghanistan were among the countries that would continue to face instability and turmoil for decades.
"Whatever the US president said about instability in Pakistan and Afghanistan are his predictions and have nothing to do with ground realities," Aziz told a breakfast meeting with Chinese scholars, diplomats and media persons organised by a think thank here on Friday.
In his last State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Obama had warned: “Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of central America, Africa and Asia,” he said.
Read: Pakistan among states that will face turmoil for decades: Obama
“Some of these places may become safe havens for new terrorist networks; others will fall victim to ethnic conflict, or famine, feeding the next wave of refugees.”
Disagreeing with Obama in his address, the adviser said, "Pakistan is taking decisive action against terrorism and militancy and days to come will witness more stability here."
As far as Afghanistan is concerned, Aziz said, "instability exists but Pakistan is making all out efforts for establishing peace and stability there."
Speaking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Aziz said Pakistan would foil all sinister designs against this project.
CPEC will help Pakistan overcome energy crisis, and projects related to CPEC will infuse new life in the infrastructure, Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying.
Answering a question, the adviser said there was no competition between Chabahar port in Iran and Gwadar port and the two ports have been declared "sister ports".
"Gwadar provides a shorter route to Central Asia than Chabahar," Aziz remarked.
Referring to the expected India-Pakistan foreign secretaries talks, he said both countries are in touch and new dates for the talks would be finalised soon.
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Comments (89) Closed
Jan 15, 2016 12:58pm
All the present problems in Asia have been created by the Western powers.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:05pm
Peace in Afghanistan depends on international politics and policies dominated by the US. Therefore Obama's predictions should not be taken lightly by our politicians.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:07pm
Obama ' s statement is just to demoralize the courageous people of Pakistan. Pakistan will come out of the present terrorist dilemma. Inshallah.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:08pm
@Kamal Pasha corrupt politicians elected by the west? Incompetent police force appointed by the west?
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Jan 15, 2016 01:09pm
@Kamal Pasha Blame it on others and relax.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:11pm
Sartaj should accept the fact and take appropriate actions rather than being critical of Obama's statement. Whilst US & others western nations may have created problems, it is up to Pakistanis to face them head on and progress further
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Jan 15, 2016 01:20pm
We are seeing the results of our own doing. We are corrupt and incompetent and hence what Obama is saying isn't too far off the reality. I go to Pakistan every few months and each trip shows how further we go back rather than making progress.
It's about time we look at ourself first and fix our own house. West will have minimal impact on what we can and cannot do if we do what we have to for our wonderful country.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:25pm
@saagar Please don't degrade democratically elected by Pakistani people. Politicians are chosen by Pakistan and police is appointed by Pakistani govt. Corruption and incompetency of police is self created, I don't think outsiders including US are responsible for it.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:28pm
Mr President when you don't know what to talk about Pakistan then keep shut, as we are sick of your harrassments, accusatios and intimidations, when we don't want to be part of your global wars and plays.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:31pm
So easy to blame someone and shy away from responsibilities..good going, would do you real good.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:37pm
Pakistan Armed Forces are our ultimate guarantee for peace and stability. In this regard the armies of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria do not even come close to the training, dedication, technology, professionalism and respect the Pakistani Armed Forces, which recruits from all walks of life/ethnicities, enjoy in Pakistan.
I hope the day come when I can say "Democracy is our ultimate guarantee for peace and stability".
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Jan 15, 2016 01:40pm
Prove that he is wrong and show the results, whole world will be happy.
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Jan 15, 2016 01:54pm
Obama is correct
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Jan 15, 2016 02:01pm
But, President Barack Obama statement "is" the burning ground reality. What he states about Pakistan and Afghanistan to face instability and turmoil for decades, is actually the recurring policy of the every incoming US administration, starting from the senior Bush's initiative of 1990, when he sanctioned and started the first Gulf War.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:03pm
I agree with Obama, the war against terror on the ground in the form of Zarb-e-Azb is important and somewhat successful (though a firm resolve to target all such groups is still missing) but what is more important is the war of minds for which no steps have been taken so far. Even if Pakistan does take unwavering and decisive steps today, then it would still take at least fifty years for this radicalised generation to fade away and the new moderate generation to come up.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:13pm
Of course, people will not accept. A good and faithful administrator can change and regain.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:17pm
As an Indian, I think western powers r critical of we Asians.. Traditionally, Pakistan may be our enemy, but I think that Pakistan is showing the signs of improvement & stability for the first time since its creation. So, Pakistan should be trusted & given more time to fight with terrorists. Western powers use divide & rule policy for their vested interests.. India & Pakistan must unite against these, & in present conditions, we can expect such a scenario, thanks to the positivity generated by our both countries!
Way 2 go for friendship between Ind & Pak.. bahut ladai kar li yaaro!! Itz time to unite!!
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Jan 15, 2016 02:22pm
It is non of the business of the USA president to talk about the problems of Pakistan and the region in spite of the fact that there are the source of these.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:23pm
@Ravi Sri conduct plebiscite in kashmir! work towards just solution for the kashmiri people! ultimate peace in asia! whole world will be happy!
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Jan 15, 2016 02:28pm
Pakistan can be global leader to revert all this havoc & turmoil into a peace situation if its leadership chooses to do so...!!
It has capability to tackle against all odds regionally and globally. # we trust on pak Army and political parties joint ventures
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Jan 15, 2016 02:43pm
@Waqar your statement is spot on.we always blame either India or America for all our problems.i think the future of Pakistan is very bleak..I used to live abroad and visited Pakistan for couple of weeks every year.I retired four years ago and now spend five winter months there every year.
Nothing is straight forward there .There is no chance of Naya Pakistan what imran is trying to do.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:47pm
@M. asghar : It is very much the business of the lone super-power of the world. For the last quarter of a century (since first Gulf War-1990), war against terror is going on without a win. It is a big humiliation for the super-power to remain unsuccessful against the semi-literate terrorists. So, either terror is the real super-power today it must accept, or the fight must go on like it is.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:48pm
Ground Realities are even worse than US President predictions.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:52pm
I am a Pakistani and its Sad to say Obama is correct. The mental state of mind needs gross change until then turmoil and their is no one else to blame as well.
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Jan 15, 2016 02:56pm
For someone who has no idea if the militant Maulana Azhar has been arrested or not.......this statement has little credibility.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:02pm
It s a fact that pakistan is more stable than last year. Obama s comparison of pakistan with afghanistN is not justified.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:03pm
May be the President talked about planning of the US about Pakistan for coming decades!! I am sure he will be proven wrong.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:03pm
Load of crap, Obama has never been known as a person of vision! But USA does have vision, a vision to plunder and steal enforce laws tilt the scales, undervalue and unbalance human rights, benefit it's belly till it cant take no more because there is no more to be taken then leave the crap behind.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:08pm
@Nikunj, India : Pakistan is not an enemy of Indian people. It is fighting for the rule of principles. If India can forcefully annex the state of Muslim Nawab of Hyderabad because of majority Hindu population, why it is refusing and fighting against the same principle in Kashmir which has overwhelming Muslim majority population state with a Hindu ruler?
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Jan 15, 2016 03:10pm
We all know america food is instability, unsung vision.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:13pm
"turmoil in middle east" ...
peace in mid-west
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Jan 15, 2016 03:16pm
@kashmir So kashmir problem is responsible for Pak's internal problems too.. Wake up man..
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Jan 15, 2016 03:25pm
Well. This may be an ambition or a part of hidden plans of obama's administration. But their plans to destabilize Pakistan are on retreat and will continue to fail. Pak Army is not going to leave any stone unturned to eliminate the evil from Pakistan. Hats off Pak Army.
Thank You Raheel Sharif
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Jan 15, 2016 03:36pm
humans make mistakes; however when some one is trying to get them corrected; what is needed most is encouragement. not a judgmental, super critical and possibly destructive comments. pakistan ( and india and usa and afghanistan) all have problems. now i believe pakistan is trying to get back in right track: so please please do not discourage. provide a helping hand(if you will). if not please do not make situation worse.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:52pm
@Ravi Sri : Obama is right because he know that, the US is desperately trying not to win the war against terror and keep it burning to cook its broth on it, for ever, if possible.
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Jan 15, 2016 03:56pm
Terror is their own weapon that they created through their own top agent Osama. With Zarb e Azb progressing, terror had to be reinvented elsewhere and it is now being severally named as, IS, ISIL, ISIS, Daesh, etc.
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Jan 15, 2016 04:02pm
@Nikunj, India you are spot on
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Jan 15, 2016 04:04pm
Ofcourse Pakistan present day assertiveness and protection of its core national interests, thanks for military establishment is ruffling a lot of feathers of international powers who want to keep Pakistan down and about. CPEC is one of those projects who are making our so called "western allies" very easy. A quick look at their so called think tanks and their tone will leave no doubt in anyone mind that they will go to any lengths to undermine this project, even if the tool of terrorism have to be used against Pakistan. This recent Obama utterance should be seen in this pretext and while giving a prompt reply to such statements, they should be ignored while we match on.
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Jan 15, 2016 04:15pm
Its the only GROUND reality...
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Jan 15, 2016 04:42pm
@Shiva You would agree with anything negative about Pakistan, typical.
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Jan 15, 2016 04:46pm
Its the USA that will go up in a ball of fire in the near future, Pakistan God willing will survive like always. Pakistan Pa'indabad.
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Jan 15, 2016 04:50pm
its imp to take steps to change it, this is happening since past several years.... unless ppl change their mind, become concerned about country, remove craps from power it will never change.
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Jan 15, 2016 05:02pm
That means America knows the secret...because it is involved...if America withdraws and leave Pakistan and Afghanistan alone Peace will come to this area yesterday..
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Jan 15, 2016 05:20pm
"Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of central America, Africa and Asia," Is this statement reflect thier intention or prediction ?
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Jan 15, 2016 05:23pm
Flies come to broken egg .we are internally divided
United we stand divided we fall
We should be worrying about internal problems .
Say No to cast ,creed,sect and religion discrimination .
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Jan 15, 2016 05:25pm
The western power (Mainly America), Wouldn't like that India and Pakistan get together, if it happen then they will lost a big ornament sales value, India and Pakistan buy a lot of defense ornaments from America. India, Pakistan,Afghanistan & Bangladesh Leaders are so corrupt, All know (We have the History) We were one, and the Biggest power of the world, Western power broken Great Bharat in peaces to rule and they are still ruling from now better from their countries.
I really dream where this great power will come together again!!
Arjun Kumar(Delhi)India
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Jan 15, 2016 05:28pm
Dear Old man you have to see the ground realities as he saw and commented.
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Jan 15, 2016 05:30pm
Pakistan will handle this situation at all costs...with China involved in this area,and
unlike America China is sincere with Pakistan,the change in Pakistan's policies is now clearly visible. India is ready to come to the table even after Pathankot, this will ease
Pakistan's hands, Now Pakistan is going to give a final blow to terrorism inside and outside...Inshahallah...and in future will mean only business no involvement in other countries internal matters...Ameen
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Jan 15, 2016 05:36pm
We the Youth of India and Pak will come together. Don't go on the west peoples and their thoughts about us. But yes all of us must discuss this thing with our friends and relatives that India and Pak were one and will remain one, Neither Indian nor Pakistani peoples want war these are our corrupt politicians and some other counties who don't want us to see together and raise as a super power of the world. Unfortunately this is a difficult time for ISLAAM as some misguided and corrupt peoples (like ISIS) are defaming a religion, so I would like to request All Muslim brothers come ahead and give them a lesson not to try defame any religion. As an youth of India i don't/never feel and bad relation between me and other muslim friends and india, but yes we're also suffering here cuz of our Hindu and Muslim leaders who are miss guiding us.
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Jan 15, 2016 05:36pm
@Waqar Spot on Sir. That is exactly what has happened and is happnoing even more worse than before. W e need to stop and look at ourselves.
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Jan 15, 2016 06:07pm
Mr. Obama is a very intelligent person and sincere president of US in the recent history the World. He doesn't need any ones approval to finish out his last year in the office.
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Jan 15, 2016 06:11pm
@Nikunj, India And why do you say that Pakistan is our enemy? Under seventy years back we fought together to have our independence and then decided to go our separate way. We have our problems but they can be solved by ourselves. Having problems does not mean that they are our enemies. I live in UK now & have so many Pakistani friends & colleagues-We talk, discuss and understand and drink with each other. NOT enemies at all but just friends
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Jan 15, 2016 06:19pm
After 8 years in power something has to be said, so he said. Pakistan is a brave country fully competent to counter all threats towards it. God willing Pakistan will continue to become stronger.
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Jan 15, 2016 06:42pm
Though Obama's prediction about Pakistan looks annoying but we Pakistani should use his comments more as guide to what kind of policies to implement to overt the risk predicted by Obama. Our leaders are not visionary people. They think what president Obama is saying is a joke. I will say this statement is free service that Obama has given to Pakistan. I do not think there is any hidden agenda by looking Obama personality.
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Jan 15, 2016 06:43pm
@Kamal Pasha True, but we the Asians invited them to solve our problems instead of solving them ourselves. It was in the interests of the Western Powers to keep the problems alive so they can benefit from them.
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Jan 15, 2016 06:50pm
Trump will add US to this list aswell
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Jan 15, 2016 06:57pm
Dear Pakistani brother. If Afganistan is cool then Pakistan is cool, Otherwise none for these present situation.
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Jan 15, 2016 07:05pm
Obama outlined US's policy statement, its as simple as that. A nuclear Pakistan with a battle hardened Army is completely unacceptable for West. They will continue to create unrest in Pakistan one way or another.
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Jan 15, 2016 07:15pm
@paul .... You are absolutely right. Obama was wrong there.
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Jan 15, 2016 07:25pm
If Pakistan can be a Supper power then he must take Master plan with Politician and Army . Because there is no Supper Power in Muslim world and Only Pakistan and Indonesia have the chance . If Pakistan take a master plane and try to hard and soul then he must get that. Pakistan Must improve its technology for Agriculture , IT ,Science , Proper utilize humane resource and must be Get out India and USA from Afghanistan. Why Security Council does get Permanent member of Muslim country.
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Jan 15, 2016 07:40pm
Lot of things will change if Pakistan attains peace. No cost will be too high in attaining this. It will be in the interest of both the neighbours if violence is discarded for the sake of peace.
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Jan 15, 2016 08:00pm
Hard fact is that, we are in self denial for decades and the price is there.
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Jan 15, 2016 08:07pm
It is out of my understanding, that if daish, taliban what aver are muslim militants than why they are against muslim states? All muslim world is unrest. Firstly, a new reft was careated in the name of firka and these militants were given the colour. These are neither careated by muslims nor are muslims. OIC where you are.....?
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Jan 15, 2016 08:45pm
The situation in the Muslim world at present has been created by western countries
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Jan 15, 2016 08:54pm
@M.Rafique Jamali the conspiracy is there. But it is not because of western interest, it is because of certain deep rooted extreme ills that we see every day and every hour in the Muslim World. The World do not see muslims a peace loving people. So, what is the conspiracy. Let the muslims to fight with other as it will distort the image of Islam.
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Jan 15, 2016 08:57pm
point mr obama is making is not that "you are not taking action against terrorists or not",but inspite of actions taken terrorism is thriving in pak. and his prediction is it may worsen in future!so introspect and take necessary action than brushing it aside!
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Jan 15, 2016 09:30pm
Excellent comments by Mr Sartaj Aziz, in the method & style of confident Foreign Secretaries of mature Democracies!
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Jan 15, 2016 11:04pm
all the parties of Pakistan should join their heads together and solve the problems especially economic terrorism and the financier of terrorism which is the root cause of all the problems in Pakistan.
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Jan 15, 2016 11:21pm
i don't think so because anything can happen in the future.
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Jan 15, 2016 11:40pm
Mr president don't be so naive and don't put blame somewhere else. Look at the brief history of the post WW2 and you will know who is responsible. First, the start of cold war creating two warring camps, war in Korea, war in China supporting reactionary regime resulting China's isolation by US for decades, Vietnam war, Iraq war, trouble in Lebanon, war in Afghanistan , Libya civil war, toppling Egypt democratic elected government and now Syria/ISIS. Did I leave or forget. Oh yes, supporting dictatorships and morachies. US once was revered and looked up to by the whole world.
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Jan 16, 2016 12:31am
@Kamal Pasha Blaming others for our miseries will not achieve anything. We need to face reality - It is our corrupt politicians that have and continue to ruin Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2016 12:52am
@Arjun Kumar I am not in my youth years, but I hope youth like yourself take the lead and make it a reality. I hope that I will live to that happen. Great sentiments and I wish and pray that some day members of all religions in the subcontinent will again live like brothers and sisters.
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Jan 16, 2016 01:25am
@Lala so you agree there is dilemma
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Jan 16, 2016 02:04am
Mr Sartaj, smart thing would have been to ask Mr. Obama as to why he has that view. Then understand the reasons behind the pronouncement and correct the ones needing correction.
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Jan 16, 2016 02:21am
He did not say any thing about Malasiaya.
why Pakistan ?
the fact is this is a fact and will be fact
as nation we should accept. now
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Jan 16, 2016 03:02am
Only time will tell. I hope Sartaj Aziz can prove President Obama wrong.
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Jan 16, 2016 03:42am
Stop squabbling and get CPEC going to prove point, otherwise he may making the right prediction.
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Jan 16, 2016 03:45am
@saagar .... Well Said!!!
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Jan 16, 2016 04:17am
If you were awake and instead of speaking nonsense about the Saudi-Iran crisis, perhaps, Mr. Adviser, you would have read between the line as what Obama has to say and protested before the speech was made. Pakistan needs new blood with new ways to handle foreign polices; yin can resign from your lucrative position - no one is going to miss you, not even the PM.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:16am
@Nikunj, India Why do you have to make west a villain for you to become friends? India can afford to be friends with USA and Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:07am
@Waqar
Well commented and agree. Blaming other country for your problems is not the way to go.
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Jan 16, 2016 06:52pm
You are right USA is 100% wrong but what Saudi Arabia is saying is 100% right. One must learn to accept mistakes and make correction, no point in living in a fool's paradise.
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Jan 16, 2016 08:23pm
He is 100% spot on. The COAS and PM are going to mediate between KSA and Iran when our own house is not in gear so what will be the long term future. If I am having trouble with my own wife yet am solving friend's problems not even making a priority to solve my own problems, I will be in worse trouble going after others when I should have helped myself first. I won't be able to help my friend or other firends, and go into depression or internal turmoil. This is the first example of Pakistan being in turmoil for decades, not getting own house in gear yet going after others in the neighborhood.
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Jan 16, 2016 10:16pm
Yes, Mr. Aziz! Keep your head in sand!
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Jan 17, 2016 12:51am
You know Pakistan's reality better than us outsiders but perception itself is a mighty thing in todays uber connected world. If you are 'perceived' to be unstable, you are almost halfway there !!
Besides, there aren't any perceptions born without some reality behind them.
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Jan 17, 2016 02:14am
@kashmir totally agree. They all knowingly ignore the single core issue that has held the entire region hostage to poverty, conflict and violence.
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Jan 17, 2016 02:18am
@zulu because Malaysia is not a regional muslim power and pakistan is. In The US new world order , pakistan was to be broken. But Pak stumped US by CPEC. With China in, no one can harm pakistan. Hence the verbal assault , to let out frustration.
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Jan 18, 2016 09:01pm
We could have easily said "no" to the billions of dollars we were getting.
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Jan 18, 2016 09:40pm
Truth hurts Mr. Aziz. Pakistan chose the wrong friends and paying the price for it.
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