Karachi airport handed over to CAA, open for operations
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KARACHI: Karachi airport has been reopened for passengers and all flight operations, said Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Bajwa.
Earlier on Sunday, a five-hour attack by militants on the international airport in Karachi left at least 28 dead, including ten terrorists.
The attack was claimed by banned militant organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
"Karachi airport has been cleared and handed over to Civil Aviation Authority and the Airport Security Force," Major Asim said while speaking to Dawn.com.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume its flight operation by 4 pm Monday afternoon after security clearance, a spokesman of the national flag carrier told APP on phone.
“Four PIA employees were martyred in the terrorist attack,” he said. They were identified as Farrukh Leghari, S.M. Ilyas, Fazal Zubairi and Tanvir A. Khan, he added.
A report on the Karachi airport attack, which was presented to Prime Minister Sharif on Monday, revealed that terrorists wanted to destroy all the aircraft.
It also disclosed that terrorists had entered the airport from two separate locations.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Nawaz on Aviation Shujaat Azeem had said that the Karachi airport would be made operational at 4 pm today.
He moreover said that security was heightened at all the airports.
Meanwhile, the CAA spokesman had said that air traffic control operations and other activities would also be resumed with the revival of normal flight operations.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif had ordered authorities to reopen the Karachi airport for public as soon as possible.
He also directed the CAA to facilitate the passengers in every possible manner.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (95) Closed
Jun 09, 2014 02:07pm
Well done Pakistan army.......for quickly containing this attack....now please take the fight to the enemy and do what we know you are capable of doing.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:10pm
Pakistani people, government, military have not learnt anything from the past. Military wants to do business, police is rife with politics and incompetent people, and intelligence agencies are sleeping as they were during Abbottabad operation, GHQ, Mehran base, Kamra attack, and Salala attack.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:12pm
the corrupt system collapsing...incompetent people are selected either through quota system or due to political connection
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Jun 09, 2014 02:13pm
There was somebody sleeping on duty. Who was it ?
That is the onlybquestion that need answering rest is fooling the public.
There is a clear clogvwho know the mind of the criminal thugs. How come ?
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Jun 09, 2014 02:15pm
it seems all reported to him are great things, someone need to ask questions how come terrorists entered into premises, why there were areas in airport left unchecked, piled up such sophisticated weapons and remained unchecked through their journey to target.... complete failure of intelligence services
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Jun 09, 2014 02:15pm
But why did they want to destroy Airport???? If Pak army attack them in Waziristan then why did they have retaliation in Karachi?? This mean TTP have their ports in Karachi.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:17pm
Well done Pak Army!!
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Jun 09, 2014 02:18pm
Those "weapons" look like the flute of snake charmer !!
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Jun 09, 2014 02:25pm
it was intel failure of the highest order....how could the terrorists knew most venerable points from where they were able to make entry into supposedly high security area ? we have proved ourselves once again to be at the mercy of these well trained criminals who also proved to be much better trained than our forces
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Jun 09, 2014 02:26pm
My dear Pakistan - its time to take the FINAL ACTION against all these terrorists.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:29pm
Flights will resume but.......
the confidence of the international passengers will not for a long time.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:34pm
Pak Army you saved the day YET once again !
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Jun 09, 2014 02:35pm
This is a big question mark on the ability of Pakistan's security agencies (particularly the airport security and police). One should ask the question that how could someone take so many weapons inside the airport that is supposed to be one of the most secured places.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:37pm
Many news channels are showing they have used Indian made arms and medicine quoting rangers press conference. I haven't read any where here..:(
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Jun 09, 2014 02:38pm
This was an intelligence and security failure, and people who are appreciating security forces are imbeciles. Mehran Base, GHQ, Kamra. No lessons learned, what a shame!
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Jun 09, 2014 02:49pm
After the last attack on the airbase when terrorists came by the backdoor, why hadn't the security forces put security on the Gulshan side of the fence which is dark and removed? It would seem that whereas the TTP take note of where they went wrong, our military forces learn nothing.
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Jun 09, 2014 02:53pm
We salute Pakistani army for their bravery. Where were the other agencies responsible for the safety? How come so much ammunition was taken to the airport.
I am sure some one have answer for these
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Jun 09, 2014 02:55pm
I feel the Pakistani army is far too budgeted. More money should be allotted to security forces instead. Moreover private heavy armed security forces should be allowed in such critical areas. They will be more efficient and responsible.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:10pm
@Frolic yet they were rated highly I remember probably at no 1. I wonder what they actually meant by rating the agency so high.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:11pm
how did all these heavy guns and weapons ended up being transported to the airport...i think all transportation from NO GO area in karachi.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:19pm
My highest respects for the brave personnel of the forces that laid down their lives, and deepest sympathies for all the innocent civilians who lost their lives. Deepest condolences to the families of these brave soldiers and innocent civilians.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:39pm
@Truth Exactly my point. I don't know how much they are deluded. I mean you call this a victory of the forces? While the official figures of 5hr standoff is wrong in my opinion, even if we consider them correct. Just for a bunch of 10 terrorists, you called in SSG, Army tanks, Bulletproof vehicles, and around 10000 men! And even then it took you around 15hrs to clear the area. What a shame! Indeed, no lessons learned!
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Jun 09, 2014 03:40pm
it is our airport security and failure of those who are suppose to gather intelligence of enemies not politicians.
these are the issues that bring pride of our institutes down not a media news.
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Jun 09, 2014 03:44pm
Is there something left in this country that is going as per book!!?
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Jun 09, 2014 03:58pm
We are reeling from the attack on SL cricket team now and not sure for how long. I hope and pray that this attack does not leave similar legacy, where PIA becomes a transit airline for all Pakistani passengers wanting to travel abroad. While we salute all those martyred in the line of duty, and send our curse to the killers, murderers - we should also introspect that how come 10 seemingly foreign militant, heavily armed were able to plan such a attack, gathered in Karachi ( the heart of the country and remember it is not FATA), carried out the attack and we only came to know once it happened. Real security lapse with all such incidents is when we cannot prevent them from happening. WE just do not learn. Primary role for security agencies is to prevent crime and secondary is to react swiftly it happens - which should be seldom. Seems the concept of prevention just does not exist in this country anymore.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:09pm
please correct the name of the Martyred PIA employee .. it is Fakhr Ul Hasan Khan S/O Moladad Lagari
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Jun 09, 2014 04:10pm
Your media needs to stop blaming others.
The centre of this trouble started at home, and you need to face it before you can solve your problem
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Jun 09, 2014 04:11pm
@omer Becuase unfortunately, our own English media is doing the bidding of enemy nations of Pakistan. I have used to the word nations , not some rag tag talibans.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:12pm
Where we are heading for ! and it looks that we are totally failed state, all has gone haywire. No intelligence network available to safeguard vital installations , Airports ,Defence basis & etc.. What we have done for the welfare of common people in last 65 years !.
Where is equal justice for all, security, law & order . What about the basic amenities for the people of Pakistan , like education, health & mass transit system.Where is the road map for the prosperity of the nation , which we haven't prepared even after 65 years of independence of the country and here it is pertinent to inform that we have many road maps for the welfare of 2% elite class / establishment .
Syed Zafar Ahmed
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Jun 09, 2014 04:15pm
What sort of "kamiab operation", as claimed by our participating forces, is this? Ten (or 13?) young terrorists of 20-25 years of age, kept four forces, army. rangers, ASF and Police, engaged for over 15 hours. Our forces lost 19 jawans plus half a dozen seriously injured against 10 terrorists dead, yet it is claimed to be a successful operation. ...' natiqua sar ba garibaan hai isay kia kahiay'.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:17pm
Karachi is in a mess due to land mafia, water tanker mafia, transport mafia, thieves of electricity & gas and above the greatest mafia is Sindh Government & its bureaucracy. I don't know who is going to come to put the house in order.
Syed Zafar Ahmed
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Jun 09, 2014 04:19pm
These so called Muslims have killed so many innocent people of Pakistan, now it's time for the Government of Pakistan take stern action against these terrorists.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:20pm
The most interesting aspect is that CIA Official was arrested some days ago from the Karachi airport and he was carrying weapons as well. May he was dry running the mission and wanted to see the Capabilities of detection of weapons within the premises of the airport. Interestingly when attack on Minhas airbase had taken place in the past then there is a correlation of the same event that American officials visited the base some days ago.
But we cannot blame the foreign agencies as the Planners might be sitting abroad but all the perpetrators are locals and mostly Pakistanis. But why Our Intelligence agencies dont foresee any attack and dont make any prior preparations?. Why Counter Intelligence is not taking place ?. How come these gunmen were able to enter into the airport with such ease. ?. Also Why Rapid response units took many hours to clear the region??. Last but not least that why In the whole Operation we dont see any Snipers among the AFC and Soldiers of the Pakistan Army. Also Soldiers were lacking Night Vision goggles, Infrared Mounted Cameras and any type of communication equipment?
All of these points raise serious question marks on the professionalism of our armed forces.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:23pm
@nadeem Intelligence agencies had informed the airport authorities one week in advance that such attack could happen!
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Jun 09, 2014 04:24pm
Pakistan army needs to take the fight to the TTP. Its time to launch decisive operation across the country against these killers.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:31pm
Any good news out of Pakistan?
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Jun 09, 2014 04:36pm
PMLN will have to take it seriously. Previously during their government in Punjab Pakistan was isolated from International cricket. There are already sanctions because of Polio. And now due to this incident he we are close to get our airports to be declared as unsafe for international flights.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:44pm
@Frolic.... it is becoming a monkey business...
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Jun 09, 2014 04:49pm
@Abid... failure is due the lack of intelligence...
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Jun 09, 2014 04:52pm
There are a lot of questions to be asked. Everything is happening under our nose but seems like no one cares. I feel ashamed that our agencies can not protect an installations but are busy protecting Govt officials and their families. We are also citizens then why not us? Who will not trust travelling to Pakistan when you have tourist killed in the mountain areas; when you have Chinese killed where they are helping us to build Pakistan in different sectors....
I think as a Pakistani that it is better for us to have an Army Official over our heads ... democracy is a failure... at least in Musharraf era you had electricity, you had foreign investment you had dollar stable... you were not running after any country to give you money.... but these hungry people for power will not understand what a country means.. they fill their pockets and forget their own mother land... I personally believe that even if army takes over democracy and US and the world imposes sanctions; I will be more than happy.... look at countries that have major sanctions on them from the world but still manage to survive on their own resources. Why we cannot do the same.? Why beg IMF and World Bank?
Its easy for me to sit on my chair and comment but from my heart do feel for my country. If there is by any chance any opportunity for me to serve my country will do so... but not under these corrupt people.
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Jun 09, 2014 04:56pm
Now its a nightmare for the countries where flights are scheduled from Karachi Airport... any left over ammunition stocked somewhere inside could be transported easily.. I do not want to question the integrity of ground staff but from a security point of view everyone should be under the radar; thorough inspection should be done for those who handle luggage/catering etc.
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Jun 09, 2014 05:01pm
Wake up Pakistan for sake our future generation.
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Jun 09, 2014 05:17pm
Was some insider involved in this episode.
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Jun 09, 2014 05:19pm
i hope they arrested at least one alive so that officials can reach other their wider network and get them eradicated.
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Jun 09, 2014 05:36pm
This is harsh but true, pakistani's do not value life of a being. Yes the taliban have killed our pakistani brothers whether from military, police, or civilian. The pm and army should take fight to the taliban. Rid our country from this plague.
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Jun 09, 2014 05:37pm
Intelligence failure should be investigate. Stop negotiation with Terrorist
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Jun 09, 2014 06:02pm
Human life is valuable. Any body attacking innocent people should be dealt fundamentally; eradicating the root cause. We should keep differences apart and fight together, better live together
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Jun 09, 2014 06:03pm
there is no room for peace talks now, Pak army need to act now, if they can attack air ports, they can reach anywhere. Act now, tomorrow it may be too late...
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Jun 09, 2014 06:08pm
This is called So called Jehad. These fundamentalist terrorist People have made life of Muslims miserable in each and every part of the world.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:18pm
Generally, it's the role of intelligence agencies to detect the enemies and their moves and alert authorities concerned. Given the spate of terror attacks across Pakistan, I wonder whether there is any intelligence agency working in Pakistan ? Given the terror attacks, how are the high budgetary allocations to the intelligence agency justified ?
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Jun 09, 2014 06:20pm
Where was the ISI? shhh dawn please don't post my comment or your license will be suspended. Seriously, Pakistan has to wake up....Every Pakistani has to open up their eyes...if you see something say something. Don't say it's none of my business. Lets get to the roots of this, and find out who sponsor the Taliban...is it India, Afghanistan, or USA?
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Jun 09, 2014 06:24pm
I salute Pakistan Army and the Brave nation , which stands against these terrorists . Terrorist wanted to capture the Air Port for several Days but Army didnot let this happen .
Donot take it personal , but Karachi Sensitive Areas Lyari etc each house Should be Checked with Immediate effect . These areas have become safe heaven for terrorist .
May Allah protect our Country and shower his blessings on the people , who lost their life fighting these terrorists.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:26pm
nothing will happen, time will pass all the angry ones will go back to theirs jobs..and an investigation report will probably never see the light of day..dont understand why is everyone praising the army... Kamra base, Mehran base attack to just name a few these attached happened with these guys were on watch...if we have protectors like these who needs enemies..... in anycase time to look whose offering immigration...this much anguish isn't worth it anymore...anything is going to be better then this....
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Jun 09, 2014 06:28pm
we have faith in you ...pak army ....proud for nation....pak army zindabad....<3
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Jun 09, 2014 06:31pm
WELL DONE PAK ARMY
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Jun 09, 2014 06:38pm
Thank you Pak Army! Now can you please go to Islamabad and lock that idiot away who still wants to talk peace to these terrorists.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:42pm
We are a.reactive nation. Why did this happen to begin with? So conveniently these guys walked in? We have not learned the lesson, just two years ago the airforce and naval base was attacked.
This is sad, shows poor display of our weak intelligence.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:46pm
@RK They are reaping what they have sown.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:49pm
@Waqar Khan Still you believe it's not local terrorist. SAD.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:50pm
@Parvez How can you fight with you? The enemy is within, grown and feed by you.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:50pm
Those who live by the sword, die by the sword. At least learn now Pakistan that fomenting terrorism will have serious repercussions for you as well. RIP victims.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:50pm
I would like to request all the government concern that all the illegal people who lives inside Pakistan cities, they all have to be apprehended as soon as possible and send them back to their country. The law enforcement agencies have to be vigilant at provincial border as well as at international border.
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Jun 09, 2014 06:57pm
@Waqar Khan it's pakistan
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Jun 09, 2014 07:14pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti They (the army) brought you to this disastrous state firstly. Then you thanking them?
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Jun 09, 2014 07:15pm
First and foremost, our heart and prayers go out to those who lost their lives in this heinous act of terror. It is only safe to say that the threat of terrorism continues to loom over the nation, and the terrorists remain focused on sending the country into chaos and frenzy. These acts of terror signify the importance of staying unified against those who are working against our peace objectives in the region. We commend the Pakistani authorities on fearlessly countering this attack on the airport. They showed great courage and bravery in taking back the control of the situation. We have always emphasized Pakistan
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Jun 09, 2014 07:16pm
The army should now obliterate there terrorists once and for all by attacking their sanctuaries, like the Sri Lankas did with the Tamil Tigers
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Jun 09, 2014 07:21pm
Truly horrifc incidence. Why these uncivilized people target civilized people to fulfil their hunger? Pakistan must introspect and rectify the mistakes that was part of its strategy.
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Jun 09, 2014 07:21pm
so the intelligence agencies are busy in doing politics, elections and not security?
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Jun 09, 2014 07:23pm
One more such a "piece of art" and they will be vaccinating you in an airport of Bangladesh or Dubai just before your flight to Europe or America.
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Jun 09, 2014 07:43pm
This should be it. I don't understand that Pakistan Army claims that they are willing and ready for any threat to Pakistan's. I don't understand is if Pakistan Army is unable to eliminate internal threat where they have full access; how come they can protect Pakistan from foreign interventions. This seem like some kind of dirty politics and nothing good will happen. God Bless Pakistan.
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Jun 09, 2014 07:50pm
As horrific an act this is, it seems some think this is funny and this is clearly evident on the face of one of the people shown in the photograph. Sad.
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Jun 09, 2014 07:53pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti that's the thing. They all are not in one place. They don't have an office in one city.
Definitely money is there to support all these activities.
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Jun 09, 2014 07:55pm
Come on guys...what happened to indian hand ?...find some smoking gun...we are awaiting here eagerly for the evidence........
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Jun 09, 2014 08:16pm
I know we have all intelligence bashing here, but trust me your ability on handling such extreme situation was 100 times better than what we managed in Mumbai
Such incidents are unfortunate, but the maturity of assessment & turn around time was indeed better that many countries in the world
I pray for innocent people & the security personnel who laid their lives
Salute
V
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Jun 09, 2014 08:19pm
We are always critical of things but all credit goes to Pakistan Army, Rangers, ASF and Police for job well done as it could have been worse.
Having said that the failure of intelligence requires investigation to avoid similar issues in future.
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Jun 09, 2014 08:24pm
@Parvez Well done will be well deserving if Taliban were never put into being by Pak Army. As it is they should be contained and first of all how were they able to access the airport facilities when even the legitimate passengers are harassed at the entrances to the airport area. So save these accolades until we have answers to these basic questions.
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Jun 09, 2014 08:53pm
Blame it on geo. And move on.
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Jun 09, 2014 08:57pm
@ali ahmed
This is very true indeed.
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Jun 09, 2014 09:00pm
@Pune-MH yes, Many TTP activists are moved to Karachi in last 10 years. .
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Jun 09, 2014 09:09pm
@Irfan We all knows where they lives in Karachi.
They lives in Phattan majority areas so no one can recognize them. unfortunately we are nationalists and some phattans just support them because they are phattans. Also check Jamat Islami and PTI offices and their leaders houses you will find toms of TTP activists.
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Jun 09, 2014 09:10pm
Heads should roll , this is the the incompetence of the current sindh government.
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Jun 09, 2014 09:23pm
What next? Is it justified to spent huge amount in the name of security? While the result is zero.
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Jun 09, 2014 09:35pm
Allah ( SWT) Please Pakistan a safe country !!!!!!!!!!!
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Jun 09, 2014 10:06pm
Ghazanfar's comments should be getting top recommendations. Agree that we cannot be vigilant enough. better to be safe than sorry.
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Jun 09, 2014 10:09pm
@Zafar Ahmed
Indeed. Pakistan is a failed state.
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Jun 09, 2014 10:27pm
indeed its not.......our institutions have been crippled by handfull of powerful individuals....
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Jun 09, 2014 10:31pm
@omer is it not funny that the terrorist who attacked have carried medicine when they know that they will not be able resist for too long because security on any airport is already very high specially internation airport. Now TTP has claimed it as well what these news paper are trying to prove i dont know.
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Jun 09, 2014 10:44pm
Imran Khan we need u in karachi
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Jun 09, 2014 10:46pm
Can Prime Minister order for enquiry who was responsible for this lapse of security or were any insiders also involved in this unfortunate and grave incidence?
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Jun 10, 2014 12:17am
@Pune-MH
Hey they want to destroy what is big installation of Pakistan. Karachi Lahore are big cities. they want to seek revenge on us.
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Jun 10, 2014 04:40am
Oh God.
Give it to army please!
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Jun 10, 2014 07:14am
How many are willing to bet that this incident will be lost and forgotten in a few weeks if not days?
Really sad to see my city coming to this low - no words can describe the sadness and utter anger i feel at these taliban brain dead militants and i don't know for what good would anyone think to have peace talks with them - does the Govt not see that at the front-face of the peace talks, they still continue to blast and kill people of Pakistan (i want this to be a religion irrespective approach).
The militants are now becoming more capable with weapons and this time they also had ASF outfits which led them so close to the door and killed the real ASF people at door to gain access. We are blaming security failure - true, but the poor ASF is not equipped to deal with these things - airport security does not combat with brain dead maniacs who blow themselves up and are there to kill.
I can't stress enough for a no-nonsense approach to wipe these taliban's off the face of the earth and punish their leaders every day till their death. We have to not only kill the current taliban's but the ideology so that no one in the future takes it up.
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Jun 10, 2014 01:30pm
@ayesha If you are not following Allah,s teachings Why Allah help you?
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Jun 10, 2014 03:19pm
dont mess with the planes, Drones is what you hate.
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Jun 10, 2014 03:20pm
Luckily we saved all our three planes.
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