The plot thickens

Published March 27, 2010

Just when it seemed finally we may be getting somewhere, Nawaz Sharif decided nope, not yet – this saga needs another twist. And what great timing he had! With this plot in mind, just before the constitutional amendment bill was supposed to be signed, the PML-N chief backtracked on the party’s stance on the judge’s appointment issue and renaming of the NWFP.

Where President Zardari can easily be criticised and constantly labeled as corrupt, here he would have come out the president under whom accomplishments such as an NFC award and Gilgit-Baltistan autonomy took place. The constitutional amendment package could have had a happy conclusion too if Sharif hadn’t thrown a fit last minute. By not supporting this amendment, he has automatically made himself the antagonist who some may feel is not happy about PPP taking credit for this historic bill. Among all the other not-so-great things Nawaz Sharif might be known for, now he is the leader of the party due to which the journey towards a major triumph has been stalled. Some might even ask if his perpetual criticism of Zardari is even legit now that he is the one who is coming between the movement towards progress.

PML-N may have not expected Zardari would get rid off his powers, but since things didn’t go according to plan, Sharif perhaps panicked – one less thing for him to complain about during his press conferences.

And the amount of fuss being thrown by Sharif’s party over renaming the NWFP makes it seem as if Punjab is being renamed! Will renaming the province “Pakhtoonkhwa” really wipe out the party in the province, as Sharif fears? Either way, Sharif is not ready to back down on this one and insists that the leadership should wait for consensus, even if it takes time. Taking too much time, however, may have other implications.

The number of judges was increased by requests made by the PML-N but oh wait, the “mechanism” agreed for the judges’ appointment was unacceptable. The reforms package was finalised only after complete consensus so can the committee chairman Raza Rabbani really be blamed for being extremely frustrated? Can we really be blamed for having a lack of faith in certain indecisive leaders bent on ruling a nation that is aching for some sort of consistency and stability?

Shyema Sajjad is a Desk Editor at Dawn.com

Blogs

179

Ahmad Ali

Mar 27, 2010 10:31am

What is the problem with Mr. Nawaz? I don't understand, we want our province name to be changed. Ask the people of NWFP if the majority wants that then the province should be named "PUKHTOONKHWA" . NWFP name is going to be changed not Punjab's then why its bothering Mr. Sharif so much?

Recommend 0

S.A.Khan

Mar 27, 2010 10:27am

In terms of Pakistan politics, I have always maintained that Nawaz Sharif is politically egoist and religious conservative. I do not understand why Pakistan electorate do not notice it.

Recommend 0

nova

Mar 27, 2010 09:11am

Our economy is almost crumbled by this crisis and our intelligent politicians want to change the name of the province. Change of name wont bring peace and harmony and development in the province.

Recommend 0

Fareed Ahmed

Mar 27, 2010 08:48am

A nation doomed, gets incompetent leaders!

Recommend 0

malik110

Mar 27, 2010 05:10am

It is either his way or the highway. He wants this feud just to end the ban on being PM for third time.

Recommend 0

ibrar

Mar 27, 2010 07:52am

I think it would have been appropriate if the PML(N) had voiced its concern in the meetings of PCCR instead of coming out against it, at such a belated stage. However, even now saner elements on both the sides should try to salvage the situation for the sake of the people of this country!!!

Recommend 0

AK Singh

Mar 27, 2010 08:27am

At the time of independence Pakistan had NWFP, North Western Frontier Province and India had NEFA, North Eastern Frontier Agency, both names given by British. NEFA has been renamed Arunachal Pradesh long back with out any hazzels. Fail to understand why Pakistan can NOT agree to rename NWFP as Pakhtoonkhwa. But there are many things about Pakistan which is unfathomable, including the acceptance of rule by Military Dictators which has ruined that country

Recommend 0

jee

Mar 27, 2010 05:27am

Shyema, You, me and so many other Pakistanis can shed tears about our sweet country's future. What a pity! Sorry to say that we can not progress, not because we are at any fault. We are very much talented as other nations. Let us hope that our leaders start thinking positively about each other.

Recommend 0

Noreen Shams

Mar 27, 2010 05:35am

Truly is all about game of credit ... where Sharif panicked for losing the ground in each and every issue when Sharif pondered over and tried to begin new anarchy in the system .... everyone witnessed govt has fulfilled all demands of the PML-N and instead of pulling the system in dark ... govt reined system to the path of normalcy now PML-N came up with another chaos .... it might be because as the writer said they were not expecting that Zardari will be ready to lose his powers ......

Recommend 0

tanveer

Mar 27, 2010 05:46am

Mr Sharif need to eat more SIREE PAYEE to keep his mind in working condition. I invite him to join me on breakfast for this very purpose.

Recommend 0

Mushtaq Ahmed

Mar 27, 2010 08:23am

Good analysis. Selfish and incompetent leaders will keep themselves busy in non issues. When shall these leaders wake up and start working for the betterment of people ? The question is , do they deserve the enormous perks and privileges while the nation is driven to dark ages ?

Recommend 0

SHAHID IQBAL

Mar 27, 2010 05:49am

Nawaz Sharif has been making historic blunders throughout his career. He did it again. His last mistake of choosing an incapable Army Chief brought military rule to Pakistan. This time he threw a spanner at the last minute. The nation may have to pay heavy price of this folly because the hawks may not give us enough time.

Recommend 0

Saad

Mar 27, 2010 05:50am

Benazir stepped in to fight for democracy, nothing less then her life was at stake. Wali khan supported the American action to put an end to the tyrannical regime of Taliban in Afghanistan with the obvious threats to his life. And our lovely Nawaz Sharif pulled his legs from the by-election, is it leadership ??? And now backtracking on constitutional amendments !!! And what harm will it do to him to accept Pukhtoonkhwa on the map of Pakistan? Can't he just accept the Pashtoons as our brethrens? Can there be anything more great then the secular nationalist party wanting to see the Pashtoons on the map of Pakistan? They are giving their blood and fighting the brunt of the war for the survival of this country, while Sharif begs the terrorists for forgiving his province, which by the way is not only his, is ours as well but then Pakhtoonkhwa is dear to us as Punjab, Sindh or Baluchistan. So they definitely have the right to put their name on the map of this country.

Recommend 0

Javed

Mar 27, 2010 08:19am

Why is everyone so surprised? He just did what he does best. Chaos..... His dream of becoming the Amir ul Momineen might have gotten a rude jolt in 1999 but the dream lives on. He is just trying to take care of his dreamt up future Guys.

Recommend 0

Aamir

Mar 27, 2010 06:13am

This is the problem with Pakistan that we are always awarded with politicians who are more inclined for self survival rather then the survival of the very country. With people dying all around, Jobs and power shortages, unbearable high cost of living, increased feeling of insecurity and zero love for the country, these people sitting in the parliament are more interested in their vest interest rather than to bring some relief to a common citizen. With the Zardaris and the Sharifs in the controlling seats, country will never be able to come out of the chaos it is facing now.

Recommend 0

Narat Baloch

Mar 27, 2010 06:18am

It is now very obvious that Mr Nawaz Shareef has been exposed as a undemocratic, conspirator and has lack of vision. He has always been a only Punjabi leader and has played in the hands of hidden "powers". His all politics has merely been based on cheap populist slogans and a right wing conservative Punjabi politics. Now it has been proved that it is Mr Shareef who doesn't want the constitution be amended according to the wishes of the smaller Provinces. Nawaz Shareefs panic to repeal the 17th amendment was only for 3rd time prime minister ship. What an irony that a politician of his stature asking the Prime Minister to go the Chief Justice and seek his permission regarding the procedure of appointing the judges, where is the supremacy of parliament?. Ultimately Zardari is now in the winning seat, and Mr Shareef is tailing behind the truck.

Recommend 0

Khawaja Zeeshan

Mar 27, 2010 06:22am

I think these reform packages will do little good for us (common Folks), we should focus on gaining back our lost glory, not long ago (back in 80's & 90's), we had super star in every field, people used to make role models out of Cricketers (Imran, Jawaid, Zaheer, Majid, Wasim, Waqar etc), Hockey (Samiullah, Hanif Khan, Hassan Sardar soo on), Squash (Jahangir & Jansher), Media (so many decent celebrities like Qavi, Abid Ali, Anwar Maqsood, Salim Nasir, Uzma Gilani, Nazia Hassan, Shanaz Sheikh) And can somebody talk sense in our TV channels, 90% of prime time TV is wasted from 7pm till 12pm on talk shows (atleast 20-30 on politics/terrorism in 5 hours) showing same people everyday fighting, arguing, blaming, throwing dirt & lying to the nation, every single day, I don't want to see them, I want good entertainment when I get back home after a hard day at work, and you know what I find that in foreign channel's, but nothing in our channels. GIVE US A BREAK.

Recommend 0

Nasir Chaudhry

Mar 27, 2010 07:46am

Here are few names for NWFP 1. PAKHTOBER - Combination of PAKHTOONKHWA and KHYBER 2. PAKHTOANIA - Combination of PAKTOONKHWA and AFGHANIA 3. PAKHTOSEN - Combibation of PAKHTOONKHA and ABASEEN 4. PAKHTOHAARA - Combination of PAKHTOONKHWA and GHANDHAARA The reason for keeping PAKHTO in it is in line with the names of other PROVINCES

Recommend 0

Abdul Nishapuri

Mar 27, 2010 06:37am

Excellent analysis, Shyema

Recommend 0

Mansoor Warraich

Mar 27, 2010 06:50am

This was the moment to be seized by PML N. On very weak reasons, they failed to do so. Didn't they know the mechanism of appointment of judges, as stipulated in the bill. How can they come up with this lame excuse that they don't agree on the mechanism. Is there any consensus with in PML N. Or is the party being run under the IRON HAND of Mian sahib. For god's sake take such decision after consultation from party leaders. Give something to this nation which it deserves. One of the sicknesses that we are suffering from is "Indecision"

Recommend 0

Quaid J. Surti

Mar 27, 2010 07:15am

It is obvious that Nawaz Sharif is looking ahead in next three years to become President himself as he can no longer be a prime minister. The plans on the issue of constitutional reforms was going smoothly for all the Parties as well as for the nation. Unfortunately our leaders are looking at their own interests first before serving the nation.

Recommend 0

Ejaz

Mar 27, 2010 08:04am

I fail to understand that who has given the right to Mian Sahb to decide the name of NWFP? Provincial assembly has passed the resolution in its favour. Let us become democratic in letter and spirit. If PMLN loses its vote bank in the event of renaming it should accept the majority view and convince its hawks for bieng a political/democracy-loving party. PMLN has disappointed every pakistani

Recommend 0

Goga Nalaik

Mar 27, 2010 10:59am

Sheyama has very well recapitulated the whole game. I've never considered Shareef brothers as true politicians. To me, they are nothing more than opportunists. I invite you all to take a look at their political carrier and see what they have really done for the country in the past 10 years. Goga Nalaik

Recommend 0

Nayab

Mar 27, 2010 11:07am

We, the Punjabis, so conveniently label others "anti-state", "traitors", "separatists", and the like. From what the junior Sharif said a few days back (Taliban sparing Punjab), and the senior Sharif did the day before yesterday it seems there is only one separatist movement going on in Pakistan, and that is in Punjab. It is the province that is found to be going against the other three provinces no matter what the issue is. The Punjabis need to think about their support to the Sharifs before it breaks up the country, leading to a "Free Punjab". Recent events are a matter of great shame for all Punjabis, given they consider themselves Pakistanis too.

Recommend 0

Muhammad Rizwan

Mar 27, 2010 11:14am

He showed his arrogance and tried to prove that nothing can be done without his consent. I want to ask those people who used to criticise zardari for taking decisions that is nawaz sharif an elected MNA if not then how he is taking decisions? If he can take decisions on behalf of his party then why zardari cannot do the same. Is parliament really supreme?

Recommend 0

Qasim

Mar 27, 2010 11:25am

Apparently PML(N) has agreed the new name of NWFP, AFGHANIA!!!! How can they not accept PUKHTOONKHAWA and accept AFGHANIA? Are we accepting the claims of Afghans about the doubtfulness of Durand line? So the next step will be the acceptance of NWFP as part of Afghanistan!!!!PML(N) looks like is even devoid of basic common sense let alone any smartness and morality. Nawaz Sharif & Co can think of many names and will not hesitate of handing the country over because they can have six or seven meals a day as against a hardworking common man who is strugling for one meal a day. Keep doing the great work Mian Sahib!!!!!!!!!! No civilised country of the world can afford to have a leader like ours, but we have elected them more than once, we are ONCE BITTEN NEVER SHY!!!!!!!!

Recommend 0

Wajahat Ali Gilgit

Mar 27, 2010 11:25am

I think most of the readers are missing the point that there is a substantial chunk of NWFP whose residents have strong reservations for the name

Recommend 0

Qasim

Mar 27, 2010 11:28am

What about the different combinations for the Province of Punjab?

Recommend 0

Asim

Mar 27, 2010 12:19pm

The whole story has a very positive aspect inside it. 1: First we should appreciate that the committee has reached consensus on a lot of issues. That shows some maturity. 2: Media has shown to the politicians "Think before you speak". And no politician is media favourite Now I think the major issue is the Renaming of NWFP. That will take sometime. This is a real test of politicians to reach a consensus name keeping in view the sentiments of all inhabitants of province. But hopefully this consensus will be evolved just like the consenus was reached in NFC accord.

Recommend 0

riaz

Mar 27, 2010 12:54pm

this is a selfcentric and egoistic decision by nawaz sharif. he thinks that he is the sole super power of pakistan politics after late Benazir Bhutto. we may not get this chance of constitutional amendmant. nawaz sharif plz stop thinking about vote bank just for second and think about the political revolution this amendmant going to bring.

Recommend 0

asad

Mar 27, 2010 12:59pm

Imran khan Zindabad. The dumb Sharif has lost my vote.

Recommend 0

Riaz Ul Hassan

Mar 27, 2010 12:59pm

I think the names of other provinces should be changed not the NWFP. These names along with other issues have already divided our nation into groups. We never think as a nation instead we think we are punjabi, sindh, pathan, balochi and bla bla. Dilects have become our recognition in additions to cast and lords system. World is thinking about global warming, because only the 2C rise in temperature may bring a deadly drought in the world and there would be nothing to talk, nothing to fight, but why do we care we don't consume energy though we don't have.

Recommend 0

mohammed ali jawaid

Mar 27, 2010 01:08pm

Mr. Ahmed Ali, the only objection is that it smells ethnicity. Plus this has unnecessarily become part of a larger constitutional reform package. There is a remedy of referendum given in the constitution, used in the past for wrong reasons, can be tried and the result will satisfy all. why ANP is insisting on a name which points to another notorious name 'Pakhtunistan'? why can't be Khyber or Abaseen or else? In India these issues were settled soon after partition. Names of CP (Central Province) Or UP (United Province) were changed with Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Predesh and nobody objected. Please promote referendum for this issue in the whole of NWFP province as a solution because a resolution passed by the provincial assembly cannot be accpeted as lasting one and can be easily reversed by any non-ANP party in power at that time. think about it.

Recommend 0

mohammed ali jawaid

Mar 27, 2010 01:18pm

Good effort Mr. Nasir. Only solution comes to mind is a referendum in the province. Referendum is constitutional and will have acceptability of the whole population at large in the province. All these names including Pakhtoonkhwa can be put in the list for the referendum. We should not fight on such an issue which will only promote divisions among Pakistani nation which the country cannot afford at all.

Recommend 0

Progressive Pakistani

Mar 27, 2010 01:29pm

This is really shocking moment in history because this approach of PMLN leader has sent very negative signal to whole Pakistan especially smaller provinces,where people now feel that Punjab based Leadership is not ready to give provincial autonomy.The Raza Rabbani committee's Provincial autonomy work is not hailed on larger extent in smaller provinces especially in Sindh and Baluchistan and People consider it as Loli pop of Provincial autonomy but statement of PMLN leader NS has surprised the people of smaller provinces,giving a feeling that even such low scale autonomy proposal is hindered by PMLN leader NS then how could a federation get stronger if even constitutional road map to wards solving problems of federation wont be allowed to work,then what choice is left for people to consider for resolution of long standing issues? Such stubborn attitudes of PMLN will not only undermine the 'sense of respect' for NS in smaller provinces but it may be detrimental to the federation as well.

Recommend 0

haider

Mar 27, 2010 01:37pm

i think its time that Mr Nawaz should become a true leader (if he is) rather than becoming a B-team of judiciary. Leaders are those who lead by their own vision not those who change their stance after meeting a group of lawyers!! Now i think we are moving toward another dictatorship, a JUDICIAL DICTATORSHIP!!!!

Recommend 0

Schazad

Mar 27, 2010 01:42pm

If there is nothing in the name, y don't u change ur name to something else less pleasant or just "no name" and also y do the other provinces have name based on their "identity". Change of name will defenitely be a step towards peace and harmony.

Recommend 0

Citizen of Hope

Mar 27, 2010 01:59pm

Well, looking at the bulk of responses, folks are just responding to the author's opinion/speculation. I fully agree w/ Fareed Ahmed, as he eloquently put it, "A Nation doomed gets incompetent leaders". NWFP name change is a non-issue, a typical political smoke screen to keep the masses confused. Let the people chose any name they want and move on! What we need more of are, statesmen with integrity as their top virtue, philosophers like Allama Iqbal, visionary leaders that can show us the way, compassionate human being like Eidhi. And above all we need the will to change the status quo, to challenge it, and to turn it on its head. Or Alas, there won't be a Nation we can proudly belong to and a place we can call home.

Recommend 0

Irfan Hussain

Mar 27, 2010 02:07pm

The answer of this debate is very straightforward

Recommend 0

Tahir Rasheed

Mar 27, 2010 02:30pm

Nawaz Sharif has made a brilliant move. For the first time in the tumultuous political history of Pakistan, PPP must be allowed to die politically, with all the powers of the presidency and dictatorship under the current constitution with it in power. Already two years into its self destruction a constitutional package now is like a big time rescue to its extremely poor record of governance. If the election was held today, PPP would be routed. If it is held tomorrow, meaning at the end of PPPs term in the office, it will bring an end to PPP and its very damaging historical contribution to politics of Pakistan. This PPP would have died politically had ZA Bhutto continued into his second term. It would have finished had we allowed Benazir complete her very first tem. If you don

Recommend 0

Atif Munawar Mir

Mar 27, 2010 02:35pm

I have never seen Pakistani political leaders debating passionately about the issues that directly affect the lives of common people such as education, infrastructure, health services, pollution etc...Every time I come to Pakistani newspaper website, the national discussion and debate is about the powers of state institutions. The debate about the constitutional powers of state institutions is certainly legitimate and is good for democratic development of the country. But this debate has become a national pasttime for politicans and pundits and is crippling the social and economic development of the country. The constitutional amendment package must pass so that this debate ends. The leaders should stop debating powers of national institutions and should start to rebuild national institutions that are in shambles. So I request Mr Nawaz Sharif to reverse his U-Turn.

Recommend 0

Ibrahim Raja

Mar 27, 2010 02:44pm

Mian Nawaz Sharif has a point whether some one like it or not. Naming a province should not be on ethnic basis even though some quarters are working for disintegration of Pakistan on ethnic basis. It's very dangerous trend to accept a name like "Pashtun Khaw" or Saraiki province. Pakistan must have Islamic identity and it's provinces should be given names that increase brotherhood, collectiveness otherwise one can see voices raising to have provinces like Rajputana p, Malkaana ,Gujrati , pothwaari ,Hazaarwi province and Allah knows what ??. We Pakistanis have become mad. Instead of focusing on problems and their solutions pertaining to poor people we dividing ourselves in small groups and that will lead to sole destruction.

Recommend 0

faraz ahmad

Mar 27, 2010 03:04pm

This shows how mature leaders we had in past, present and will have in future.

Recommend 0

Pervez Khan

Mar 27, 2010 03:06pm

Enough

Recommend 0

Faria Khan

Mar 27, 2010 03:25pm

Nawaz Sharif has once again proven himself to be incompetent. Why did he not solve the renaming issue weeks ago?

Recommend 0

sami

Mar 27, 2010 03:26pm

All of you are missing the point here. Only reason for his act is that he doesn't want to give credit to PPP for this so now he is making some more conditions and eventually after forcing the government to accept at least some of his new demands regarding judiciary , he will agree to support this amendment and by doing so he will take away some credit from the government. He can't be so fool to really oppose the whole amendment as he must know that it will badly damage the image of the party and he will be sore loser. Its just a political showoff for some days.

Recommend 0

Saad

Mar 27, 2010 03:27pm

I would blame his cook, he should have served him 'Nihari'.

Recommend 0

Saad

Mar 27, 2010 03:28pm

Looks like he wants to be the next powerful president.

Recommend 0

Fazli

Mar 27, 2010 03:48pm

If you believe in democracy, then there is no need for new names. The provincial assembly has already passed a bill asking for "Pakhtunkhwa" as the name of the province. Those who oppose this, do not believe in democracy at all and are the real enemies of democracy. Even Asfandyar or Achakzai does not have the right to propose other names for the province now, because if they do, they are slapping democracy in the face. I guess it would be better if Pashtun start using the following names for other provinces of Pakistan, until the resolution passed in their provincial assembly is honoured by the country: 1) North East Frontier Province (Baltistan) 2) Middle East Province (Punjab) 3) South East Province (Sindh) 4) South West Frontier Province (Balochistan)

Recommend 0

Haseeb

Mar 27, 2010 03:58pm

Problem with our country is that we have blind trust in media. above remarks are clear example, He might be right atleast in my opinion. we cant give absolute right to individual to control judiciary. u have seen what happend before , people plz learn frm history.what makes sense to you, think before you say.. and if its is part of president conspiracy then nawaz ll be more than happy to getr more power.

Recommend 0

Irfan Brohi

Mar 27, 2010 04:18pm

If at all any one is to be blamed, it should be Parvez Musharraf. Why he did not kept the two Sharif brothers out of politics for ever, why only for 10 years. Tho duo are good for nothing, but to create chaos.

Recommend 0

Maria

Mar 27, 2010 04:21pm

Isn't it the job of politicians to speak for their electorates and parties. The real reason Pakistan is slow to develop is because people here don't understand that bickering over policies, speaking on behalf of local support groups is all part of the process. In the end, the groups are supposed to come to a consensus; this process is sometimes achieved in little time and sometimes it takes longer. Some Hazaras oppose the name Pakhtunkhwa since they feel that they will be alienated in a province that doesn't implicitly recognize their name. Ultimately the people of Sarhad will have to agree upon a name but there is no harm in discussion. The same holds true for the constitution. If the provinces could agree on the NFC, there is no reason why they can't agree on more. The only point I'm making that it's childish to assume everyone will agree on everything without lengthy discussions, back tracking, compromises and more hurdles. This is part of democracy which our people have yet to understand. Look at bills and debates in the West which go on for years. If someone thinks that Nawaz Sharif is acting any different from politicians in the West or anywhere else, they understand democracy!

Recommend 0

Bob

Mar 27, 2010 04:24pm

What was the original, historical name of the region? After all, Pakhtoon have not arrived lately in the region, they have been there for thousands of years. It is logical to call the region by its original historical name, like Sindh is the original name. I understand Punjab, Balochistan, Baltistan are also original names.

Recommend 0

Abu Ali Abdul Ala

Mar 27, 2010 04:26pm

I am not surprised at all by the recent statement of Nawaz Sharif made on the issue of judges' appointment and renaming of NWFP. Why there is so much hue and cry if he has put forward some right suggestions. Is it not fare if a head of an institution or department is given his due right to recommend his views in the change of his domain. Similarly NWFP is not inhabited by all pushtuns a big chunk of non pushtuns are also living in this province. This area or province has never have had the name of pushtun in the past. At the time of partition only Ghaffar Khan was interested to give new name 'Pushtun" to this province initially. We can not sweep away the desire of 40 percent or so residents of that province by a single stroke without hearing them in the matter. I strongly believe Nawaz Sharif has taken a very right stand and the nation will be heavily indebted to his right stand in future. What is harm if some issues are reconsidered once more to the satisfaction of entire the nation.

Recommend 0

Bob

Mar 27, 2010 04:39pm

Pakistan needs leadership with a strong vision, not one with anger in their hearts. By vision I mean the strategic objectives at the highest level for the benefit of the people of Pakistan, and a doable plan to translate the vision into reality, with risks fully anticipated & planned with contingency . Look at Obama, he never reacts. He responds effectively. He picked up former foes like Mrs. Clinton as his right hand. She fought fiercely to defeat Obama in the run up to the elections & threw kitchen sink at him, not once. He forgot every thing, and is focused on his vision, and considers everything else an opportunity to reach his higher vision, means to an end, because the end is noble, and vendetta an act of low lives, a trivial pursuit. Obama signed the health plan. Now he is working hard to get the job bill passed. He is relentlessly working to put american back to work. He is taking away the tax breaks given to capitalist for outsourcing by Bush, and instead giving tax breaks to those who create man hours.

Recommend 0

democracyfirst

Mar 27, 2010 04:48pm

Guys, this is how democracy works. Things move slowly. Selfish politicians can subvert public good every now and then. But have patience. Democracy works out in the long run.

Recommend 0

Kamran

Mar 27, 2010 05:13pm

Isn't he the same person who signed a deal with the same dictator to stay away from politics for 10 years to apparently save his and family life from some petty hardship (nazarbund). Good Luck to all who see him as a politician... how can you trust this same person if push comes to shove and he has to make life & death decision for Pakistan. Good Luck to those who think he and his brother are good for Pakistan.. Musharaf Zindabad.

Recommend 0

mohammad akram chaudhry

Mar 27, 2010 05:28pm

Almost sixty three years old and we still cannot decide who we really are. Its a shame that even here in the United States when we meet any Asian and ask him/her as to where are you from none absolutely none of the Indian would ever say the name of state where they come from be it Hindu, Muslim or Sikh contrary to meeting someone from Pakistan........oop...no...they are either from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, NWFP or Islamabad. Sometimes you do meet people from Karachi as well. What is name of the country these people come from? What is the name of the Nation if any they belong to? Long time back I was posted to Bangkok working for a multinational company, somebody I knew working in the police department, a known corrupt institution of that country said about Pakistanis that it can never be nation. His exact remarks were A nation that bickers about regionalism and sells its identity for few hundred rupees can NEVER BE A NATION. How true. Can anyone change this???????????

Recommend 0

shakeel

Mar 27, 2010 05:30pm

Look its been proved once again. He can never make decisions with firm stand and always play in some Hidden hands..He must have to change the coterie around him if he has to show the credible of national leader,which he is not at the moment.His shortsightedness in the recent past,can never be forgotten.PPP and Mr.Zardari have shown the courage and capabilities,despite all the pointing fingers about his misdeeds and corruption.Credit goes to PPP and its driving force,the poor people of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

shaukat ali chughtai

Mar 27, 2010 05:32pm

Let us all assemble with firm wish to get rid of these pseudo leadeership of Pakistan including Nawaz Sarif and all others who are working to bring and put Pakistani people under their own dynasties. Should Pakistan people will remain under the subjugation of Sharif and Zardaris and Chaudhris. Do you believe and want Zardari Balawal, Hamza Shahbaz Shrif, Munis Ellahi to be future of Pakistan.Nop....no...no....no. Let us reject all of them ....alll of them......sooner the better.

Recommend 0

Ashraf

Mar 27, 2010 05:42pm

Mr.Sharif has proved once again that he is not in the mould of a national leader. Over a period of time, most of his actions have been revolving around his self interests rather than larger interests of the nation. His unnecessary delaying tactics to derail naming of NWFP just shows how unreliable, tricky and self-centered his politics is, not even bothering for much needed harmony and brotherhood between the provinces. As Prime Minister also, his record has been shocking and not worthy of a mature leader. He had problems with a chief justice of SC, two army chiefs, two presidents and other political leaders. With the kind of majority that he had, not only he wanted to become an Amir ul Mominin, he tried to divide the army by dealing directly with the junior officers of the army, without the knowledge of COAS.

Recommend 0

TAQDIR ALI KHAN ADVOCATE

Mar 27, 2010 06:00pm

Nawaz Sharif has taken a U turn......

Recommend 0

ynmpatel

Mar 27, 2010 06:01pm

Oh Allah please have mercy on us the people of Pakistan and stop giving us leaders who eat Siri-Paya because when they eat it whatever little brain they have ceases to function. we are the most unfortunate people on this earth to have leaders like MNS. Please spear us the people.

Recommend 0

Zahid Ali Afridi

Mar 27, 2010 07:51pm

Not surprised by PML(N) leader Nawaz sharif's statement ....thats his right decision according to the present senario...In politics any kind of turn or u-turn or stop or go ahead is possible specially when its Pakistani politics.

Recommend 0

Nadeem

Mar 27, 2010 08:36pm

All is fair in love and war! There is no need to get frustrated or agitated let the democratic process roll. Let the man speak and see what is at hand. Let's not get impatient be hasty and in due course of time all will be well. Give democracy a chance.

Recommend 0

A.Bajwa

Mar 27, 2010 10:25pm

Nawaz Sharif and his Party should realise that a) Pakistan has paid a heavy pricy for trying to scuttle Pashtoons from the non-violent path advocated by Ghaffar Khan b) ANP provided formidable cushon and support against militancy c)constant wars in pashtoon areas have fomented a feeling of deprivation. For all this to ask for renaming of the province is a small favour.After all Lyallpur and Montgomery were changed were changed into Faisalabad and Sahiwal because the people living there wanted change of names. Pakistan has now to move towards a confederal structure,given it great diversities.We should also take a progressive stance on the reconfiguration of nationalities and their demands and look forward to absorbing Pashtoon areas into Pakistan through an economic union modeled on one between Belgium, and Holland called BENELUX. Jamaluddin Afghani saw a vision like that. Over centuries this region has been yearning for a commonwealth of tribes, somewhat like the Swiss Confederation. We need a leader like Paul Henri Spaak !

Recommend 0

Kiwi

Mar 27, 2010 10:53pm

Bob, would you kindly provide your reference for this Sindh theory? do you really know the history of the 'region'? Could you kindly define 'region'.. which areas you would 'include' or 'exclude' from 'region' you are referring to as Sindh? Could you please also put some light on your Punjab 'understanding'? how old is this name and which 'region' it refers to in history? Looks like ..... (forget it ;) )

Recommend 0

Tahir Rizvi

Mar 27, 2010 11:15pm

PAKISTAN HAS THE MISSFORTUNE OF HAVING BAD POLITICAL LEADERS. All these leaders care about is to get in power by hook or by crook. The tool for these leaders/politicians is to somehow excite the people by some phony issues to harvest their emotions and support to achieve the public support to achieve their end of getting in power. The phony issues to excite Pakistanis are in the following areas: religion, provincialism, constitutional issues, Kashmir, any dispute with India, Israel and the list goes on. None of these issues require these politicians to prove their record, performance, experience or their qualification they may have to prove as to why their opinion is right or they are capable to solve anything. In a country like Pakistan you rarely hear these hotshot leaders/politicians taking upon solving anyone of the real problems of Pakistan such as: unemployment, inflation, productivity of farming, power shortages, infra structure, mining, search for oil & gas, balance of payment deficits and the list is big. To these so called leaders, when you hear them, it seems Pakistan does not have real bread and butter problems except religion, provincialism, constitutional issues, Kashmir, any dispute with India etc. I urge Pakistanis to wake up and ask these so called leaders to

Recommend 0

Khan

Mar 28, 2010 12:26am

Here are few names for NWFP that seem very befitting to the region: 1. KHYBERPAK 2. KHYBERIE 3. KHYBEREEN 4. KHYBERYA 5. KHYBERABAD

Recommend 0

rashid

Mar 28, 2010 12:32am

since when did the pathans needed the chaudaries' input for choosing their province's name.

Recommend 0

Shakil

Mar 28, 2010 12:51am

Mr Sharif is not so sharif, he want to get noticed before anything changes in the country, if we think back towards chief justice issue, this is what he exactly done by taking all the credit at the end :) and thats what he is trying to do, there is no issue but only self projection thats what he required by all this mess!

Recommend 0

Shoaib C. Patail

Mar 28, 2010 01:29am

It is saddened to see PML (N) Chief took 180 degree turn regarding the 18th. amendment. The issue of Pukhtookhawa is a lame excuse. This is not the first time PML (N) turned its back. They had promised ANP before when PML (N) was in power and ANP was in coalition. Out of four provinces, three of them are named base on the local people, then why not Pukhtoonkhawa, I truly believe that everyone should honor this request. It is not the ANP issue request, this is the right to do. The excuse PML (N) has, there are ethnic groups live in that province other than Pukhtoon, so what? Look at Karachi, has diversified population from all ethnic groups, yet it is still a part of Sind. I agreed the word out there that someone or some organization is manipulating PML (N)Chief. Besides, Nawaz does not want this to pass, simply because he is not going to have anything against PPP. I must commend PPP and specially Senator Rabbani for bringing all parties under one Umbrella and got win-win situation. I also concurred that the committee should go forward ignoring PML (N) temper tantrum. Nation needs to move on. Leader comes and goes but the process continues. I would urge Senator Rabbani to present their recommendation to the Parliament. I have mentioned before these S brothers are not politician and leader. Nobody knew them, hybernating in UAE. They are the product of Zia's regime. We have dearth of leaders in PML (N) like Javaid Hashmi and others, it is time the party should get out of S clutches and bring people who are sincere and honest working for the party. I pray to Allah (SWT) to grant S brothers some sense and work for the betterment of the country and not for themselves.

Recommend 0

Om Prakash

Mar 28, 2010 01:56am

Technical merits, if any, in Sharif's last minute arguments should not be thrown without due diligence. Even if someone telephoned Sharif, it is not important. It is good that the amendment is ready beside two issues in contention. Please do not ignore Sharif's contention out of the door as his party is backing him up. Democracy obliges deliberate process - it is slow but, not dismissive, of a reasoned disagreement. Please do not impute unnecessary motives to Sharif. Few days more will not kill the amendment.

Recommend 0

Muhammad.Quddus

Mar 28, 2010 03:21am

Since Pakistan does not have the ways and means to settle problems such as "over-population", "inflation", "Illetracy", "lack of qualtiy education", "absence of science and industry", "lack of energy resources", "women's rights", "minority rights", "debt", "corruption", "poverty", "unemployment"; it is better to go astray in meaningless issues. Is it not the time to recognize what issues are trivial and what issues are important? Civilization is always in need to be saved, says Henry James. In order to save and preserve Pakistan, is it not the job of the political leaders to recognize which fight to pick?

Recommend 0

gP65

Mar 28, 2010 03:24am

So if the issue of naming is not important, why is Nawaz Sharif blocking reforms based on this issue. When all other provinces are named based on the majority population, what is wrong if Pukhtoons want the same for their region?

Recommend 0

gP65

Mar 28, 2010 03:25am

well said Nayab. in fact it is not just today. History shows that Punjab politicians and generals were also responsible for 1971.

Recommend 0

Abbas Khan

Mar 28, 2010 03:52am

Majority of the people in NWFP are pathans, therefore its only logical name is Pakhtoonkhawa.

Recommend 0

Sam

Mar 28, 2010 03:54am

In the US, president makes each appointment and they are confirmed by the senate after open discussion regarding their suitability & previous record. Only senate has the power to accept or reject any appointment including the chief of CIA, armed forces, higher judiciary, etc. Not a single important post can be filled without the approval of the senate. In the senate they discuss the past and present of all candidates and people like Iftikhar Choudhry who have endorsed Mush after he overthrew the elected government have no chance of nomination, let alone become Godlike figure. The president can appoint anybody with basic qualifications as chief justice or a SC judge, at his own will. Even the pure politicians from civilian life having a law degree are considered and appointed. The SC chief justice has no role in any appointment, let alone a political and legal veto! In fact he would not dare speak a word, let alone making daily statements. USA is the richest country and the oldest democracy in the world. However, we only have a total of nine SC judges. Their main job is to deal with the cases that were already tried in the state High Courts, it is not a trial court unlike the present Pakistani SC. The SC here has no right or duty to micro manage the democratically elected governments, let alone be judicial activist with political and religious motives. Obama in his first state of the union speech criticized a decision of SC with the determination that we would change it through the congress. It was in the presence of all the judges of SC quietly sitting there and the whole world watching! SC does not interfere in the affairs of the states, it only interprets the constitution should a situation arise. There is no such action here as

Recommend 0

Nawab

Mar 28, 2010 03:55am

Shareefs have been exposed as undemocratic, conspirators and have lack of visions. They show their true colours once again.

Recommend 0

Zafar AlSyed Chicago

Mar 28, 2010 05:13am

Shyema! Thank you, excellent analysis. In my opinion getting rid of Mr. Musharraf was equally big blunder as getting rid of half Pakistan. Uniform was not the issue but his refusal to be a carbon copy of Zia was. On the top he spoke Urdu which could not be inhaled by the only sons of the soil. Other wise Mr. Musharraf would have become the hero of PMLN's masters and CJ and associates had no chance to become hero, run over the executive branch and use suo moto against the political opponents. One more thing What is meesaaq-e-jamhooriat. Who gave the right to these two parties only to decide the fate of our country. What is its legal value? If every thing is decided outside the parliament between two parties only, then what is use of parliament and other parties? Zardari is being blackmailed. He is now the subservient of PMLN and its legal and religious masters. Why the Prime minister is taking dictation from PMLN. Think about it. That is what it takes...

Recommend 0

Amberina Imran

Mar 28, 2010 08:35am

Nawaz Sharif should realize that the truth always unfolds,and that sooner or later,a retired personnel will let the people know the facts about the u-turn (in my opinion a nose dive) he has taken on the issue.After all the truth about Mr: Sharif taking money from the establishment, for creating IJI was also revealed after years,wasn't it?

Recommend 0

Yasser

Mar 28, 2010 05:54am

nice suggestions, i don't see Sindh, Balochistan, N.W.F.P, Punjab have problem in renaming N.W.F.P to Pakhtoonkhuwa, Pakhtoonistan, Khyber or etc, the only problem here is wrong individuals who are fooling the public for their own cause.

Recommend 0

Yasser

Mar 28, 2010 06:07am

Recently Pervez Musharraf quoted Nawaz Sharif as threat to Democracy, after this act of Nawaz Sharif Backtracking all the Nawaz Sharif supporters should realize that Mr.Sharif is really a threat to democracy, just want to remind few of his threatening and civilian dictatorship when he was PM. 1) Terminated Chief of Army Staff (Jehangir Karamat) 2) Attacked Supreme Court of Pakistan( When Sajjad Ali shah was Chief Justice) 3) Forced Farooq Leghari to quit Presidential office 4) During his tenure famous person hakim muhammad saeed was killed 5) Jinnah Pur Porpganda against MQM 6) Army Operation against MQM 7) Filed NAB cases against Benazir Bhutto and Current President Asif Ali Zardari but later on he became a brother of Benazir when sharif was forced exile 8) Changing Chief of Army staff (General Musharraf) while he was traveling in plane. ( it is time now for nation to reject Nawaz Shairf and his policies and please don't be crying babies on Motorway and Nuclear Power, we had the nuclear power in 80's as per Abdul Qadir)

Recommend 0

kalim

Mar 28, 2010 06:08am

We,Pukhtoons, are only asking for our own name and our own identity. Do we have to beg for our name? Is this the punjab right to suggest whatever name they like for us and treat us like we are their colony?And who has given this person, called Nawaz, the right to suggest name for us? we dont have any problem with the names of other three provinces so none should have any grudge against ours province's name. Giving us our name will not make us anti pakistan. Punjab needs to trust other as well.

Recommend 0

Saaaqi

Mar 28, 2010 06:43am

The name should be PakhtoonKhawa anf Nawaz should stop un-necessary hurdles and destruction of Punjabi masses.

Recommend 0

zubair ahmad

Mar 28, 2010 06:51am

Including the naming of NWFP with the c onstitutional reform is not right. Naming of NWFP is an important issue BUT it should be kept of the constitutional reforms should be implemented.package, and the Constitutional Reform should be implemented. Naming of NWFP being an important issue should be taken up seperaetly and done in accordance with the aspiritations of the people of the province and by the people of Pakistan. I have heared arguments from friends from NWFP who think that there are more non- Pakhtoons in the province and naming it as " Pakhtoowkhwa" may lead to resentment amongst them a seperate dintgeration of the province and that is not desireable. Lets have a consensus on the name. Including this in the erforms package is certainly ill intent on the part of the Government who I think are responsible for making it maore complicated .

Recommend 0

Saleem

Mar 28, 2010 07:00am

Is he the same Nawaz Sharif who we all saw crying on Benazeer death? See how Benazeer is crying now on a dead man walking. Shame seems to be a small word for Mr. Nawaz of now 'Raiwand' only who betrayed not only his party men but all Pakistanis in general and Punjabis in particular living all over the world.

Recommend 0

abdul sattar shah

Mar 28, 2010 07:17am

If Mr.Shareef truly blive in democracy and the supermacy of the elected assembly let the matter of pukhtoonkhawah by the provintial assembly where his party also have their membership

Recommend 0

abdul sattar shah

Mar 28, 2010 07:23am

the concern elected assembly has the constitutional right to decide their own provintial matters

Recommend 0

Bilal Afzal

Mar 28, 2010 07:47am

I think Mr Nawaz Sharif is showing a selfish behavior. He is only interested in the removal of 17th amendment. I think most important matter is the increasing difference between provinces and federation. A former prime minister should have not said such words. May be the problems they are thinking is not a problem for other parties. So how can he impose them what should be done first. And the point that state minister for law is corrupt and he should not sit in the committee seems childish because we know all the politicians in which party are do same things ...so why pin pointing one person??? What happens to Punjab law minister Rana Sana Ullah first for his illegal plaza and then meeting and supporting terrorist organization in Punjab. So they all are same. But this matter is going to be the part of the constitution also valid for coming governments. I think its now time that stop only thinking about his chance to be a powerful prime minister of federation..because the situation is very tense in small provinces.

Recommend 0

Temur

Mar 28, 2010 08:13am

Nawaz Sharif got no issues and he is unpopular day by day.. so he has to stay in photos and making small issues to big issues.. otherwise people will forget. He and his brother are useless comedians.

Recommend 0

Syed Hassan

Mar 28, 2010 11:09am

We as a nation must decide where we want to head and where we want our children to see in future. With the leaders of the likes of Mr. Sharif, certainly the chances for a bright future seems rather bleak. Provincial autonomy should be given to all provinces. Who is Mr. Sharif to decide what should be the name of NWFP, if the majority of Pakhtoons are comfortable with a name, then let them name the province that name. after all this is democracy and why Mr. Sharif kept forgetting that. perhaps he is all lip service and not a true democratic leader. The Constitutional Reforms committee has done a great deal and the Govt. should move ahead and table the reforms in the Parliament, let the supreme law making body decide what is right and what is wrong. After all this is the true essence of democracy.

Recommend 0

Naushad Shafkat

Mar 28, 2010 11:20am

Mian Nawaz Sharif

Recommend 0

auranzeb

Mar 28, 2010 11:20am

If we recall their behaviour both Sharif brothers have damaged Pakistan interest. They brought parochialism in Pakistan politics, were responsible for crippling Pakistan economy by freezing foreign currency accounts while transferring their own money before decision. Last March we remember insult of sindhi culture and abusing sindhis in demos on time of judges revival. The recent is their statement to Taliban which shows that both they and Taliban are having support of India. Some would argue that Nawaz Sharif was behind decision of 28 May nuclaer detonations but dont forget that whole nation had pressurized Nawaz Sharif at that time to go nuclear and there were reports of their suggestions to consider receiving US 5 billion dollars instead of Pakistan going nuclear. If u don't agree go to news reports at that time. Why would Nawaz Sharif see smile or happiness on Pakistani faces when their whole agenda is pr-Indian. Our security agencies verify these two brothers as Indian RAW agents. Please Please do it for country's sake.

Recommend 0

Naushad Shafkat

Mar 28, 2010 11:42am

It is people like Nayab from the Punjab who give us some hope for Pakistan. The reports about the Baluch nationalists being over joyed at Nawaz's stand are disturbing to say the least. Nawaz has lost even the little support he had in the smaller provinces and should forget about leading Pakistan. And thank GOD for that!

Recommend 0

Naushad Shafkat

Mar 28, 2010 11:57am

'Two issues in contention' you say. The PML (N) had not even put in a dissenting note on the judicial commission issue. And the ANP had agreed to name NWFP as 'Pakhtoonkhwa Khyber as was demanded by the PML (N). Even then to scuttle the entire process cannot be justified on any pretext. Oh yes we saw how all his party leaders were at their wits end trying to justify this about-face on the various TV channels.

Recommend 0

A. Hafeez

Mar 28, 2010 12:48pm

Mr. Sharif has showed his original colours to the oppressed nation, as opposing Pakhtoonkhawa and the Consitutional package

Recommend 0

Aziz

Mar 28, 2010 03:35pm

Nawaz Sharif did what Punjabis have always done. Who has given right to decide the name of Pakhtookhawah? If anybody has doubt then why referendom in that province is not done that what name of the province should be? For God's sake Sharifs! get up start thinking of Pakistan you already lost half of country.

Recommend 0

Ravindra

Mar 28, 2010 04:34pm

Renaming of NWFP issue: Why politicians make a vary big deal about such issue? Let the people of the state should choose the name they like, through referendum. That is the real democracy.

Recommend 0

Mirza

Mar 28, 2010 04:44pm

Punjabi are dominating and want to take control of everything. They think they are Thekedar of Pakistan. They have not given any thing good to Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Syed Rafat Ali Jafri

Mar 28, 2010 05:16pm

Please don't compare Nawaz Shareef with Pervez Musharaf. I thing Musharraf was very intellectual and liberal person. It was because of him we have an independent media . Had it been for Nawaz Shareef we would have been waiting for a suitable time. This also slapped on the faces of whom criticizing Musharraf and MQM.

Recommend 0

Mohammad A Dar

Mar 28, 2010 05:42pm

Why he did not sign the document? because it is a matter of Law. The truth, Not the matter of Law, the reason. A fabrication and a crime.

Recommend 0

Vijay 2 Chennai , Indian

Mar 29, 2010 12:01pm

Dear Vijay, Chennai, don't be so subjective and look to the reality. Puktoonkwa has nothing to do with rebellion it is just a name which give identity to a nation which they wishes from long time. If you give somebody a name then a name don't turn him against that name giver they always respect him. So this is non of your busniess.

Recommend 0

Khan

Mar 28, 2010 08:11pm

What's wrong in giving it a name more in line with the region such as "Sarhad" or "Khyber". These names are short and easy and impressionable of the geography and the regional identity. The people of the NWFP would like simplicity and not complex names.

Recommend 0

asad khan

Mar 28, 2010 10:08pm

Pakhtunkhwa-name-what is there in a name. Call a rose by any name it smell alike. threadbare analysis of the 18th amendment is necessary. ordinary man doesn't know its implications. Muslim Leage has mandate in the biggest province. There should be debates organised in universities so that the nation knows its implications. Guard against the establishment. That should be the first priority.

Recommend 0

Asif

Mar 29, 2010 03:08am

What was previous name of NWFP ? Do we know the History of this region / clan ? How old is it ? What was the religion people used to follow before Islam came ?

Recommend 0

ishtiaq ali jatoi

Mar 29, 2010 03:13am

Our politicians are bizarre there are so many or I should say too many problems to overcome for the benefit of poor people in our country but no they are keeping themselves busier with tiniest problems ever!!!

Recommend 0

Maria

Mar 29, 2010 04:01am

I think you are trying to infuse parochialism into this whole debate by suggesting things without an iota of proof. There are a number of groups in the NWFP like the Hazaras and the Khowar speakers who are against the name change to Pakhtunkhwa. The PML N has every right to speak on behalf of their supporters in that province as part of its democratic mandate. Ultimately the people of the province will decide on its name but you are simply below the mark in not understanding that debate is part of the democratic process. If you think that the second largest party of Pakistan is on the payroll of a foreign agency I really don't know how to describe your thinking other than to say you need to examine your logic. Yes you are welcome to debate and disagree with their political policies from over a decade ago but they were never allowed to complete an elected term. On the other hand you saw an imposed dictatorship complete the equivalent of two terms of office only to leave the nation with the worst state of instability with rampant terrorism. I see that you cannot deny that Sharif government takes credit for carrying out nuclear tests to show Pakistan's ability to defend itself. I think that your words and allegations against the Sharifs suggest that you are anti Pakistani. If you can make claims without proof, let me give you a taste of your own medicine.

Recommend 0

M.Nawaz khalil

Mar 29, 2010 10:37am

Mr. Zubair should just click on google and it will show the number of Pukhtoons and non Pukhtoons. Just for his information there are 70% Pukhtu speaking and rest are Hindko, Sarieki, Chitrali and Kohistani speaking in hazara, D.I. Khan, Chitral and Kohistan. Hazar has already a name Hazara but Pukhtoons have no name. If they want a separate province for Hazara where 40% are Pukhtoon then Sarieky [50%] in punjab, Pukhtoons 50% in Baluchistan should also be given a separate province as they demand.

Recommend 0

Temur

Mar 29, 2010 10:44am

Maria, Terrorism has nothing to do with Dictatorship. Blame ourselves, we allowed mushrooming mosques and madrassahs in our neighborhood, our towns and cities, which producing would be suicide bombers and would be terrorists daily.. Let us don't live in a fool haven. Its not American War. Its our War against terrorism. Sharif Govt takes credit? for what? bring our economy on the road after the blasts.. thats it. Sharif family's economy did not affected with sanctions after sanctions slapped on us immediately after your so called Nuclear Blast. Be a responsible citizen. Just to show India (1000 times better than our country's economy that time) we tested NUCLEAR ?.. our country needs Food, Better health facilities, better transport, better governance and not Nuclear.

Recommend 0

Maria

Mar 29, 2010 04:08am

The debacle of 1971 is the shared mistake of all Pakistanis and it is childish to suggest only one province had a role in causing it. Yes much of the military came from Punjab because most of West Pakistan consists of Punjabis by population. Let me remind you that Bhutto was a Sindhi who didn't want to share power with the Bengalis. Moreover, Pakistan was under the rule of a Pakhtun General during the 1971 War, Yayha Khan, and many of the senior military commanders in the East were also Pakhtun. You are welcome to your opinions but you are not welcome to change the facts.

Recommend 0

vijay, chennai, India

Mar 29, 2010 05:25am

Renaming of province on based on the people who are there, will be a problem for Pak as it is having problems like Balochistan. in case NWFP is renamed as Pakhtunkhwa, may be after 20years, the Patans may start saying that Pakthunkhwa belongs to Pathans and may rebel. Hence a word of caution before renaming. good luck Pakistan and let this problem blow over.

Recommend 0

ayesha Khan

Mar 29, 2010 05:41am

There are non Sindhi's in Sind and non Punjabi's in Punjab. But the names of these provinces have not led to disintegration. Nor will the renaming of NWFP to Pakhtoonkhwa have any such effect.

Recommend 0

Atif

Mar 29, 2010 06:19am

President Asif Ali Zardari is the most notorious president ever in the history of Pakistan as cases against him are justified. It is in the best interest of the country that, he should resign from presidency and go away from Pakistan and PPP. So far as this decision for provincial autonomy is concerned, we should give autonomy to the people of Pakistan not to any party. ANP and PML-N are political parties. I highly appreciate one of the comment here to go for clean referendum, which in my eye is the best solution.

Recommend 0

Atif

Mar 29, 2010 06:25am

Your statement appears to me as if a school boy is commenting on issues. Give good suggestions.

Recommend 0

vijay, chennai, India

Mar 29, 2010 06:27am

not only MP or UP. Madras presidency, Bombay presidency, Travancore, mysore, coochbehar telengana, sircar were all changed.

Recommend 0

Shabbir Shah

Mar 29, 2010 07:40am

Well done Mr. Zardari you proved you are a best politician (in negative way). Associated 18th amendment with naming of province is your wisest idea. Now PML(N) has collected all thorns sowed by the PPPP due to bad governance. These two brothers are good for nothing. Personally, they do not have the mind of their own. As rightly said by Sheikh Rasheed that after the death of Sultan Rahi, Mustafa Qureshi completely lost his career. The same goes to Sharif brothers, if the 18th amendment gets passed the total profile of PML N will be in shambles. My salute to Zardari for excellent politics.

Recommend 0

Temur

Mar 29, 2010 08:35am

This Sharif family only matters Punjab and not Pakistan. When this Nawaz Sharif was twice PM, how many times he had visited Karachi, Quetta and other cities? You can count.. hardly.. Indian may hate Musharraf, but we have seen the real Leader in Musharraf after the Jinnah.

Recommend 0

Atif

Mar 29, 2010 09:00am

Yo man! Hats off for you...

Recommend 0

iqrar

Mar 29, 2010 09:11am

Expecting a right thing from a wrong doer, a corrupt autocratic leader is itself a foolish thinking. When he saw that neutral judges are being apopinted, he felt threat towards his billion of dollars taken from the masses of Pakistan in the name of 'Qarz Utara Mulk Sunwaro' and invested in property/business outside the country. That is why he first illegally made interference in appointment of Judges and then influenced the mechanism of appointment therefor.

Recommend 0

Imran

Mar 29, 2010 09:21am

Very honest and brave piece Shyema. As a matter of fact one can not deny this fact (which has been proven now) that Sharif's can not work & sync with other parties and leaders. I just don't seem to understand that PML-N hasn't got any representation in the National Assembly from NWFP province, why they are championing their selves to rename the province? People of NWFP elected their representatives in provincial Assembly and National Assmebly to take care of their businesses there, which is ANP in majority. It is their right to decide that not the party who is in reality became a Regional party (PML-N in Punjab only) to force them to do what they (PML-N) want. It is time that Mr.Sharif & co. should start thinking for the country not for the sake of their own politics. Also we in Punjab should start thinking before giving our votes to Mr. Sharif & his so called democracy champions.

Recommend 0

Danish

Mar 29, 2010 10:14am

This is the real face of Nawaz Sharif which has exposed in current situation. He and his brother always was the favorite of the Establishment and he currently do the thing on the advise of there bosses. No one should be astonished on there decision. Nawaz was blaming and were getting the political scoring due to the under camera discussion of the constitutional committee. Now when the real situation came out and the time came to sign the 18th amendment, he has to exposed his own bosses though and now people of Pakistan come to know the reality that PPPP was not against about the amendment, this was the Nawaz and co who can you turn at any time. So now the peoples should keep remember that who is the real problem creater and who is the problems solver.

Recommend 0

Temur

Mar 29, 2010 10:51am

Yes I agreed. He is the number one Religious fanatic.. He was dreaming to become a Ameer-ul-Momeneen when he was PM. He acts and speaks like a typical low level uneducated person.

Recommend 0

Bakhtawer Bilal

Mar 29, 2010 11:59am

Bravo. Very well said. To the mark. Why in the world, we in Pakistan think, we are made of different material. Why don't we benefit from the experience of others. ( it is the essence of science). Why are we bent to re-invent the wheel?

Recommend 0

Iqbal Hussain

Mar 29, 2010 12:14pm

Dear Ibrahim, Nawaz & Co. politics is almost over in Pakistan they have no right to pass comment on other provinces matter, PML-N is a Punjab-centric party and should concentrate on their own issues. Renaming a province has nothing to do with disintegration of Pakistan It is just a name, which give true identity to a nation, If all other provinces have their relevant name which represent their true identity then why not Pushtoon of this country can have a province which represent their true identity. If you like Islamic name request PMN-N for renaming Punjab as Pure-Muslimstan.

Recommend 0

Rizwan

Mar 29, 2010 12:57pm

Salute to you for defending undefended act of Sahreef's on one pretax or other but all in vain back tracking from a decided matter shows how weak are you? leaders do not succumb to personal whims they lead and lead from front not backtrack from front think about it defending a wrong act is like committing a wrong act lady...

Recommend 0

Sohail

Mar 29, 2010 01:18pm

I look forward to the day, when we all fight to be called "Pakistanis" instead of Punjabi, Sindi, Baloochi and now Paktoon. Let all strive to be Pakistani's please. Thanx.

Recommend 0

Raza Mujtaba

Mar 29, 2010 01:28pm

Well maria i do appreciate some of the things that you had to say about the Hazaras and Khowars but the essence of Democracy is the will of the masses has to be taken. There will always be people negating the issues but even in a crippled democracy like ours we have to take the will of the masses on board. On the other hand you talk about sharif not given to complete his tenure, oh God i am happy that he was removed do you not recall the things like when wanted to declare himself de facto Ammer ul momineen of the muslim umaah and the obvious practices of putting the opposition leaders in jails even wanting to put the Chief Justice of Pakistan in jail for one night just to teach him a lesson. I mean Come on you have to joking when you wish he should have been allowed to complete his tenure. Regards

Recommend 0

mohammed ali jawaid

Mar 29, 2010 01:42pm

Dear Asif, NWFP was created by the British in 1901 form the north western districts of Punjab. This is what Wikipedia has to say about its religious history "During the early 1st millennium, prior to the rise of Islam, the NWFP was ruled by the Shahi kings. The early Shahis were Afghan Buddhist rulers and reigned over the area until 870 CE when they were overthrown and then later replaced".

Recommend 0

Sami

Mar 29, 2010 01:46pm

Sharif is now talking about of dealing the 17th amendment only and complains that why other constitutional amendment issues were stipulated to it. Mr. Sharif, this country in not yours to dictate to others what you want to select for reforms and what not. If all the other parties consider and support NWFP name change, then accept the reality. I think its not NWFP that is at stake of separation from Pakistan nor it would happen if the name is changed, in essence its the behavior of political forces like yours that sow the seeds of regional hatred and separatism. For your political lesson, read about East Pakistan and what the West Pakistan did to the East that resulted in shameful separation in 1971. Don't repeat the blunders and respect smaller provinces and her people. And don't tell me you are up for Judiciary other than the promotion of your ulterior motives. I still remember your folks stoning the Supreme Court as it the Supreme Court was then convicted with Zina Bil Jabar. Where is the face of your Tariq Aziz with a stone catapulted from his hand towards the supreme judiciary...

Recommend 0

mohammed ali jawaid

Mar 29, 2010 01:59pm

Dear Mr. Pervaiz Khan, loyalty of dear Pukhtuns is not in question here, its of ANP who opposed the referendum, in the province at the time of partition, as against Pukhtuns vehement support to the idea of Pakistan. This did not deter ANP (formerly called NAP) which later raised the issue of Pukhtunistan. It's the trust deficit which is at work rather than anything else because Pukhtunkhawa resonates Pukhtunistan! Other wise there is nothing in the name, itself. A referendum on a host of proposed names including Pukhtunkhawa, khyber, Sarhad, Abaseen etc., is the most acceptable solution comes to my mind. Let's get over with it soon, as there are more pressing issues haunting the nation, therefore, such ill thought issues should be avoided. We need to remain united and such issues will tend to divide us.

Recommend 0

Bin Ismail

Mar 29, 2010 02:15pm

The issue of naming or renaming of N.W.F.P. reminds me of the saying

Recommend 0

Kashif Akhtar

Mar 29, 2010 02:39pm

I totally agree. Dont forget that Nawaz and his Itefaaq foundries has made in billions by twisting laws to their benefit. Musharraf should have taken strict action against him instead of letting him go free. It

Recommend 0

Kashif Akhtar

Mar 29, 2010 02:44pm

I admit he made some mistakes (Laal masjid and CJP), but I Wouldnt call musharraf incapable. At least he was a true Pakistani and didnt make billions when he could have easily done so. Just compare the prices of daily commodities from 2007 -2010..... you will get the answer.

Recommend 0

Qismat

Mar 29, 2010 02:56pm

They have attacked on Highest Court in country, but now Nawaz siding CJ, because, He freed him from all wrong doings in past. He showed love towards BB, after her death to get PPP 's vote. Channels have helped him to gain supports of our naive voters. This is true story, while back, a young guy from Lahore was mad at me, when I said some thing against Nawaz Shareef. He was in rage, that we were talking against his beloved leader.

Recommend 0

Maria

Mar 29, 2010 05:22pm

I think you you need to understand that terrorism is a direct result of dictatorship. When a general can illegally take over the power of the nation, it only encourages the same from criminals and terrorists. A nation develops by creating institutions and a stable system of governance. I agree with you that the current war against criminals and terrorists is Pakistan's war too. These criminals and terrorists are the same kind of people who have no respect for the political process and want to take over with guns. Like dictatorship, they wish to do with force what they can't do by working within a political system. No one says that democracy in Pakistan is perfect or without faults but why can't we all grow up and give it a chance? As for your comments about India's economy or Botswana's economy- what difference does it make to me as a Pakistani? I only care about my homeland's future and stability. This is why I am a passionate believer in the process of democracy. We need to go through the exercise of democracy- warts and all for our long term good. By the way, Pakistan had to test nuclear weapons to show our ability to defend ourselves. Like it or not, we are surrounded by aggressive neighbours.

Recommend 0

Mohammed Moinuddin

Mar 29, 2010 11:08pm

Very strange why not Pakthunkhwa?NWFP name was given by colonial rulers and it looks to me Pakistan is still indirectly ruled by colonial rulers even after about 63 years. Majority of Pakistani will be happy with the name of Pakthunkhwa except Nawaz Shariff and co who were always favourite of the so called establishment who are not interested in democarcy and ruled the country for more than 40 years. I hope let the nationalism will prevail in this respect. this from London Uk

Recommend 0

JD SHAMI

Mar 29, 2010 11:17pm

I believe Nawaz Sharif is right, A man like Babar Awan should never be allowed to be a part of Judiciary Committee. A man who has a forged PhD degree from USA, which he obtained thru internet from a school which does not exit here.

Recommend 0

shaukat ali chughtai

Mar 30, 2010 01:31am

let us not waste time, get rid of these politicians, sooner the better. Let people breath for sometime to think what should they do. Let us try to find out honest, and true dedicated people who could help Pakistan's economic development and have pain for the miseries of people of Pakistan. Let us raise our voices. Let us reject all of them.

Recommend 0

Ameen

Mar 30, 2010 03:35am

Assalam, I am astonish by a lack of backbone in a Parliament that is suppose to be the representative of the people of Pakistan. If the 18th amendment will bring back the constitution of 1973 to its original form, I will urge all representative to take the matter to Parliament. Democracy runs by its Parliamentarian not by Presidents and Party Leaders. A party is not a property of a family. It is an imitation of a Political system that a country itself runs. We do not have National election because we like this exercise. We have National election because we can judge people and held them accountable for what they did in a previous term. If I look at former terms of both Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, I see a pattern of corruption overtly and covertly. Nawaz Sharif was corrupt due to his business interest, and Asif Ali Zardari was corrupt due to his personal interest. I still cannot understand why we still pick them as leader of a National party. It is embarresing to say that my President or my Prime Minister are great leader. Our political system has not worked in past due to Generals and Civilian Government, because we pick wrong people to lead us. Military Government is never going to be an answer to our problem. Parliament should show the door to leader's who are becoming dictator and stop interjecting in Civil administration. We should never call Army to disperse Civil disobedient movement. Civilian should work as a servant of the people. The government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Recommend 0

Amjad Khan

Mar 30, 2010 04:34am

Aurangzeb! I am surprised to read your cooments that you are so unaware of the fact that Mr. Nawaz Sharif is chief of a political party having more than 90 MNAs and also have been two time Prime Minister of this state. Your allegations are totally nonesense. Can you have 90 votes from your street where do you live, the answer you know better. So please think before you speak.

Recommend 0

Ajnabi

Mar 30, 2010 05:15am

And what about the democratic government being in Pukhtunhwa Provincial Assembly, are they not democratic? The provincial assembly in 1997 also passed a resolution for renaming NWFP as Pukhtunhwa. So you think referendum is the only democratic way and not the election and the MPs being elected by the people as per their choices.

Recommend 0

Ajnabi

Mar 30, 2010 05:26am

What is referendum? Why not elected assembly could do carry on such issues, still a Pervez Musharaf and other dictators type of mentality. If once the elected assembly passed a resolution of renaming the province as Pukhtunhwa, why everyone thinking like a dictator and offering referendum, the only solution when an elected assembly is there. ANP is elected and have majority there then let them decide about the fate of people of their own. And this is not only ANP, as Zahid Khan told in an interview with Hamid Mir on Geo that he is receiving calls from his people (constituency) for renaming it as Pukhtunhwa otherwise they the ANP also do not have the right to name it any other.

Recommend 0

vijay, chennai, India

Mar 30, 2010 05:58am

Dear vijay2 chennai, indian "it is just a name which give identity to a nation" These are your words. Thats what I fear. And it is nobody's business to post or reply in a blog.

Recommend 0

Naushad Shafkat

Mar 30, 2010 06:11am

Assuming, without conceding, that Mian Nawaz Sharif is telling the truth now that it was because of Mr. Babar Awan that he tried to scuttle the constitutional accord, one has to ask; Was his antagonism to Mr. Babar Awan more important than the reforms? Mian Nawaz Sharif could have easily got in touch with the Prime Minister and requested him to postpone the tabling of the Bill in Parliament. Or he could have let the Bill to be tabled and allowed Parliament to debate it and reach a consensus. After all the full house of Parliament was a better place to raise and decide issues and the Mian claims to be a great champion of the sovereignty of Parliament. Which shows that he is even now as always he is not telling the truth. Sorry Mian Sharif you have been exposed and the damage has been done. You are responsible for denying the smaller provinces their rights and they shall never forgive you.

Recommend 0

Bilal Asif

Mar 30, 2010 06:19am

Sharif brothers were unaware of the media power which can be equally dangerous as well as beneficial. As we all know the literacy rate of our country is fairly low. Thanks to Musharraf who open numerous media channels for illiterate and literate Pakistanis who can understand the dynamics of the political games. As we all know our nation is corrupt and no one came from heaven or an angle. So how could we believe just judges to be a part of judicial commission for appointments? Yes we still remember how Mr. Sharif and his party attacked Supreme Court of Pakistan and kicked off Justice Sajad Shah. I would like to say that Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry is an ordinary man not an angle and we have seen he is quite personal these days. Furthermore National leader think about nation not just one minute fraction of the society. So Mr. Sharif please think about our nation rather your family members and your own self. This shows nothing has changes Mr. Sharif has once again develop few more sectarian divides in our society. Firstly it was Urdu speaking community by operation in Karachi, now developing another divide between Pakhtoons and Punjabi & Hazare walle. How long you will run your politics on the principle of divide and rule. We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Raza rabani and his temperament, which shows his spirit of nationalism. Truly I become a fan of Mr. Raza Rabani.

Recommend 0

Yasser

Mar 30, 2010 06:23am

Rafat I agree with your comments, the recent elections in Gujrat, Pindi and Shahbaz statement in favor of Taliban and Nawaz Statements against amendment and renaming N.W.F.P has remind all of us what real face these Sharif brothers possess, it's time for the nation to choose new leadership instead of already trial, tested and failed leaders, media should help us in spreading our voice specially to rural areas.

Recommend 0

Pathan

Mar 30, 2010 06:51am

The name 'Pakhtoonkawa' will in no way benefit the people of the NWFP. Infact it will take them backwards and further isolate them. The politicians are doing no favours to the people of NWFP with this name. The politicians should be more farsighted in looking at the consequences on the prosperity of the people. They should be more concerned about the wellbeing of the people and that definitely is not in the name 'Pakhtoonkawa'. Why is this planted on the people. The people did not ask for this. The people in the NWFP want to prosper and move forward and blend with rest of the country and be able to work in big cosmopolitan cities like the rest of the citizens and not be branded as 'Pahtoonkawa'. Think about this. What

Recommend 0

vijay india

Mar 30, 2010 11:13am

NWFP was never ruled by anybody except the tribals. For the sake of convenience, the British drew the map and gave the present name as they could not decide.

Recommend 0

hana

Mar 30, 2010 01:28pm

Could not agree more...

Recommend 0

hana

Mar 30, 2010 01:39pm

good one

Recommend 0

hana

Mar 30, 2010 01:47pm

Mr. Nawaz Sharif's behaviour is most unfortunate and unfathomable. He has once again proved that he is only a leader of Punjab and does not care about smaller provinces. He has been going on and on about Charter of Democracy and now he is backing out. It is a shame we are stuck with politicians like him. One wishes Benazir Bhutto was alive today and lead our nation with courage and strong vision for the future of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

navish

Mar 31, 2010 08:06am

I just want to add, to the discussion, that basic change level is from one's self level. And when one changes at his own position and so everyone, then the whole society changes. And when the public is good Allah pak Says, "jaise koom hoti hay waice he hukamran hotay hain" so if we will be good our leaders will be good, as they arise from us.

Recommend 0

Ravindra

Mar 30, 2010 03:46pm

Most of the elected politicians have their own selfish agenda with them. They are elected with party principles but they do have their own thinking of power. When there is dispute in any agenda concerning the state, referendum is the best alternative.

Recommend 0

Nawab

Mar 30, 2010 03:58pm

You are wrong, do not blame Punjabies. blame Shareefs, not Punjab.

Recommend 0

Asim Rashid

Mar 30, 2010 08:48pm

Name of the province Punjab stems from geography, Land of five Rivers. Anyone living here whatever language he speaks can call himself Punjabi. The language, Punjabi is with reference to the land. So first name of province and then name of language. But in case of Pakhtoonkhwa, the people living in the province who do not speak Pushto will feel neglected and this will cause disintegration. So a name should be for the pride of everyone not for the people who speak certain language. And do not think people of rest of country do not respect the Pathans. Look how much respect Imran khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Jansher Khan, Younas Khan..........get in whole country. So it will be wise to reach a consensus name that take all the inhabitants of the province in confidence. I am sure Pakhtoons have a big heart to listen to other ethnicities living in NWFP. It should be discussed in a honourable way not should be used as media ploy to attract more viewers on TV.

Recommend 0

Azim ul haq

Mar 31, 2010 12:30am

Sad. But this very much represents us. Hipocraptic, seflf-centered, emotional and arrogant. This needs to change If we want things to change, other wise will keep living with the sort of leaders we have today. and we must not complain as these leaders are also nominated by us..

Recommend 0

gul from pindi

Mar 31, 2010 02:13am

Nawaz Shareef thinks , he is most popular politician in the country.I think ,he drank too much lessie, or ate some toxic fish. As a Nation we should get rid of, these kind of politicians. They play games with our public. They all are same. They will run away to save their skin, when feel safe, come back , make more Billions.They all are flying jets, bmws, mercedes, and public have no food to eat, shelter to live.sad, sad

Recommend 0

Majaz Amin

Mar 31, 2010 05:24am

I totally agree with the remarks of Shaukat Ali Chughtai that we need a change now. There should be an end to the Rule of dynasties in Pakistan. We may disagree with the politics of MQM but they brought the people from middle class to the assemblies. Other parties should also give ticket to the people from middle class.

Recommend 0

Mansoor

Mar 31, 2010 07:25am

I don't think that Nawaz Sharif is or was sinceare with the country. This is not his fault, because he himself is incapable person, who was accidently turned out to be leader with some agencies support. As far as chosing Army Cheif is concern, probably this is the only thing he did rightly, by chance....

Recommend 0

ALI

Mar 31, 2010 10:03am

Yes I also agree,but there are other queations which arise in the minds of so many people. 1. Why Nawaz and Shahbaz does not talk about terrorism and terrorists? 2. Why tehrik-e taliban have not carried out any attacks on the leaders of PML(N)? 3.Why Nawaz sharif opposes the name of PUKHTOONKHWA? Is it only because of his son in law who is from Hazara? 4.Why he talks about other corrupt leaders when NAWAZ SHARIF has not gone through transparent accountability ?and preffered to flee from the country. 5.If PRESIDENT of the country is to be accountable then why not NAWAZ SHARIF? When will the leaders and the public of PAKISTAN understand and try to refresh their ranks and files,especially PML(N)

Recommend 0

AhmedBaloch

Mar 31, 2010 10:50am

Its Time to Change SAY NO to Nawaz Zardari Chaudheries etc........ Bring Imran Khan Give him a chance... Open ur Eyes those Politicians have looted in the Past and will do the same again....... Think Pakistan Be a Pakistani From Quetta to Peshawar. . . . .

Recommend 0

aumar

Mar 31, 2010 07:03pm

I 100 % agree with you buddy As a hinko speaking person from Peshawar I will feel very bad if our province name NWFP will represent only single ethnicity which would be destructive for our province. Name should remain NWFP and original attention should be paid to provide people cheap food and electricity. We need KALABAGH dam as our lower NWFP would then start producing food due to availability of water.

Recommend 0

Tahir Rizvi

Apr 01, 2010 01:13am

It is about time that we retire both Sharif brothers from politics. They have had ample chance in power and out of power and we do not see or hear any new ideas from these two politicians. Pakistan is a developing young nation and needs new leaders and new ideas that can help solve Pakistan's problems in the field of ecconomics, standard of living and jobs for the citizens.

Recommend 0

usman

Apr 01, 2010 11:31am

We need to find a new leader. One example is Abrar-ul-Haq or other humanitarians. Political leader should be humanitarian because politician job is to safeguard general population interests. Otherwise country is normally run by by bureaucracy and its they who have destroyed the country.

Recommend 0

Arsalan Zia

Apr 01, 2010 03:20pm

These politicians never give up. Why the hell in the world they think they can fix all the problems of the country (both PPP & PML-N).

Recommend 0

Azad

Apr 01, 2010 03:37pm

Imran Khan will certainly unite the country. People need to listen and support to Imran Khan for their own wellbeing, dignity and future prosperity both nationally and internationally.

Recommend 0

Pakistani

Apr 01, 2010 04:05pm

The most useless politician the Army has ever produced

Recommend 0

Q man

Apr 01, 2010 07:28pm

Despite all the criticism here, we see democracy at work. Sure enough there was a consensus so we see that the complaints here against PML N are just biased and unjustified. Now we call appreciate how much a less than perfect democracy works better for a nation than a dictatorship. Eight years of Musharraf couldn't accomplish what two years of democratic wrangling has already done in Pakistan's favour! I hope we all continue with this path of democracy to see Pakistan reach its full potential.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Apr 02, 2010 03:28am

Name really doesn't matter. Let's get it over with. Let's change it and move on to solving other problems of the country. I suggest we shouldn't oppose it. It just will create more rift amongst us.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Apr 02, 2010 03:35am

How about naming all children like this? Name the first child son1, second child son2, third child son3. Names don't matter. Right! For God sake, if the majority of a province wants it, give it to them. Let's move on to dicussing other important issues i.e., Education, Health, and less budget for Military Expenditure.

Recommend 0

Rizwan

Apr 02, 2010 10:48am

Sharifs cannot be national leaders who can not think on broader lines with modern outlook necessary for any leadership to guide their nation towards prosperity and development

Recommend 0

Rizwan

Apr 02, 2010 11:07am

Please list some accomplishments ? what they have done so far for Pakistan or for the sake of general public.

Recommend 0

vankirk

Apr 02, 2010 10:36pm

Did you just hear about the consensus reached on judges, presidential powers, the naming of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa- all without violence or have you been hiding? How about the the NFC award which took decades to achieve? How about the added support that we are getting from the world community to fight the criminals and terrorists who threaten us and the world? How about new drone technology or rumours that we may get a deal for civilian nuclear reactors? Most importantly, the terrorists are on the run. All in hardly two years! Yes there is a lot of debate, back and forth and frustration with democracy but the fruits are better!

Recommend 0

Wasim

Apr 03, 2010 10:53am

Mr. Sharif is the leader of Oppostiotion Party and by definiton his role is to oppose the government and put an alternative view point, which he did, government accepted his argument and that in my view makes our politians prudent. Ms. Sajjad being a Desk Editor should present the facts and let the populace make up their own minds rather than ask a leading question ( Can we really be blamed for having a lack of faith in certain indecisive leaders bent on ruling a nation that is aching for some sort of consistency and stability?)

Recommend 0

Khalid

Apr 03, 2010 02:23pm

Mr. Sharif is nothing but a dodgy politician who is only interested in promoting his personal objectives and goals. In the last 2 years, what has Mr. Shareef achieved (as the opposition party leader) for the masses in the country. Perhaps his only interest is to become Prime Minister again???. Nothing less will satisfy him. I pray to God for help as if it was left to these politicians (both ruling and Nawaz group), they will eat our beloved country up. We need an Ataturk in Pakistan, certainly not untrustworthy Nawaz group or a corrupt and lame PPP. Since when we have made politics a family business???. Is there no one left in the country to rule other than these cheats?

Recommend 0

Khalid

Apr 03, 2010 02:25pm

Dear Javed, Very nicely put. Couldn't have said any better myself. This is exactly what he wants. Nothing less will satisfy his BIG ego.

Recommend 0

Khalid pervez

Apr 03, 2010 09:16pm

Mian Nawaz Sharif has been singing a "Tarana, of scrapping 17th ammendment day and night since last two years, when the time came for doing so, suprisingly he took U turn for the reasons best known to him, Ishaq dar termed it a game. The rational of this U turn is a big puzzle of 2010. People are making different guesses. a) a move to discredit Zardari in general and Peoples party in particular on this historic ammendment. b) to give message to Us and Uk not to ignore mr Sharif in pakistani politics he can create crisis. c) Playing in the hands of powerfull establishment who is unhappy on provincial autonomy given to provinces by scrapping concurrent list. d) Waiting and coordinating with the judicery on implementation of NRO judgement. e) Waiting for embrassing UN report on Benazirs assasination where top security agency is likely to held responsible.-- while addressing journalist mr Sharif said what i know you donot know, let the military made leader speak himself.

Recommend 0

Rana

Apr 04, 2010 12:15am

Here is an email exchange between 2 freinds a Punjab and the other a pushtoon. ------ PUNJABI Congratulations to all specially to the residents of former NWFP and to the ones from Pushtoon race. What is your personal take on the name change? Mine is this: I am very close to Begum Nasim Wali "In a telephonic conversation with Wedia, Begum Nasim Wali, former provincial president of the party, said Abaseen and Khyber were also suitable names for the NWFP but she preferred Pakhtunkhwa as it had also been mentioned by Bacha Khan and Wali Khan." i am good with Pakhtunkhwa alone as well as Pakhtunistan. But I will prefer Khyber or Abaseen or Peshawar (province and Peshawar city, like New York State and NY City, and many other like it) Or any other appropriate but less ethnic (as there are other very ethnic groups with very significant number in the province) name. But still it is a very significant political achievement for the whole country. I hope we soon do things like this those are not merely symbolic rather are more useful for the people of country. Allah Haffiz ----- PUSHTOON Whatever the name, it remains the same land, same inhabitants though it does address the identity issue. The real challenge is restoring the province to its serenity and peaceful tranquility that it once signified. Growing up in Peshawar, I could ride a rented bike (2 anas per hour) for hours without my parents worrying about me. Where is it today? ------- PUNJABI you hit the nail in the head. Amen Salaam to all. -------- PUSHTOON Comes from the heart. -----------

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Tetra Pak and WWF-Pakistan recognise Lahore school for carton recycling achievement

As the Central Region winner, the school received furniture made from recycled Tetra Pak cartons, showing students how used packaging can be turned into useful products.

Santheos introduces residential property opportunities in Greece

Santheos is an Athens-based real estate developer working on residential projects in Greece, including the conversion of commercial premises into homes.