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Punjab Government on Wednesday issued a legal notice to actor Hamza Ali Abbasi for spreading "false rumours" about the recent wave of child abductions across the province.
Abbasi, in his Facebook post, revealed that he has been served a legal notice by the provincial government.
The notice, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, was served by the provincial government's public prosecution department.
The notice states that the number of missing children quoted by Hamza is incorrect and is "less than one third that you (Hamza) reported".
The notification further claimed Hamza's post "was exaggerated and it created a sense of insecurity in the general public".
"The notice must be served to the news outlets as well. I, as a Pakistani, say that these politicians are as insensitive like animals," said Hamza in Geo News' Capital Talk.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) senior leader Shafqat Mehmood alleged that "Abbasi is subject to such a treatment because he is a PTI supporter. The government cannot arrest or serve legal notices to anyone for their Tweets or Whatsapp messages.
"This incident underscores Nawaz government's misuse of authority."
In the month of Ramazan earlier this year, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) barred Abbasi from hosting his Ramazan shows on Aaj TV respectively after complainants received said the show had aired provocative content.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (117) Closed
Aug 31, 2016 09:38pm
at this time corrupt mafia disguised as politician and police are running the country.look at model town and you will get the picture.
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Aug 31, 2016 09:41pm
Hamza just owned Punjab Govt again. No wonder they hate him so much.
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Aug 31, 2016 09:41pm
lol look at the state of affairs in the country, but the government has time to send H.A.A a notice. Don't we have pressing matters to focus on?
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Aug 31, 2016 09:45pm
i see now. why facebook removed his post about Kashmir protest.
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Aug 31, 2016 09:45pm
Every Pakistani should control himself in public matters and should not make extreme statements, child kidnaping is a very sensitive matter, If Mr. Abbasi is a PTI supporter
then he should be even more careful because the chairman of PTI has set a trend to say anything which comes in his mind without thinking about it, having said all this Mr.Abbasi should not be penalised for this only a warning should be enough .
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Aug 31, 2016 09:53pm
I back up Hamza Ali Abbasi's statement. To some extent he is right.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:06pm
PMLN and its hooliganism!!
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Aug 31, 2016 10:09pm
@SAEED MASOOD I agreed
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Aug 31, 2016 10:10pm
I personal feel that yes there are child missing cases but not as many as being told, however, Govt should put all its efforts to stop this crime. and people like Abbasi should contribute helping the state instead of showing his personal class or whatever if there is any.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:12pm
Don't know them.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:11pm
Every person is responsible for his deeds
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Aug 31, 2016 10:12pm
@SAEED MASOOD truth hurts
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Aug 31, 2016 10:15pm
but these politicians speak gibberish and make tall claims everyday in the news talk shows.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:25pm
@SAEED MASOOD This PTI is like AAP of Pakistan. Atrocious statement by leaders of party, but tries to project themselves as common man.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:33pm
@SAEED MASOOD Shame on the Punjab government for agreeing that "one-third" children have been kidnapped. That is over 300 children and you are protecting a faulty government. Shame.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:34pm
Hamza Ali Abbasi should remain as actor,and do not try to get fame,by sensitizing a subject. He may refute charges if alleged by prosecutor, and satisfy him by his rejoinder. I just saw his attitude was quite arrogant, and seems he want to get arrested,to gain further fame in politics. Nobody knows what's in his mind.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:34pm
sorry Mr.Abbasi, I disagree with you, animals are much more sensitive than humans,
please do not compare, humans are losing hands down to them:)
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Aug 31, 2016 10:35pm
Hamza Ali Abbasi has spoken the voice of million of Pakistanis.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:39pm
Well said. Our government is corrupt and unable to handle anything. They are corrupt
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Aug 31, 2016 10:44pm
They shall never mend their mentalities, criticism makes way for change not revenge...
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Aug 31, 2016 10:48pm
Everybody is trying to be a crusaders these days. We have seen the result of this panic created by such rumours. Dozens of people attacked all over the country on false accusations. Even people tried to settle their personal scores. Our holy prophet peace be upon him, also has advised against spreading and believing in rumours.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:52pm
throw it under the rug, out of site out of mind. Punjab is a heaven nothing bad happens there...people can leave their houses empty with doors open for days and nothing bad happens. Police doesn't take bribes, patwaries doing there jobs with 100 dedication. Its better run than any first world countries in the world. The CM, his family and all the machinery is honest, free of corruption, there is no poor and the government provides free education and healthcare at your door step.
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Aug 31, 2016 10:54pm
I don't Hamza Abbasi as a politician but government brings it onto themselves.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:00pm
Even if 300 is correct figure does the Punjab government thinks it is normal situation. Just imagine the "good governance".
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Aug 31, 2016 11:01pm
Oh the protest when his fb was blocked
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Aug 31, 2016 11:03pm
Anti-state elements are roaming free. Cyber crime bill was devised to kill dissent and this is the 2nd such testimony. First one was banning o Shahid Masood's show and discussions about using the bill against him. We now know what the real threat to this democracy is!
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Aug 31, 2016 11:08pm
A short while ago in a program with Shahzeb this was found that the links mentioned by Hamza actually say that some 700 children were missing (not kidnapped) and 615 returned home. Hamza had no answer that why he gave half info.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:11pm
So what is wrong or false in his statement?
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Aug 31, 2016 11:13pm
@SAEED MASOOD Truely elaborated! Mr. Abbassi need to go through facts again! Plz recheck before further comments. Rest Politician are not that insensitive as portrayed by Mr. Abbasi. Most of them are very good human being & exceptios are always there. Finally there should not be a single abduction dear Punjab Govt.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:16pm
@SAEED MASOOD you must be joking right? serving a legal notice or even warning on whatsapp and twittering is ridiculous. And what about people who are named in Just. Bakir's report? what needs to be done to them? oohh yes make them law minister and chief minister on top never ask question to them. Source of information correctly stated is from the media and quoting them should not be barring anyone to tweet or setting f.book status. legal notice served on just status of right information but letting a MNA say crap about Pakistan in the assembly is just Perfect and should be applauded! Double standereds!
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Aug 31, 2016 11:17pm
Not a good move by the government......displays a sense of panic and that certainly can't be good.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:18pm
I don't think Humza said anything wrong....he was concerned that 900 children were kidnapped and as reported by media!
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Aug 31, 2016 11:21pm
Being a citizsn of Pakistsn Abbasi shohld not make hue and cry rather he should submit his explanation and thus respect the law. Everybody upholds truth but when he himself is asked to speak the truth he starts blaming others. If govt is insensitive, corrupt and does not rule by law its enough to level the real allegations. What does forces u to mix lies??? Is your truth not enough or less forcefull that u take the help of lies to create panic and sensation?
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Aug 31, 2016 11:26pm
Bravo! Hamza Ali Abbasi is a true star both in real life and in television dramas.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:39pm
@SAEED MASOOD Warning about what? What are you talking about? A citizen of a free state is allowed to express his/her opinion (barring hate speech). I don't know what would you warn Mr. Abassi about!
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Aug 31, 2016 11:40pm
Humza Abbasi is a political opponent of PML N ! Therefore it was expected !
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Aug 31, 2016 11:41pm
Abbas should be made accountable for his irresponsible statement because airing such statement would creat discomfort in the masses.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:44pm
Well said Hamza
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Aug 31, 2016 11:48pm
Someone who is in the news as much as this guy, its usually trouble.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:48pm
This is what a rumour is. Spreading without proof. Media houses should borne the responsibility for irresponsible reporting but will not absolve someone who act on such reports. I also read a Facebook message of a renowned anchor that he met with a kidnapper who said he has kidnapped 200 kids and I thought myself 200 is a big number and it cannot be true. I never shared or liked that post.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:51pm
So the PM Nawaz Sharif children are named in Panama papers for money laundering and tax evasion yet there are no legal notices that have been served. HAA updates his FB status and gets a legal notice.
Waiting pariently for Maryam Nawaz tweets on this sorry episode ... I guess I will have to wait indefinitely.
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Aug 31, 2016 11:53pm
Why are reports of kidnapping then coming up in the media...I would say Mr Abbasi is wrong as our Politicians cannot be even compared to animals as they have no connections and feelings for the common people. What would happen if any ministers child is kidnapped. The same response comes for every child of any common man in UK because for them every individual is precious.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:01am
Leave him alone. He is good man.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:13am
Even 1 kidnaped child is too many.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:22am
He is a CSP officer who qualified css 2009,allocated in Police service of Pakistan but later joined acting career.a guy who has done master in international relations is not at a layman.so what he provided were based on facts which he SLAPPED at the end to this gov in beffitting manner........A TIGHT SLAP TO Wake the sleeping officials in Gov....Hope they may woke up....
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Sep 01, 2016 12:30am
Even a Member of PML (N) and Asifa Bhutto Zardari also commented on this matter...what about them? Strange to see Hamza being singled out here. I guess it's due to his affiliation with PTI.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:30am
The fact of the matter is that there is no such thing as 'Freedom of Speech' in most third world countries.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:36am
Freedom of speech given to Pakistan by a "dictator"
Suppression of freedom of speech being enforced by a "democratic" government.
A shameful show of intolerance by a corrupt mafia ruling the country.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:42am
@SAEED MASOOD Kindly note that Mr Abbasi has already provided his sources (news links) and it seems that you have already declared him a culprit without knowing the truth. Truth is always bitter and more certainly for the thugs in this country where speaking matters but actions on the ground don't !
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Sep 01, 2016 12:44am
Leave him alone. He is a good man.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:03am
@SAEED MASOOD what you mean is people should shut up and put up with these corrupt officials.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:03am
Hasn't the government other more serious issues to attend to. Obviously not.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:03am
Speaking the truth gets you in trouble.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:04am
Pakistan is fortunate to have a activist like Hamza who has the courage to speak for the oppressed and weak.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:20am
Animals are far more sensitive than humans, especially who call themselves politicians.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:28am
You did well in qouting facts with referrences from news channels....thereby giving them TIGHT SLAP to their always sleeping consciences.hope they may woke up....
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Sep 01, 2016 01:36am
Issue of missing children is highly exaggerated due to political reasons. Around 90 percent of the missing children are those who run away from their houses in view of the abusive domestic environment or because of the fear of their parents for children's acts of thefts etc.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:55am
This is an attempt to silence people from complaining and pointing government flaws and frauds !
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Sep 01, 2016 01:56am
Everyone is corrupt in some way. But Pakistan politicians, bureaucracy police God forbid are the worst example in the world. They lead the corrupt.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:56am
Steer clear of politics of PTI propaganda team! I would rather like you to stick to what you know the profession that you are in.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:59am
Even if the number of missing or kidnapped children is one-third of the number given by Hamza Ali Abbassi, it is far too many. There should be zero tolerance for such heinous crimes. Hamza has done no wrong. He has only drawn attention to a heart-rending problem.
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Sep 01, 2016 02:01am
In Pakistan, if you speak conspiracy theory, it is OK. But nobody is allowed to speak truth.
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Sep 01, 2016 02:18am
Oh so goverment is saying only 400 children's got kidnapped as if that makes it ok.
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Sep 01, 2016 02:24am
Look who is serving notice - the criminals
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Sep 01, 2016 02:39am
"Road to hell is paved with good intentions" it is not the intent of law it is is intolerance of the group in power. Some want absolute power. I am not a follower of intolerant arrogant Ik either. Kidnapping of a child and abuse should be intolerable crime.
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Sep 01, 2016 02:56am
So the government is trying to bully a common man for his facebook post which is based on TV news reports. Shame on the government. Serve notices to media first. Instead of catching kidnappers they are behind innocent people who are highlighting the serious issue.
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Sep 01, 2016 03:04am
Court will definitely hear the proceedings of this notice but for Panama corruption petition they don't have time
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Sep 01, 2016 03:14am
@SAEED MASOOD (Every Pakistani should control himself in public matters) WHY? are we living in dictatorship or democracy ? it should be the opposite, every citizen should question there govt when suspected of doing something fishy,just controlling yourself and say nothing against evil is immoral and unethical.
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Sep 01, 2016 03:13am
Government says Abassi has exaggerated and there are only 1/3 or so.
That is still 300. Does this mean tht 300 is an acceptable number? even one should not be acceptable.
let Abbasi go, catch the culprits
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Sep 01, 2016 03:24am
Government is stupid.
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Sep 01, 2016 03:30am
PML(N) has lost their marbles; it's a well known fact that children have been kidnapped. However the Sharif government would rather bury their head in the sand, pretend and hope that the issue would go away.
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Sep 01, 2016 04:00am
Welcome to the Kingdom of Pakistan
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Sep 01, 2016 04:01am
implementation of "cyber-crime bill 2016" has begun.Now talking will be a crime ssssssshhhhhh!
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Sep 01, 2016 04:02am
The notice states that the number of missing children quoted by Hamza is incorrect and is "less than one third that you (Hamza) reported".
So the Punjab Government does admit to the fact that there are missing children.
The fact is that Punjab Government has failed in their responsibilities, should not they be the one whom should be served with notice and punished?
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Sep 01, 2016 05:02am
So did did Hamza said wrong? Aren't these good for nothing corrupt to the core politicians of PML-N any better than what Hamza has described them? The Sharif government, especially the Punjab government has lost its bearing and have no clue where they are heading.
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Sep 01, 2016 05:12am
Some people have enough time to spend on prosecuting a citizen of this country for raising awareness of ridiculous situation that persists instead of trying to fix the problem. If the problem gets fixed, there will be no one protesting but PMLN being PMLN they went for the supposedly easy route of silencing the voice instead of working on their incompetencies.
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Sep 01, 2016 05:16am
I don't support GOP action as well as Hamza's statement. No one has the right of using abusive language against anyone.
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Sep 01, 2016 05:40am
Anyone trying to challenge and expose their bad governance is a bad guy. I mean the guy provided proof of where he got his news from, so what's the point of going after him??? And try to solve these problems faced by common people, you didn't come into power for foreign trips and looting only.
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Sep 01, 2016 05:43am
Where is the freedom of expression now.?
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Sep 01, 2016 05:44am
Truth needs to be prevail . Govt is hiding information as well. Very sensitive area and govt needs to focus about the issue instead of sending legal notice .
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Sep 01, 2016 05:45am
"Sharif Royal Family": Interesting choice of words. There is a motive right there for attacking gov whether it is correct or not.
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Sep 01, 2016 05:50am
Hungry for publicity, want remain in media for good or bad comments..
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Sep 01, 2016 05:52am
@SAEED MASOOD Warning should be enough, REALLY? Why do you even bring PTI in to this, kidnappings are taking place and on rise while punjab govt keeps denying it just like they denied the child pornography network run under some of the punjab's policy higher ups protection.
Do you know what's really going on or are you one of those from punjab who always coverup and defend any thing negative happening there?
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Sep 01, 2016 05:59am
He was only commenting on news report!
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Sep 01, 2016 06:11am
Seems like the punjab government does not have work at hand and that is why this harassment of private citizens.
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Sep 01, 2016 06:17am
I support Hamza he should not be bullied by Sharif Royal Family as he said.
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Sep 01, 2016 06:26am
Hamza Abbasi, Man of Courage! Standing for Truth!
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Sep 01, 2016 06:30am
Just close your eyes it does not happen in Pakistan
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Sep 01, 2016 06:31am
Shame on this corrupt govt.
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Sep 01, 2016 06:52am
Abbasi seems to have developed a bad habit of wanting to comment on everything, without thinking. Not all news reported on TV channels is reliable, one should also have clear facts before one makes serious accusations publicly about anyone. I'm not saying there is no abduction problem in Punjab, but that we should be careful in issuing any statements on any topic, just on hear-say based on sensational reports by some sources.
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Sep 01, 2016 07:05am
if a commong man cant get information from media then shall we have our own secrete agencies ? How will a common man get information about performance of govt or any other issues if 10s of media channels publish a news and even then an individual cant discuss it..the kids kidnapping issues was openly discussed on media. Hamza didnt dislose this news
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Sep 01, 2016 07:16am
Ever this person said anything about KPK whom he supports. Abbasi's statement is biased. If not then he should prove that.
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Sep 01, 2016 07:22am
@SAEED MASOOD Enough is enough and we all need to more vibrant & vocal on all the basic civic issues & lawlessness in this country and specially kidnapping of children . All people need to be sensitive to show their concern for Pakistan's well being
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Sep 01, 2016 09:03am
Imran Khan is 100% correct in saying that this is not democracy . This is BADSHAHAT and Kings men dont hesitate to punish commom citizens which talk against the bad governance and rule
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Sep 01, 2016 09:11am
lol... False Rumours.
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Sep 01, 2016 09:11am
So, less than one third of 900 is what 250 - 300, which according to the Punjab government is NOT a number to "create a sense of insecurity in general public" because this is normal???? Can somebody please remind them that Hamza was talking about Human Beings!
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Sep 01, 2016 09:13am
Good move.The spreaders of rumors should be put to investigation. This is typical PTI stance they spread rumours absed on their wishful thinking and false information and when confronted they run off and say we were told by someone else. These kind of people should be sent notices so as to stop the
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Sep 01, 2016 09:15am
People like Hamza are responsible for inspiring fear and forwarding of false information. I am amazed why Hamza is still tweeting openly despite his agreeing to the fact that he was basing his allegation on rumours.
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Sep 01, 2016 09:27am
Very well pointed Hamza, we support you.
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Sep 01, 2016 09:27am
Quite a few cases where police catch people and put them behind bars based on false information that was given based on enemy or envious behavior. Same Hamza is doing puts allegations without any proof based on what? I firmly believe that he is anxious as like PTI of PML N performance and is trying his best to malign the Govt. But time has come we take strict actions against all who provide false information and due to which the innocents had to suffer
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Sep 01, 2016 09:55am
@SAEED MASOOD How do you feel controlling yourself when you send your children to school daily in all these rumors or the supposed 1/3 reality ? Instead of sending notices don't you think govt should take real actions ? Wouldn't it be more positive reply ( I would say a slap) by the govt to respond with the number of actions it has taken to fix the problem ? At one place you keep shouting about the democracy and on the other hand you starts to send notices if someone speaks. Just try to think like a parent instead of supporter of one or the other, and if you are a parent you can not risk the life of your child by thinking Oh these are just rumors. Still 1/3 means 300 children doesn't mean anything to govt, that means 900 hearts are bleeding to death and 3/4 of them can not die, yes do the math.
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Sep 01, 2016 10:03am
@SAEED MASOOD warning for what discussing published news items?
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Sep 01, 2016 10:05am
Bunch of illiterates bring these nooras into power and they show their power to literates.
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Sep 01, 2016 10:19am
I think the same day PMLN MPA & Asifa Bhutto also tweet the same news regarding abduction of children. Is it victimization only ?? God help Pakistan
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Sep 01, 2016 10:22am
What kind of a system are our government department leadership running? Do they have any code-of-conduct which support their daily routine tasks at their work place? I received information from print-electronic media, and based on that I make my own assessment of any specific situation.
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Sep 01, 2016 10:37am
The pathetic and baseless rumor spreading has to stop and it has to be started from somewhere.
And it cannot start from ordinary facebook users. It will start from celebrities whom people follow and this is what has happened here.
How you quote and spread the information which you are yourself now sure of ??
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Sep 01, 2016 11:44am
@SAEED MASOOD
Being a Pakistan Hamza Abbasi has right to express his grave concerns over the issue pertaining to Our country ,we must stand up against the atrocities being done in pakistan .he must say against anything which is illegal
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Sep 01, 2016 12:21pm
Why Pakistani justice system giving hard time to common men in Pakistan? There are other high priorities cases like corruptions by govt. leaders.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:25pm
@Anjum Ali Unfortunately all institution in Pakistan have been hijacked by PML N govt. Its bad governance by PML N. Hamza Abbasi is correct. Can you send your young siblings alone at night or somewhere on his own???. The answer is clearly "NO" When such insecurity happens its not Abbasi to be blamed it govt which has failed miserably in running affairs of country.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:30pm
@SAEED MASOOD So in short you are ruling out the fact of kidnapping being done in Punjab ??? Do you have the courage to send your young sibling alone in Park, or at cinema or at other places???? Instead of sending the notice to Abbasi PML N should have taken step to win trust of people and not warn people of speaking the truth.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:31pm
@SAEED MASOOD So you are suggesting that all bad news about the country should be brushed under the carpet? what kind of stupid thinking is that? How can you improve things unless you talk about them and force the authorities to take action against criminals? If this is how a person who raises crucial issues is treated, then I feel very sorry for your country.
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Sep 01, 2016 12:33pm
If what he is saying is the truth, then he should be rewarded for highlighting the situation, not punished by being prosecuted. What kind of a country is this where ordinary people highlighting the plight of kidnapped children are being punished while the perpetrators of this crime are roaming free?
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Sep 01, 2016 12:50pm
He should've given links to Dawn.com for proofs. No one can be as authentic as Dawn.
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Sep 01, 2016 01:13pm
He should be more responsible with his tweets next time..
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Sep 01, 2016 01:53pm
He should understand that truth doesn't go down very well with the establishment.
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Sep 01, 2016 03:09pm
This step by government indicates that Abbasi's viewpoint and his statements are of such "significant and important nature" with relevance to their impact on masses that to cater to the effects of his facebook post necessitates prompt legal action from government.
Correctness of Hamza Ali Abbasi's any statement or facebook post is a matter of extreme importance, please.
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Sep 01, 2016 03:48pm
NS and His Family live like Moghals, They Think Pakistan is their Empire and they are the Kings. So Whoever Will Question them He will be served with a Super Legal Notice.
Police is Only their Security, To hell with General Public.
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