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ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Asim Bajwa, in a tweet on Tuesday evening, stated the Pakistan Army or any of its affiliated organisations have no connection to the banners that have appeared across the country.
The banners which have stirred controversy, urge Gen Raheel Sharif to impose martial law and form a government of technocrats.
The ISPR has denied any involvement in the activity and the official tweet has distanced the armed forces from the banners.
Earlier, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, responding to the appearance of banners overnight apparently asking General Raheel Sharif to impose martial law, termed those calling upon the army chief to take over the country as fools.
“Such people are fools and do not want good for the country,” added the information minister.
The federal minister was also of the opinion that it is too early to discuss the 'extension' in army chief’s tenure.
Meanwhile, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Aitzaz Ahsan stated the banners are a thought out move by the government.
“The banners are a ploy by the government to put pressure on the opposition and are being used to create an atmosphere of uncertainty,” added the PPP senator.
A little-known political party of Punjab had put up banners in 13 cities across the country with its leaders urging Gen Raheel Sharif to impose martial law and form a government of technocrats.
The banners had been put up in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Hyderabad, etc, by the Move on Pakistan party and unlike its earlier campaign requesting the army chief to reconsider his retirement plan due in November the message is quite ominous this time around.
The Move on Pakistan party — which has little grass-root support — has been registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan for the past three years and a Faisalabad-based businessman, Mohammad Kamran, is its chairman. He runs a number of schools and ‘businesses’ in Faisalabad, Sargodha and Lahore.
In January, ISPR had announced that General Sharif will not seek nor accept an extension of his office as army chief. The army chief has repeatedly said that he supports the democratic process.
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Comments (68) Closed
Jul 12, 2016 06:45pm
I'm not a fan of army take over. But something needs to be done. Because with this zardari sharif kind of democracy we are going backwards.
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Jul 12, 2016 06:51pm
Matter should be investigated that who is behind it and what is source of funding. It should not be taken lightly. This may cause damage to democracy.
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Jul 12, 2016 06:53pm
It is a serious matter not to be dismissed by just calling the sponsors fools.
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Jul 12, 2016 06:53pm
What was the name of Musharraf's Party?
Where is it now?
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Jul 12, 2016 06:55pm
Instead of doing mere talk on media, DO the right thing instead. Be real government. Catch those responsible for this foul activity and do justice to them.
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Jul 12, 2016 06:58pm
@Muhammad Pakistan will go backwards till it makes economic peace with India
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Jul 12, 2016 07:00pm
Army is the nation hope and better chose than remain in corrupted governments from decade to decade.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:02pm
@Umer Salahuddin I think there are better things to investigate than this one. The fact is both PPP and PMLN have lost their credibility b/c of their corruption and lootmar. Somebody is always waiting to take up in this scenario.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:04pm
It seems like a deter and malign tactics by the ruling party against Armed Forces. Matter should be investigated by some independent authority.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:03pm
Those peoples who call upon army chief they are not fools but they have committed high treason under article six of constitution. A person who abrogate or conspire to subvert the constitution by use of force shall be guilty of high treason!
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Jul 12, 2016 07:03pm
If democracy means looting Pakistan then let both the PPP and PML N continue in this vein. But the general public will revolt as enough is enough. A interim technocratic govt is necessary with the brutality to squash corruption
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Jul 12, 2016 07:04pm
And those thinking "that the present government is worthy of running this country" are even bigger fools
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Jul 12, 2016 07:04pm
It is unfortunate that past as well as present government has failed to deliver services that average pakistani desperately needs. Such as clean water, electricity, medical healthcare, children's education, employment for many, road systems, reduction in crime rates, inefficient police systems and lack of industrial growth for economy. Failing on all fronts does not justify any politicians to boast about any achievement or try to continue on and on. Desperate people have no where to turn to, this party or that party, results are the same and peoples needs not met, problems continue. Its time court should take large number of suo motto to help people of pakistan get rid of corrupt individuals from politics and administrations. Help from army can be a catalyst, not by martial law, but simply telling the crooks and looters that they need to stop looting the country and sucking the blood of pakistanis to build up their political family dynasties. Enough is enough.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:09pm
Senator Aitzaz is very right when the leaders have shifted everything out, avoiding crippled impaired government and wanting another escape, please think for poor people who voted for all of you, you all spent another democratic slot in fighting each other, with ECP, and among the parties.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:11pm
Raheel sharif should go home with dignity ...the future of our country lies in democracy... No more dictators please... let the politicians learn from their mistakes
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Jul 12, 2016 07:23pm
Right and those that are stashing money in Panama and once not in power fly to London while not giving a damn about PK do want "good for the country"?
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Jul 12, 2016 07:34pm
That is a very unprofessional and irresponsible line by a minister. And you wonder why average citizens demand change to the system.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:36pm
Our political history shows that the politicians and democracy have both failed to uplift the lives of the common man. Our political history shows that the politicians were only interested to come in power to steal nation's money and deposit in their personal account. Our political history shows that neither PPP nor PML N had the desire control corruptions. Our political history shows that most of the ministers of the ruling party minted money and became super rich. Our political history shows that the army never took over with their own desire, the incompetence and arrogance of the democratically elected government pushed the nation to such extent that the peoples were left with no option but to look at the armed forces for help. Our military history shows that whenever the armed forces intervened, they worked for the betterment of Pakistan. No military ruler from Ayoub Khan to Pervaiz Musharraf ever did corruption and minted money. Peoples are not fools corrupt politicians are fools
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Jul 12, 2016 07:36pm
“Such people are fools and do not want good for the country,” added the information minister"
So in his opinion PML N are cleaver. Not at all like PPP they are also robbers & cheaters.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:39pm
Putting up such posters is blatant sedition and does not bode well for the country. Perpetuators must be found and booked.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:42pm
@Solve the Problems we tried that but INDIA IS ALWAYS IN DENIAL MODE, PROOF
IS IN THE PUDDING
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Jul 12, 2016 07:43pm
When army takes over in pakistan, they make peace with india. History has proven it.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:44pm
Democracy is the best Revenge and this superficial corrupt democracy will lead us to stone age.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:45pm
Ignoring people of the nation who voted PMLN into power is not democracy.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:48pm
Mr Rashid, we are not fools. And that is why we want him to stay and run the country. By the way, name one single notable good thing you have done so far in your present position.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:50pm
Do we believe that these banners were put up without CDA approval?
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Jul 12, 2016 07:50pm
It may be ploy or it may be correct about COAS to stay but you MR. Pervais are the wise guy tell us that country is making progress the right way?
You know that public is dissatisfied, honor killings, bribery, unemployment and crime are not lessening. Government officials are looting the public treasury. Is this the progress by your standard? Public doesn't want PPP either. So what choice public has but to ask army to rule. Public has more trust and confidence in the army. PanamaGate inquiry is still there.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:51pm
Why are we going crazy and asking for the arrest of those who put these posters? They have a freedom of speech and they can ask what they feel is better for the country. At least they didn't spend tax payers money in doing this. If you want to catch someone, catch those who use tax payers money to advertise their political interests..
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Jul 12, 2016 07:53pm
They are not fools but Pakisranis who love their country and are sick of the current system. The mismanagement, corruption and heavy borrowing by the PPP and PML-N governments in the name of the nation has left no choice. The current "democracy" is a farce and in no way has benefited the country and its people
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Jul 12, 2016 07:51pm
Army taking over is wrong, but why PML-N is not fixing itself.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:51pm
Yeah we all are fools........ because we have been accepting people like you in the Government..... we really are fools... the prime minister is merely a servant to the people of Pakistan and he is living a life like a King....... this is not a kingdom... this is a republic..... where power lies with the people
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Jul 12, 2016 07:54pm
No one is against democracy but the governance established here is void of democratic norms. Please take public problems seriously in order to restore their trust.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:54pm
Those calling for an 'independent authority' every now and then (the Panama Papers, for example) don't know what they are talking about. If it is an 'authority' it can't be independent.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:53pm
By and large, the people of Pakistan are fed up with Pakistani type of democracy. The people of Pakistan have endured different brands of politicians for the last 65 years (after the assassination of Liaqat Ali Khan). These rulers have only looted Pakistan and made the poor people poorer. Raheel Sharif is indeed a gem of a general and the people love him from the core of their heart. Maybe, the general plans to retire in coming November and come back in November 2018 and enters the politics.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:56pm
Instead of Martial Law Gen. Raheel Shareef should act like Mr.Dutare of Philipines after taking power only 12 days ago. About 2100 drug pushers and addicts surrendered.Big drug lords are targeted. Tax evaders are investigated and so many other good things.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:54pm
@SHAH And what should a person do the legally covered corruption being done by the PML-N.... I am tax payer who allowed the prime minister to spend my money so lavishly...... is he more supreme than me or the people of Pakistan.
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Jul 12, 2016 07:55pm
@Muhammad why to blame the politicians for everything? Its you people or pakistan who elect them and send them to the parliment. Army cant do much. people need to change their thinking
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Jul 12, 2016 08:02pm
Army can no longer impose martial law in Pakistan. Very few people realise this bitter democratic truth.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:05pm
We will see who turns out to be fool at the end of the day.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:07pm
It is not a matter of going or coming. You have perform good. Don't keep the nation in black. We understand your game, so please quit. You have unable to perform.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:06pm
@Muhammad its not only Zardari or Nawaz or IK, we the people choose something that is not suitable for us. We give ticket those always kicked us and its doing every party of Pakistan. Army always care us weather it rain etc. Politics parties always doing their favorable things only. But remember a continue system will give us to do right things not every change help us.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:09pm
If voting is that good for the civilians of Pakistan then it should be at least as good for the armed forces too. If the armed forces can vote in the civilian elections why cannot the civilians vote for the leaders of the armed forces? Without serious thought in such matters corruption cannot be eliminated and all leaders of the armed forces have by now become wise enough to realize that.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:10pm
Public wants corruption free, honest governance. If that is foolish then so be it.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:11pm
@Irfan - Very true!
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Jul 12, 2016 08:11pm
COAS is government servant...he should retired after completing his tenture..who knows next COAS may be more competent ..
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Jul 12, 2016 08:17pm
No sir they are not fools. They are angry, frustrated and disappointed with politicians like you and your masters. (Nawaz and company). Who is running the country right now any way?
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Jul 12, 2016 08:21pm
@SHAH presidential system of government is best for our country.and we have to copy chinese system.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:31pm
Army rule is not a solution.You have had experiences with army rules.What happened then. The need of the hour is political stability & strengthening of democractic institutions. Army is not suppose to rule the country but to defend the country !!!If you allow army to rule then the chances are there that they will become a corrupt institution.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:35pm
And those who support looters- with all the evidence before them- are greater fools.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:37pm
The people are not fools, but the present government and including PPP are living in the fools paradise. Wait and see what is going to happen to all of the corrupt politicians and government servants.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:37pm
@Amjad Wyne .
Too right,totally agree with you.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:47pm
I agree with you keep army away
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Jul 12, 2016 08:53pm
It is direct implication of the people's frustration on the elected government.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:53pm
@Umer Salahuddin
Democracy was already damadged when these politicians became leaders. Is there any other democracy that we don't know about.
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Jul 12, 2016 08:59pm
@Awais
I hope the you are aware of the manipulation of the voting system and balloting. People vote for someone and they get a different one or maybe their votes never go through. Elected leaders here in Pakistan are not elected by the people but by their game of musicial chairs.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:03pm
@Amjad Wyne
Agree with you.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:05pm
Too much free time with everybody...
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Jul 12, 2016 09:06pm
You the GOVT is fool how the hell you can call people choice a fool....indeed we were fool when we selected you and PPP and MQM or any other political party including PTI...we dont trust any of you we want OUR ARMY AND COAS thats all and better respect our decision....Plz ARMY take over right now
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Jul 12, 2016 09:20pm
The people of Pakistan are not fools. It is they who are actualy putting and effort to allow our homeland to survive in these times of national looting and corruption and division of all Pakistani siblings.
The people who are causing damage to Pakistan are not Pakistanis. A true Pakistani will never harm his motherland in any form. We all Pakistanis help eachother from a small accident on the street to a big natural calamity. We always form affinity groups to be at eachothers side.
We are not fools. We have been tormented by these leaders who have taken our rights to live as humans.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:24pm
If you consider it to be a democracy, and every politician talks about the democratic process, the democracy allows people to form their opinion, that also includes putting up banners,friendly protests, as long as they are not spreading hate, to ask the General to take over is part of peoples right,its no different than them going out holding political party banners, sure the political parties and some of their leaders will spread poison by pointing fingers. How soon you forget, it was just a couple of years ago during the elections, your workers and supporters were out everyday screaming slogans against the last government.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:30pm
@SAEED MASOOD
Now since you had the time to share your thoughts, we surely will be glad if your lend us some of your time too.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:39pm
Why are the courts silent? Shouldn't they be taking suo moto cognizance of this blatant call to break the Constitution?
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Jul 12, 2016 09:49pm
our problem is we do not like to fix our self. politician can not do any wrong thing if we elect the right leaders unfortunately it is very difficult to get good people elected.all of us must change our self.every one of us put Pakistan in this situation.
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Jul 12, 2016 09:56pm
Well said.
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Jul 12, 2016 10:12pm
@Comments
I find most Pakistani's commenting (read complaining) here very lazy....and looking for easy solutions.
Fight against corruption...? Why Suo-Motto cases by Judiciary? What prevents YOU from filing a public interest petition against corrupt politicians?
Why Army running the country...if civilian government is not up to your mark...what prevents you from floating a new political party? Convince the people to vote for you & then be part of running the country. Alternatively you can join one of these so called corrupt (PPP, PML) parties & try to clean them up from within with the help of like minded people.
"Right" people to rule Pakistan are not going to fall from sky...they have to be elected from within YOU.
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Jul 13, 2016 05:46am
When these type of posters are placed in more than 8 cities across the country over night and nobody seems to know who placed them in public places there is something fishy happening in the country. Suspect this is someone in the upper echelon of the Government and it happened within a day of PM's arrival speaks volumes on what's yet to happen in Pakistan.
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Jul 13, 2016 06:05am
Take these banners down. A desperate opposition.
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Jul 13, 2016 03:14pm
I have no idea who put the posters up BUT I support the message 100%. I am sick of all the corruption and bad governance since 2008. Nothing has improved since 2008 so why bother.
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