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ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday disdained the comments made by US presidential front-runner Donald Trump and asserted that “the fate of Shakeel Afridi will only be decided by Pakistani courts”.
The interior minister was reacting to the recent interview given by Donald Trump to Fox News, in which he had said that if elected, he will free the Pakistani doctor who is in jail now for helping the US raid Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad in 2011.
“I think I would get him out in two minutes,” he said in response to a question during a Fox News interview last week, when asked if he would free Shakeel Afridi.
Chaudhry Nisar said that contrary to Trump’s misconception, Pakistan is not a colony of the United States. “He should learn to treat sovereign countries with respect,” the minister maintained.
“Shakeel Afridi is a Pakistani citizen and nobody else holds the right to dictate to us about his future,” Nisar affirmed.
He said Donald Trump also seems to be ignorant historically of the huge sacrifices Pakistan and its people have made, while standing with or supporting the US policies over the years.
During the interview when Trump was asked that how he would free Dr Afridi, the US presidential front-runner had said, “I would tell them let him out and I’m sure they would let him out.”
The US Congress, which last week withdrew funds for an F-16 deal to force Pakistan to act against the Haqqani network, is now considering another cut, this time to persuade Islamabad to release Dr Shakil Afridi.
Dr Afridi, who assisted US efforts in tracking down Osama bin Laden but is now serving a 23-year prison term in Pakistan, is considered a hero in the United States.
In January 2014, President Barack Obama signed a bill that proposed to withhold $33 million from assistance to Pakistan over Dr Afridi’s detention.
In May that year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed another measure linking the provision of military aid to Pakistan to Dr Afridi’s release.
Since then, lawmakers have been raising this issue in Congress every time a budget proposal for Pakistan is discussed.
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On DawnNews
Comments (118) Closed
May 02, 2016 09:22pm
Dr Afridi, is serving a 23-year prison term in Pakistan and USA should know what respecting a court's decision means!
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May 02, 2016 09:26pm
One is good in rhetoric, while other in action...Pakistan vs USA.
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May 02, 2016 09:27pm
First, you must treat your political rivals and AWAM with respec, isn't?
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May 02, 2016 09:31pm
Good job by Ch. Nisar, such type of bravery could bring back Pakistan at International surface. Pakistan is not a colony of America. America give aide only for their own interests.
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May 02, 2016 09:31pm
They will get him out anyway. There are past examples.
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May 02, 2016 09:33pm
Nisar is talking about 'sovereign' countries.
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May 02, 2016 09:37pm
Donald Trump knows Dr. Shakil Afridi has been wrongly confined, a job Pakistani authorities should have done it.
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May 02, 2016 09:37pm
The best way to deal with usa is not to take their hand outs.
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May 02, 2016 09:38pm
That's what happens when you take their dollars.
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May 02, 2016 09:45pm
Good Ch. Nisar
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May 02, 2016 09:47pm
Beautiful. Love it. You are the best Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. We need our PM to respond like this.
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May 02, 2016 09:50pm
Very bold stance by the Interrior Minster Ch.Nisar , Pakistan should outrightly turned down the financial or any militarily assistance from US, if it compromises sovereignty of the country .
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May 02, 2016 09:51pm
Why he is in prison ? If he help to get OBL doesn't it is a good thing.
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May 02, 2016 10:00pm
Agreed
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May 02, 2016 10:02pm
well said.Nothing but courage earns you the respect. let's hope we mean what we say.
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May 02, 2016 10:03pm
Dr should be free.
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May 02, 2016 10:06pm
its not clear what the US stance is. should listen to point of view since Pakistan calls itself an ally of US. and has been taking and corrupting her aid since 1950's!
on other hand if that chap is rightfully convicted then depends on pakistan forces and government if they wanna do a raymond davis or not
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May 02, 2016 10:07pm
Trump is only a candidate, why is Nisar responding to a Candidate, he is not elected and holds no public office.
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May 02, 2016 10:14pm
Why Pakistan want to keep Afridi in jail and antagonize US. What is the gain. He was not given fair chance to defend and jailed in dubitious manner. Why not let him go and make relationship happy with US.
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May 02, 2016 10:14pm
This is how US treats its allies?
There are people who trust US but seeing this, is quite insulting for US. The US foreign minster should be ashamed of itself.
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May 02, 2016 10:15pm
And why is Nisar responding to a presidential candidate??
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May 02, 2016 10:25pm
Fact is that the United States is a spent force despite the powerful weapons. That thrashing by ragtag Iraqis have worn them out. Ordering sovereign countries no longer works. Not the 1960s you know.
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May 02, 2016 10:33pm
America cannot be trusted to keep their commitments. Pakistan should refuse further assistance from USA. If necessary, assistance will be gladly provided by China and Russia.
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May 02, 2016 10:35pm
Respects for Mr chuadary , at least he has the guts to respond to a bully who thinks entire world is owned by US
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May 02, 2016 10:46pm
Long live Ch Nisar
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May 02, 2016 10:45pm
@ZIDANE this also proves Trump's ignorance about the strong leaders Pakistan has like Ch. Nisar. Bravo. Pakistan will be superpower only next to China while US and the rest go down with leader like Trump.
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May 02, 2016 10:55pm
It's good that this guy responded. It's time pakistan stopped being a client state of the US and started asserting its sovereignty.
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May 02, 2016 11:14pm
These Tough Words are for local consumption only.....
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May 02, 2016 11:23pm
What is Dr Shakil Afridi's crime? That he helped put an end to the arch-terrorist Ben Laden?
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May 02, 2016 11:28pm
And you should keep quiet.
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May 02, 2016 11:36pm
How would you get Dr. Arfa out?
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May 02, 2016 11:41pm
How I wish this statement coming from our Prime minister but I don't know why he is silent on international matters including Kashmir.
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May 02, 2016 11:43pm
NIsar you have got your wife and children USA citizenships. You have no place to speak up.
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May 02, 2016 11:44pm
he might said by looking at raymon davis's case
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May 02, 2016 11:46pm
@Harmony-1© Why is he serving a jail term is the question? For putting an international terrorist lights out?
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May 02, 2016 11:58pm
Why is Dr. Arfidi serving 23 years prison term in Pakistan?
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May 03, 2016 12:04am
Your actions should be respectable. Why did you jail this man for 23 years?
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May 03, 2016 12:05am
What a solid response chaudry sahab. Salute!
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May 03, 2016 12:09am
It is time to stop relying on U.S. aid. Once this is done, Pakistan
will be better off.
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May 03, 2016 12:18am
Mr chaudry Nisar ali khan,,bravo for your excellente talk donald trump Pakistan is not your colonie (not your slave)
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May 03, 2016 12:21am
if you treat your political rival nice we Pakistanis get respect by foreigne
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May 03, 2016 12:23am
@Mudassir Lol..good one!
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May 03, 2016 12:34am
Ch Nisar knows it's only his political statement nothing else....
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May 03, 2016 12:39am
But are you worthy of respect? You keep taking aid, loans and grants for everything and demand respect from everyone! It doesn't work that way.
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May 03, 2016 12:41am
Why Pakistan cannot use the same case for Dr Afia Siddique?? Or Pakistan can offer an exchange??
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May 03, 2016 12:47am
I think we should add another 10 years to his jail term for trumps childish tantrums.
However we can talk to the US on the unconditional release of Dr Aasia for all the sacrifices we have given for their misadventures.
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May 03, 2016 01:00am
He is not given any punishment by a proper court of pakistan. His attorneys was killed in Peshawar city. What was his crime? Government is yet to explain.
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May 03, 2016 01:08am
Why is he in prison anyway?
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May 03, 2016 01:10am
@Mudassir Indeed you are right.... We are run by Dynasties...
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May 03, 2016 01:21am
No difference between Trumps nationalistic policies and Islamic state policies.
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May 03, 2016 01:24am
Ch Nisar ! First we must act and behave like a sovereign state and then expect them to treat us like a sovereign state ! Remember Raymond Davis case ? USA has guts and power to get things done !
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May 03, 2016 01:34am
Trump is a hero. I hope he gets elected
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May 03, 2016 01:36am
Sorry to state this but it is true that he will be gone whenever US would want seriously just like Ramond Davis. So my hopes are zero
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May 03, 2016 01:38am
What happened to that Black Water Mercenary who killed two of our fellow citizens,Whole World knows
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May 03, 2016 01:40am
Trump is already described as a category 5 tornado, if elected.
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May 03, 2016 01:41am
Make US a deal
that drop charges either agianst aafia saddiqui , edward snowden or bradley manning
and we'll give him to you
simple
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May 03, 2016 01:46am
Key word is "sovereign ".
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May 03, 2016 02:21am
Irrespctive of Trump's comments, what justification Pakistan has to continuously keep confined the gentleman. Mr. Home Minister, he is a political prisoner. Release him. No, I am not Trump's supporter.
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May 03, 2016 02:25am
Government officials talk when they are supposed to stay quiet. Mr. Trump is a presidential l candidate and candidates say outrageous things during candidacy but their views change quickly once they come to power. Now It appears Mr. Nisar has nothing better to do and gets embroiled in a useless argument with Trump which does not resolve any thing.
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May 03, 2016 02:46am
Trump statement may not be far from the truth. Living on US dole for the past many years has made them feel that they have the right to treat us whichever way it suits the US.
Unfortunately, Raymond Davis being one prime example why Trump's general impression is about us.
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May 03, 2016 03:37am
Alarm for Pakistan and China if trump become president
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May 03, 2016 03:46am
I don't understand as to why the ruling party not speak to India in the same tone?
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May 03, 2016 04:10am
Pakistan did NOT need aids. Our leaders have no guts to talk to US. Our politician and leaders are greedy and they need aids for there use. Please respect Pakistan.
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May 03, 2016 04:57am
How come the fate of OBL decided by US? Was Pakistan not a sovereign-country that time? There is lot of difference between being sovereign-country and a responsible country.
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May 03, 2016 05:04am
Every one knows that what happened after 911. US got cooperation it wanted in Afghanistan. We can talk the talk but can't walk walk.
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May 03, 2016 05:16am
Lets Donald Trump win first, then we will see.
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May 03, 2016 05:14am
Donald Trump should treat foreign countries with respect, otherwise . . .?
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May 03, 2016 05:33am
These politicians have made a mockery of Pakistani sovereignty and this is the result of years of taking aid. Does these words from Mr.Nisar really hold any weight?
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May 03, 2016 05:34am
Who help to killed one time most wanted terrorist in earth is punished for his bravery . Has he born in another countries would got hero status and awards . Pakistan is the victim of its own wrong policies like impose ban on documentary on Lal masjid instead of banning Abdul aziz for bowing the seeds of future terrorists in innocent kids . Wakeup civil society unless it's too late.
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May 03, 2016 05:36am
Trump should be invited to Pakistan so that he can discuss his proposal in person with the public on the Mall Road at Lahore. We have a good selection of Pakistani tomatoes, eggs and cucumber for him !
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May 03, 2016 06:20am
Pakistan should stand on their feet. Unless and until Pakistan depend on USA Aid, this type of statement Pakistan will used to get. Our Govt policies are such that economic activities are not increasing specially in Sind due poor performance of Sind Govt. Their main aim to make money and live lavish life out side Pakistan. Unless and until All Army Of Ministers family live in Pakistan only then they will think about Pakistan, otherwise their main aim remain un change to make money and live out side.
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May 03, 2016 06:35am
Trump is the front runner for Republican Nominee, and not yet the US presidential front runner.
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May 03, 2016 06:42am
seriously, can anyone update Dr Afridi is jailed against what charges?
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May 03, 2016 06:46am
If an American had done what Afridi had done he would have been treated the same way the by the Americans as the Pakistanis are dealing with the situation.Americans quietly devised a plan with Afridi without informing the Pakistan government which was wrong.Trump is just telling to the American public what they want to hear.He cannot implement what he is saying , he will back off if he is elected.
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May 03, 2016 07:41am
Mark my words. If Trump gets elected, Dr Afridi will be out of jail and he & family will be given asylum in the US with 6 months. No one can do anything about it. This has not happened yet because the Obama administration doesn't really care enough. But many people in the US think of Dr.Afridi as a hero and not someone deserving to be in jail like a criminal.
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May 03, 2016 07:55am
Let's see this matter early next year , who's who will become clear .
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May 03, 2016 07:57am
Donald Trump most probable candidate for next US president, not good for Pakistan
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May 03, 2016 08:09am
Pakistan is a sovereign state, true. But what about the other linked issues with operation that was conducted on Pakistani soil.
Double standards in all the field of international and national politics and policies.
Is this for showing the crocodile tears.
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May 03, 2016 08:44am
Glad to see Nissar seriously warning an American politician...
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May 03, 2016 08:48am
What action we have taken when Americans breached our air space/sovereignity five years back when Osama was killed in Abbotabad?
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May 03, 2016 09:00am
Afridi was made scapegoat..the person who revealed the whereabouts OBL got the rewards and now settled in America
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May 03, 2016 09:06am
Empires die when they become arrogant
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May 03, 2016 09:19am
First of all the whole scam story of America raiding Bin Laden without Pakistan assistance and knowledge was stupid. As far as Dr.Afridi is concerned I am quite sure he is just fine. Pakistan is keeping him in "prison" only for appearances and otherwise confident and solid comment by Ch.Nisar. Who does Trump think he his?
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May 03, 2016 09:24am
Trump is a bold, courageous and non-conventional leader who in spite of being a front runner dared to say publicly that " if Saddam and Gaddafi regimes been not removed today Middle East been in much a better position." Every body with a little sense knows that one of the greatest humanitarian calamity like genocide of Syrian people and influx of migrants towards Europe would never happen if Iraqi and Libyan regimes would not been attacked nor the terrorists of Daesh, IS or ISS and other such terrorists groups would come to existence. Nor the turmoil of Yemen would take place. We must appreciate the good parts of his political statements. Though some of his statements are disturbing like forceful deportation of 11 millions hardworking Hispanic and Latino living peacefully in USA for years and decades. This will be like forceful separation of millions of parents with children n loved ones hence will be waging a direct War with Almighty God with horrible consequences.
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May 03, 2016 09:32am
Why is our PM not saying this? Or is this an attempt to divert the attention of the people away from the Panama fiasco?
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May 03, 2016 09:34am
I will just say very good response from Nisar
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May 03, 2016 09:54am
Use of the word 'warns' is quite amusing!
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May 03, 2016 09:59am
Whenever individual, a company, a NGO or a nation accepts freebies from anyone it must be ready to hear the donor- for good or for bad.
Remember the last time when Saudia offered USD 1.5 billion for no particular reason. Then came the demand for Yemen.
For a long long time Pakistan got enough aid from USA over and above Coalition Support Funds. This moment should have been anticipated.
Now the same is happening with China. In 10 years this relation can also change.
What is applicable to an individual, a family is also applicable to a nation. Whenever we accept favours or get anything for free there will be a price attached to it to be redeemed in the future. It is that simple and is not just applicable to Pak- it is true for any nation, any individual at any point of time in past, present or future. Like a universal truth. There are no free lunches.
Mr. Nisar's warning is empty rhetoric if one were to keep this in mind.
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May 03, 2016 10:18am
Pathetic on part of trump.
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May 03, 2016 10:19am
Swap Dr Afia with Dr Shakeel
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May 03, 2016 10:36am
Indeed a brave statement..what about our own Dr.Aafia..!will trump let her free..!im sure its far more easier than getting Dr.Afridi free.
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May 03, 2016 10:53am
This is not a matter of respect but reality that Dr. Afridi is a scapegoat of Pakistan foreign policy which is totally based on illusions.
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May 03, 2016 11:14am
pakistan made huge mistake by supporting america in past
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May 03, 2016 11:42am
He said Dr. Afridi will be out in 2 mins if he is elected, thats quite a statement. If he means what he says, time will tell. If he is elected interesting time ahead.
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May 03, 2016 11:57am
@Shakil USA i agree
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May 03, 2016 12:33pm
should return all the aid till date and finish this
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May 03, 2016 12:33pm
yeah right. when has any PK government said no to US? what happened after Soviet invasion and 9/11 when we joined US without any thing in return and destroyed our owb country as a consequense... what happened to the US agent Raymond Davis who killed 2 Pakistanis in Lahore in broad daylight and got away so easily...
but I really hope PK government can do as Mr. Nisar says...
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May 03, 2016 03:41pm
@Dawar Naqvi No it isn't!!!
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May 03, 2016 06:00pm
@AD (Canada) - If you know nothing about the court case then at least learn to respect the court's decision.
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May 03, 2016 06:40pm
Chaudhry Jee Nisar Ali Khan, great bravado.
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May 03, 2016 06:46pm
Trump looks highly unrealistic and immature when matters turns to foreign relations of USA.
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May 03, 2016 09:35pm
Good job ch nisar
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May 04, 2016 09:53am
This arrogant talk of Trump is because of US giving aid. India suffered such humiliation from US during its worst drought problems under PL-480 agreement. There was no great pleasure for us to live under starvation instead of accepting aid under that wretched PL-480
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May 04, 2016 10:26am
What Ch. Nisar has said should be respected as he said it all with the consideration of Pakistan as a country that wants to be treated with respect.
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May 04, 2016 10:26am
i am very confused... are we a sovereign country...Let us make a pledge that we respect our country first, the respect she deserves,not to loot and plunder, a country where justice prevails. where equality should be our aim, Pal..we should have forfeited our own self-respect, and perhaps the good opinion of our countrymen.folks..I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself. To undermine a man's self-respect is a sin.
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May 04, 2016 10:28am
@Malik W Thats because he is the interior minister. Its his job.
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May 04, 2016 11:18am
USA is the sole super power in the world now. If they want to "take out" Afridi, they will surely do so just like they have "taken out" Bin Laden, Saddam Hussain and Gadafi few years back. No body can do anything against them in the present scenario.
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May 04, 2016 12:14pm
good message to trump, I respect only Ch Nisar in PMLN, inspite of being in his halka i didnt give vote to him just because he is in pmln.else he is the only well groomed person in his party
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May 04, 2016 12:33pm
Is Chaudhury Nisar in a position to speak on any issues??? I guess as a common pakistani we have all lost faith in the present government after a series of alarming disclosures.
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May 04, 2016 01:43pm
Respect is earned.
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May 04, 2016 03:37pm
Give them afridi once all F-16s have been delievered on the $270 million already allocated for the sale.
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May 04, 2016 04:08pm
@Hopeful Really !!
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May 04, 2016 04:16pm
Everytime we talk about corruption and nailing the corrupts,our Interior Minister minister comes up with a new issue to divert the attention of the nation.Due to our mega corruption we always ask USA for aid,grant and funds but everyday is not a Sunday. The best thing is to get back our looted money from offshore heavens and buy 100 F-16 planes.
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May 04, 2016 04:16pm
Chaudhary Saheb, respect had to be earned, not begged for.
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May 04, 2016 08:10pm
Its no secret that Trump is a blabber mouth, I wouldn't put any stock into what he says, fact is, he alone cannot change everything he says he will, there is a process, a legal system in place, he has to get all that approved by the Congress and Senate, not that easy. He doesn't know first thing about the legal system and how government works, he's used to bullying his way and getting things done,there is not one leader in the world that takes him serious. As far as him being elected as the next President of USA, not gonna happen, the people of United States won't let it happen, even his own Republican party has reservations.
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May 04, 2016 09:49pm
@Khan
pakistan is different than india. I thought all of us already knew that.
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May 04, 2016 11:06pm
Return Dr. Aafia Siddiwui and we eillglsdly give you this Zdr Afridi.
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May 05, 2016 07:36am
Pakistan be prepared for President Trump. He does not care for poor, same goes for poor countries. He does care for powerful people, same will translate to powerful countries, Pakistan should welcome President Trump with Experimental explosion of Hydrogen Bomb on his successful election. For Trump Money talks and poor walk.
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