Time for recounting votes is over: Imran Khan

Dawn.com Published July 15, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Tuesday said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had delayed the vote recount request for four constituencies for too long.

At a press conference in the capital, Imran said that PTI does not harbour any ill feelings towards any political party and demanded an audit of the complete electoral process. "The time for evaluating four constituencies is now over," he said.

“The PML-N government is not ruling the country with the votes of the people of Pakistan that’s why it is not interested to work for the welfare of the people,” he alleged.

“Before the next general elections, the PTI will compel the PML-N government for accountability due to the rigging in the last elections,” he added.

The PTI chief alleged that CCTV cameras were forcefully closed so that rigging could take place on May 11 last year.

He acknowledged the statement of former president Asif Ali Zardari in his favor regarding the recounting of votes in four constituencies.

"Asif Zardari has also called Nawaz Sharif a king instead of prime minister," the PTI chief said adding, "It is encouraging."

The PTI chief speculated that preparations are being made to sabotage PTI's August 14 long march. Imran also said that the army’s "parade" would take place in the morning, and that the PTI's tsunami march would reach the capital in the evening. He added that the August 14 long march would be peaceful, adding that all of the PTI's rallies had been peaceful in the past.

Regarding the Model Town incident, Imran said the tragic incident was carried out by the Sharif family's servants and those responsible should be charged with murder.

Additional reporting by Irfan Haider

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Jul 15, 2014 05:29pm

For the sake of the country at war Mr. Khan just let it go. People are sick of these street politics. You have a seat in Parliament. Go fight it out there like a mature politician. Prove to us KP progress and we'll dump these brothers in a heart beat.

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Jungraiz

Jul 15, 2014 05:34pm

Mr IK, why don't you tell us when you are holding the local election in KPK that you promised within 90 days. We are coming up on 1year+90 days. How about them 350 dams you promised at an election rally a few weeks ago which you promised to build over the next 4 years. How many are you building this budget year? How about law and order in KPK, 90 days promise it was too!

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Imad Shah

Jul 15, 2014 05:34pm

Well done Khan for standing up for the rights of ordinary Pakistanis. Every single Pakistani in Pakistan and overseas is fed up of corruption and misuse of power; Glad Imran Khan and PTI is doing something about it.

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Awan

Jul 15, 2014 05:38pm

Sir just wait for some months. PTI followers is garmi main kharab ho jain gay. Kindly wait for the winter season to do Street politics.

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Dystopia

Jul 15, 2014 05:40pm

I am with Imran Khan. The past 14 months have proved that politics in the parliament bears no fruit and the only way to get justice in this country is on the streets.

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ghuman

Jul 15, 2014 05:41pm

we are with you all the way,only hope for pakistan for me

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Nomi

Jul 15, 2014 05:42pm

Please have a mercy on this country. Can anybody tell me any positive outcome of any Million March in the World. All i witnessed id war destruction polarization of society and collapse of country, Present state of Libya, Syria, Egypt, Yemen Ukraine is result of those Democratic Million Marches to Topple the governments which as per them were illegitimate. Do you people add another name in the list and this is when we are already fighting war and security situation in country is so precarious

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Faith

Jul 15, 2014 05:42pm

@GA And Mr.GA are you suggesting we accept this humiliation and ill conditions of a normal citizen which current govt doesn't care about it and never will. Its time to get up for your rights. Its now or never situation. I can bet you don't have to worry about a next meal but think about poor. So sad of you

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Zain

Jul 15, 2014 05:43pm

Not only does the government have no legal role in the recount - it is not empowered by the law to do so - one of the four constituencies (Sialkot) has already been decided as your candidate did not show up for the Election Tribunal hearing and was fined 30,000. The other (JK Tareen) has the N candidate at #3, not the winner. Now he's saying time is over for even recount. This is the height of selfish desire for being PM.

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malik

Jul 15, 2014 05:45pm

PMLN created this situation due to their Kingdom style. PMLN could not won the elections by simple ,majority and it was neck and neck with PTI. Frist Accountability for the ones who rigged the election without any tolerance. Then close the loop holes in the current electoral system. This government should resign and form a caretaker government. The ECP should shown the door. Bring used voting machines from India or create your own its simple machine and re election. This all would take next year beginning. and their you go Naya Pakistan on its way.

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Taimoor

Jul 15, 2014 05:45pm

@GA Its a silly argument that because the country is at war we should go home and do nothing. Army does not need the support of any political party to do its job since it hardly cares for political parties. PTI has forwarded bills in parliament only to be stone walled. Reforms in election are needed, or you will never be able to dump these brothers even if you wanted to.

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Jul 15, 2014 05:47pm

@GA And you think somehow KP is detached to how federation performs? And since we're at war means you would let looters and plunderers do what ever they desire? And you're saying as it is some sort of petty business which Imran Khan should let go, this is his claim to leadership; imagine you being at his place, wouldn't you knock every door to get justice; ah this culture of 'mitti paoo' has made us what we're today. For once let's scratch out this filth.

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nadeem

Jul 15, 2014 05:48pm

@GA come on this game of letting it go,forgive him is going on for last 67 years and that is why there is no accountability in pakistan.please your country sake,do not consider anyone above law.

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Nabeel

Jul 15, 2014 05:52pm

@GA I am not a big fan of any political party of Pakistan but one thing i do know that has been taught to us since grade ONE is to act when you see wrong, by hand, if not then by your tongue, if not then the best you can do is by saying bad to them into your heart. Don't you think its about time we have said enough bad in our heart and time has come to finally stand up for ourselves? IK may not be the best option but one thing which he is doing right here is the fact that he is getting to the root cause of every single problem these politicians have created. So again like you said For the Sake of this Country support the right people not parties!!! Pakistan Zindabad!!

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desida

Jul 15, 2014 05:52pm

@GA Go to which parliament, the one which has members with no credibility and won on bogus votes and controlled by the King shariff? Ik has followed the process step by step to demand recount but no one listen like SC, ECP and in the parliament they support the recount, made the committee what is the result? Perhaps you know the result and rest of the country not.

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Jack Shah

Jul 15, 2014 05:52pm

@GA You won't be able to. The elections will be rigged and the party you vote for won't be in power.

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Manoj

Jul 15, 2014 05:55pm

Totally agree with the IK. These innocent aka sharif Monarchs will not heed to you unless you grab them thru collars. They make fun of parliament and make listen un-listen. So YES YES YES... We want transparent electoral system, because at least I want my vote to be casted where I want. I cant understand why PML-N can not make all institutes independent. eg: Nab, ECP, Police, Bureaucracy. Heatedly Supporting IK

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asif

Jul 15, 2014 05:55pm

Secret cell in name of #ECP Project are making fake ballot papers for the 4 Constituencies by printing fingerprints from #NADRA database

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Jul 15, 2014 05:56pm

@GA No need to play the war card. What PMLN had done was wrong and they will do it again because ppl always let everything slip by. They need to be reminded persistently that we are not going to let it go anymore. So let IK do what hes doing and respect.

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asif

Jul 15, 2014 05:56pm

Delaying tactics are used to let the cell complete its work. As soon as it completes task, Government will offer #IK to do the recount!

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Shuaib Bhat

Jul 15, 2014 05:57pm

PML-N there are few things I wanna advise you guys and when I come to Pakistan there might be a Senator from PML-N that I might meet (my friend's dad). Anyhow, I just wanna say wait it out. After this long march they won't have much to say, they will have nothing. They will continue jalsas and anarchic ways. Forget Imran Khan and his demands. Give him an inch and he'll take a football stadium. Don't give in to a single demand of his. People will judge him on governance too. He will and is failing in KP.

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asif

Jul 15, 2014 05:57pm

Right decision Khan Sahib.

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Salim A

Jul 15, 2014 05:58pm

Seems like IK is good at street agitation. He is good at rallies and parades. KP is in a mess under the rule of his party and he hardly shows up there. He talks about negotiating with the terrorists but never goes to them directly or has any direct connection. What a disappointment!!!

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M aslam

Jul 15, 2014 06:01pm

IT is how traitors destroy the countries. Khan sahib leave this country for God sake.

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M.M.Sherazi

Jul 15, 2014 06:02pm

It is pertinent to mention that PTI Chairman has been lacking the excellence and brilliance of a true leader in the recent past. He is trying to encash the opportunity generated through confidence-deficit episode of the ruling party and armed forces.

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Agha Ata

Jul 15, 2014 06:17pm

Imran Khan, if you had only not inclined towards Taliban like people, I would have been the first person to follow you anywhere. You are not like Quaid-e-Azam, You are not unbiased, detached impartial or even SECULAR which I think are the prerequisites of someone who is going to make a New Pakistan.

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sohail

Jul 15, 2014 06:18pm

We are with you Imran Khan! Good decision. We need to change this electoral system..Our votes are stolen..Democracy cannot move further if free elections are not held. Good job for standing up for us!

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Waqas

Jul 15, 2014 06:23pm

@GA: You would bunk those brothers? You did not even consider PTI for your vote the first time when they were giving all the proves of Sharif family's corruption. And as far as the progress is concerned, please stop watching TV for a few days and visit KPK yourself, and ask the people there about it. I would request you to stop mocking yourself and stop mocking this country, and let a leader stand for something here... We are with Imran Khan, while you can sit and enjoy at home.

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kims

Jul 15, 2014 06:30pm

@GA sake of the country!! what? he is manifesting for sake of the country otherwise you will always see people in govt who came through rigging

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Naeem

Jul 15, 2014 06:30pm

Even if PTI wins 4 seats. IK will not be prime minister. What has he done to improve things in KP. He is very good at agitation and rallies without any concrete results. What a disappointment.

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malick

Jul 15, 2014 07:16pm

Ik keep moving no hault.

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NadeemKhan

Jul 15, 2014 07:19pm

New character certficate for zardari - Keep it up IK

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Aik_Paki

Jul 15, 2014 07:26pm

@GA Yeah let it go the loot, plunder of Pakistan wealth, money and rigging of the elections by the Sharif's. Look what have these Sharif's done for your load shedding. They are building Metro bus trains for their commission.

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Sajjad

Jul 15, 2014 08:11pm

Once an Imran Khan is always an imran khan. he will keep on jumping here in search of excuses for his failure. Even if he gains Federal government, he will keep on spending time in lame & blind excuses. wait and make KPK a model province. Then we will believe your words.

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Mustafa

Jul 15, 2014 08:11pm

If this is democracy, for heaven's sake derail this monster. The deep-state of the status quo is pointing to a multitude of problems of their own creation to confuse the issue, let us not lose focus A corrupt leadership wagging it's tail to foreign masters is the mother of all problems. we need honest and patriotic people like Imran Khan.

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Ammar

Jul 15, 2014 08:55pm

About time...IK needs to either move on or bring the real tsunami if there is one...I must admit I was kind of okay when NS won last year...I like many other Pakistanis thought that nothing could be worse than the corrupt government of PPP...but Sharif bros have proven us all wrong...government money is being squandered by the ruling family like there is no tomorrow....most members of the ruling family are now heads of important departments with absolutely no qualification or experience of doing anything similar...our prime minister is taking every opportunity to develop his personal business on state funded visits with no shame...his brother on the other hand has become a pharaoh...spilling innocent blood at his free will...under such circumstances IK is the only hope...ts either now or never

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Dr. Sehar Khan

Jul 15, 2014 09:24pm

Just stop this nonsense and do some productive work for the people of Pakistan.

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Nabeel

Jul 15, 2014 09:26pm

@M aslam Yes leave the country IK because you stood up for a right cause asking justice and let the current politician do thier job of destroying the country peacefully :)

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ghumman

Jul 15, 2014 09:31pm

Pakistan needs Transparent Election process. I support IK on this. I don't support his anti operation sentiments

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Harmony

Jul 15, 2014 09:37pm

@Dr. Sehar Khan - If there is no justice, there is nothing "productive".

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Concerned Citizen

Jul 15, 2014 09:43pm

Lust for power + establishment + Charisma + Goof public = Pakistan Politics

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Shabbir

Jul 15, 2014 09:43pm

Whoever is not favoring IK and others are NOT loyal to the country.

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syedz

Jul 15, 2014 09:45pm

The forces of status quo are crying at the top of their voice. The democracy is not in danger rather the handful of people who looted the country and have been ruling are running here and there to save the old system which cannot make them accountable. At least there is somebody who stands up against the system. The country is ruled like a kingdom. Those who have money they can purchase everything like media, police, election commission, etc.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jul 15, 2014 09:52pm

@GA For the sake of country go ahead with plans.

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sja

Jul 15, 2014 10:39pm

@Jungraiz ---------------- IMRAN KHAN forgets his own COUNTS because he is not a calculator but a VERY BIG --- SPECULATOR?

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Lucky Star

Jul 15, 2014 10:48pm

The following statements by IK are mere speculations(statements without any proof) and therfore are lies about his opponent. "The PML-N government is not ruling the country with the votes of the people of Pakistan that

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Raaz

Jul 15, 2014 10:48pm

IK is the only hope for Pakistan among all the leaders available.

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usman

Jul 15, 2014 11:21pm

It seems that no one cares for Pakistan. PML (n) carried out Lahore Model Town carnage just within 24 hours after the launch of Military operation in Waziristan thinking that it was a high time because no one will protest as nation needs unity for the operation and media coverage will split between operation and model town operation. Just as Msharaf started Lal Masjid operation on the day all parties conference in London. Now Imran Khan is not clear in his objectives just perpetuating instability in Pakistan.

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Rakaposhi

Jul 15, 2014 11:27pm

It never really make any sense to me when they say 'democracy is in danger' having such leaders

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Haider

Jul 15, 2014 11:54pm

@GA that is the problem we people have had... Just let go! Too many things have been let gone. Where has this attitude gotten us to. You can see for yourself. I think it is high time people stand up against the injustices and corruption. My belief is the system is such a mess that it cannot be sorted out from within.

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Jamal

Jul 16, 2014 12:30am

Time is up for Imran's dirty politics

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Shakir Lakhani

Jul 16, 2014 12:58am

IK should also demand audit of 2003 & 2008 elections first, to prove the vast Hindu/Jewish/Christian conspiracy against PTI

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malick

Jul 16, 2014 01:01am

Ik demand of re-counting in 4 constuencies is valid. NS should do it or accept the rigging and relinquish the chair, let an other PMLN leader to sit in that. Mid term election is not the need of my country men. IK should be satisfied with recounting and PMLN should complete its turn. IK please wait.

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Pir Hamim

Jul 16, 2014 01:19am

Mr. Imran Khan you wasting our Pakistani people. Your progress in KPK is zero. Thousands of people are jobless in KPK. It's lot of corruption for following department. 1. Police totally corrupt. 2. Health progress totally zero. 3. Job's are not available without approach or Money. Your party not able to government in KPK. Your totally concentrate just 4 place again election and for Prime Minister of Pakistan.

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Farhan

Jul 16, 2014 01:22am

I must say, its just Game of throne. Mr. Khan just wants PM seat by hook or crook and no more then that.....

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raja

Jul 16, 2014 01:25am

@Ammar what is the qualification of IK other than blaming other people ..?

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sid

Jul 16, 2014 02:09am

A potentially serious act of fraud has been committed by the government, yet people are saying "let it go"? Astonishing behaviour! IK is only asking for an audit - he's not asking for blood!

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Ashfaq

Jul 16, 2014 02:21am

IK lost our respect the day Malala was attacked and he didn't condemn Taliban fearing their attacks. All women in my family voted for NS. IK still not whole heartedly in favour of military operation and TTP will return the day IK becomes PM

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SKhan

Jul 16, 2014 02:28am

Im losing faith in PTI, its turning into a selfish party, not the voice of the people of Pakistan who want a change. PTI, wake up and work for the people in the parliament. We wont be coming out on 14th Aug for you if you keep this up.

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Syed

Jul 16, 2014 03:11am

We are all with mr. khan.

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Ali

Jul 16, 2014 03:24am

I was supporting Imran Khan in the election but what is he doing in KPK? NOTHING Now I have started feeling that it's all about number of seats, he is just turning to be another selfish and greedy politician. Ah I had one hope for Pakistan but now it is also vanishing :(

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Democalypse

Jul 16, 2014 03:40am

For all those telking IK to just let it go, why should he - and we - let it go? The PML (N) stole our mandate, and the people have every right to protest this. Every seat gained in parliament through illegal means must be protested. We make noise now and we will set a better precedent for the future. Too long our people have just "let it go" now it's time to stand up.for our rights and make every elected term honest and meaningful. We support you PTI. Thanks for waking us up. People Power all the way!!!

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Masood Khan

Jul 16, 2014 04:06am

This is a clever move "time for evaluating four constituencies is now over" on the part of Imran Khan.

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Lucky Star

Jul 16, 2014 04:15am

Before abusing rulers, we need to look into our own lives whatever we are wherever we are. Are we honest people, and is our own earnings halal? Rulers cannot make any positive change in the country without the help of people whether they are shop-keepers or work in an office, tax payers or tax collectors, policemen or IG etc. If we want that our rulers make positive change, then we should live within our halal earnings. Sixty years have passed, and Pakistan is going nowhere. Why? Because none of us is ready to take responsibility and blaming others has become our norm. Everybody from peon to office bearer does not do anything without taking some kind of bribe. How can you blame rulers for what they are, because they are from us? Bad people have bad rulers! IK and other losers might succeed to unseat Nawaz, but there will be no change in Pakistan until every part of the present machinery is replaced with new a new honest part, and honest part in Pakistan is a rare commodity. We should not forget that by unseating Ayub Khan through civil movement of Zulifqar Bhutto and Asghar Khan has resulted in Martial Law and then in the loss of East Pakistan. Present situation is no different than the situation in 60'st. We might lose KP to Afghanistan (Because Afghanistan is not very happy with Pakistan because of what we have allegedly did to Afghanistan in 80'), Azad Kashmir to India, and Baluchistan to Iran.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 16, 2014 04:16am

The time is over for this government. Common man has never suffered this much under any government. Enough is enough.

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emad

Jul 16, 2014 04:29am

@Nabeel We were taught a lot of wrong things especially when it comes to democracy. Democracy requires lot of patience and then, it's still very slow progress - couple that with corruption, its hard for anyone to govern. But what's the alternative, army, midterm elections? Haven't we tried all those options before? Democracies are messy and early democracies are particularly ugly. We need to learn to let the government govern through their terms and if and when they fail, sure! dismiss her. My question is why is the IK can't wait for regular election? why, why, why? and why now? and when you think about it a little - the answer is not going to be pretty either. Its not about people of Pakistan either.

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safar shah

Jul 16, 2014 04:36am

The biggest dhandli in the last election was TTP targetting ANP and PPP candidates in KPK. Which helped PTI to win.

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Amin

Jul 16, 2014 05:11am

Very disappointed to see Imran playing into the hands of anti-democratic forces.

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waqar jan

Jul 16, 2014 05:18am

We are with you - IK great man

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Usman

Jul 16, 2014 05:52am

@GA He is not letting it go for the sake of the country. If you're happy with kingship, the other 99% of Pakistanis arent.

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Ajmal

Jul 16, 2014 05:54am

Right decision by Imran Khan. Nation is with you. ....

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Farhan

Jul 16, 2014 08:12am

@emad The answer is "As a nation (if we are) we don't have patience and acceptance" IK and his ilks (TOQ, Sheikhs and Choudary) are already rejected by the people of Pakistan. Now they want to create mess in the country and destabilize the system by any way..... I am sure they will fail again....

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deven

Jul 17, 2014 07:46am

Imran has been cheated. He should put pressure on govt to resign on 14Aug by show of strength.

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Muhammed Ali

Jul 17, 2014 03:22pm

@GA No you will not dump these Bros and we all know that, its not as if they are in for the 1st time, what did they achieve the 1st two times, Pakistanis are suckers for self inflicted harm, IK is on the right track, if these crooks are not confronted this status quo will go on for ever, as for the "we are at war" comment NS and Co have had a year to talk and gain some sort of resolution about this, but the fact that they had done nothing shows that they could not give a damn about the country. It also may bring out how they manipulated the election along with the crook Iftikhar Ch...

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Muhammed Ali

Jul 17, 2014 03:25pm

@Awan .......Well that says it all, look back at what sacrifices the Eygptians made, and the same with Tunisia and Libya, they gave blood for what they believed in...a bit of "Garmi" is a small price to pay for the future of our country...

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Ghani K

Jul 17, 2014 04:01pm

IK had demanded recount & verification of votes in 4 constituencies. If Mian Nawaz Sharif had conceded , that would had been the end of this controversy. But Sharifs being Sharifs, they would not tolerate any opposition in their fiefdom of Punjab.

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Last Word

Jul 17, 2014 11:21pm

Imran Khan should quit politics which is not his forte and become full time coach of Pak cricket team where he can certainly excel.

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sja

Jul 21, 2014 03:51am

@Ajmal --- Ajmal you may be the only one in NATION to support??

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sja

Jul 21, 2014 03:52am

@Naeem --- he is trying to glorify his nothingness by creating a bigger mess on 14/8/2014