Nawaz close to reaching deal with Army: WSJ
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is close to making a deal with the Pakistan Army, in the backdrop of the political events that are unfolding in the federal capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The report suggests that as per the proposed agreement, the armed forces would control strategic policy areas, such as relations with the United States, Afghanistan and India.
The military has extracted a promise of freedom for former president (retd) General Pervez Musharraf and that Sharif's government had secretly agreed to let Musharraf go abroad after a symbolic indictment over treason, which took place in March.
The Wall Street Journal says the government went back on the deal as a result of which trust had eroded between the military and Sharif.
Government aides said the military has seized on Sharif's weakened status during the political crisis and are now seeking guarantees from the prime minister that he will follow through on the agreement, the report suggests.
It also says that for the rest of his term, Sharif will be a ceremonial prime minister.
"If Nawaz Sharif survives, for the rest of his term, he will be a ceremonial prime minister—the world will not take him seriously," said Ayesha Siddiqa, an analyst based in Islamabad. "A soft coup has already taken place. The question is whether it will harden," the report says.
Government aides said in the report that the administration was also willing to let the prime minister's brother, Shahbaz Sharif, step down as chief minister of Punjab.
Thousands of protesters led by cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan have camped outside the parliament building in Islamabad to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The two-week showdown at the heart of the capital has rattled the country and shaken Sharif's government just 15 months into a five-year mandate.
Imran Khan has remained defiant and refused to end his sit-in protest, saying he was seeking “independence or death” and would not rest until both Sharif brothers quit.
Khan has alleged massive cheating in the May 2013 poll, though international observers said the vote was largely free and fair.
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Comments (87) Closed
Aug 28, 2014 09:23pm
And ppl were saying pti are being backed by army! Where are the haters now???
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Aug 28, 2014 09:23pm
Of course the army is with Nawaz. Its an old news now.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:24pm
PAKISTAN ARMY ZINDABAD. Imran Khan Zindabad. May Allah SubhanaWatala protect Pakistan from all bad eyes. I love you Pakistan and Pakistanis.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:27pm
Apparently Wall Street Journal knows what the Pakistani media doesn't. Typical American media, trying to sway public views in a particular direction without concrete evidence.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:30pm
As usual army was behind all the drama.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:31pm
Whose side are the international observers on free and fair?
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Aug 28, 2014 09:36pm
It is unfortunate NS inspite of two bitter stincts as PM failed in anticipating the events and acting tactically and with wisdom. After all politics is the art of the possible.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:38pm
well guess what? I won't believe a thing The Wall Street Journal says or anyone says, until our Army or Leader tell them to us..
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Aug 28, 2014 09:39pm
This is called "Martial Law in a Democratic environment". Nawaz should step down immediately to avoid weaken the democracy any further. We don't want any such deal in the presence of democratic govt.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:44pm
Is any one interested in pakistani people,army or government. Or is it just responsibility of imran to fight pakistani people.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:49pm
NS downfall has been his insistence on establishing civilian supremacy over military which he unsuccessfully tried to do during his last two stints at power. This may be a desirable goal but Pakistan is not ready for it as ten years ago Turkey was not but became later. NS didn't learn from his past mistakes, foolishly went after Musharraf and dug his own grave.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:57pm
NS has been chained and cornered.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:57pm
This is good outcome. Army does not have to stage coup now and Pakistan would remain a democratic country for world to see.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:57pm
Good bye Democracy.
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Aug 28, 2014 09:59pm
Why am I not Surprised ?
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Aug 28, 2014 10:00pm
its same case every where in the world ,,, probably u should say,,,welcome to club! PAKISTAN
What change in policy obama or modi brought,,,pm or president is always dummy... countries are run by unseen think tanks.
now that's what PAKISTAN is going to do.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:01pm
Basically a caged Lion to end with, makes sense after all. Too bad that still it won't server the nation and democracy right and not to mention the devastation of PTI, PAT and everyone who were hoping for a change for good of Pakistan. Game changer chess players, Pakistan is a big game for them without a doubt.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:01pm
Thanks WSJ for this news.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:01pm
I believe the two cousins got what they were aiming for, now they should leave for their abode and let the residents of Islamabad have some peace.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:02pm
PTI supporters won't comment on this article as they know IK has been used , very similar to a macho man used by land grabbers for there illegal tasjs , these land grabber very often get rid of there men after using them for some time.and start using a new face.
only survival for IK is to throw away his ego , understand the situation , sit with NS and agree and lead reforms road map , otherwise history won't forgive IK as democracy destroyer....
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Aug 28, 2014 10:02pm
If Army is agreed to help then I am sure It will play a positive and constructive rule. The one and Only true patriotic institute in Pakistan.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:03pm
Thanks to captain and 'umpire' he's playing "for",democracy restored!
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Aug 28, 2014 10:05pm
Opera of the Ridiculous
Watching the recent
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Aug 28, 2014 10:06pm
What democracy how about autocracy by the Army.
Afghanistan and India would be fools not to arm.
I wonder what US/Brits. have to say about it ?
I am sure that China and Absolute rulers in Arab
countries are happy with this news
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Aug 28, 2014 10:06pm
Hope IK supporters are happy! Democracy (howsoever flawed) has been snuffed to death in its cradle. Politicians who thought they would take advantage of the situation will rue the day they did not support Nawaz Sharif - whatever his imperfections.
For the rest of the world, it was always hard to figure out if doing a deal with a democratic government would have army backing. And from that point of view dealing with a military coup leader was much clearer.
I don't understand why democratic governments in Pakistan don't just appoint the military chief as Foreign Minister and Defence minister. It is tragic that they will have no control over those but at least it will be clear what they can deliver and what they cannot.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:08pm
If Nawaz Sharif remains people will loose confidence in the military as well.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:16pm
How come that this revalation came to The Wall Street Journal but not to a national journal / newspaper / journalist? Is it a conspiracy within the conspiracy?
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Aug 28, 2014 10:16pm
It is a coup by the army behind the curtain. All controls will be with them
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Aug 28, 2014 10:18pm
Sooner the better. Please let us live like humans.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:19pm
Morally Nawaz has no authority now to continue as Prime minister.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:20pm
Sorry but I don't agree with this story. I am not a supporter of PML N - but cant believe that Sharif will become a ceremonial PM. He will prefer a new election over this. US is throwing such stories for its own benefits.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:24pm
So modi was right. No point talking to lame ducks.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:26pm
American security establishment has massive say on strategic policy, that somehow is ok. And same happens in other countries, in Pakistan its made out be the devil acting behind the scene. This is a joke.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:27pm
This is what military wanted and puppets like IK and TUQ were dancing to their notes...shame
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Aug 28, 2014 10:28pm
Nawaz Sharif is the most disgraceful office holder Pakistan has ever had. He went to the same army that he and his associates openly mocked many times. After hiding behind the hollow rhetoric of democracy and constitution and calling IK and TuQ's demands as absolutely unconstitutional and undemocratic, he himself shamelessly took an unconstitutional and undemocratic route. I am so ashamed Pakistan has such a shameless gang ruling it :(
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Aug 28, 2014 10:30pm
Why doesn't the government dissolve the parliament and have reelection instead of this deal with the army?
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Aug 28, 2014 10:34pm
I can't understand what type of politician Nawaz Sharif is! If it was any country in the world, the PM would have resigned. Nawaz Sharif now holds no moral ground to be in the PM house. No country will take him seriously now. I strongly feel PM should resign now, not because of IK but because of his own sake!
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Aug 28, 2014 10:36pm
Good! Nawaz supported anti-Pakistan media and ruled as a king. This is a good news. Pakistan Army Rules!
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Aug 28, 2014 10:39pm
If this guy has any self respect he should resign.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:52pm
When the political leaders fight the fatality is democracy in Pakistan.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:54pm
Our politicians will do "anything" to stay in power. This news is just tip of the ice berg.
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Aug 28, 2014 10:56pm
One step forward, Two steps backward !
Story of Pakistan !
What I never understood is why is the general public of Pakistan not revolting against this policies which are against basic, fundamental democratic principles
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Aug 28, 2014 10:58pm
Wow. May God help our nation.
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Aug 28, 2014 11:10pm
Hang in there Nawaz Shareef!!!!!! You are only going to get out of it stronger than before.
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Aug 28, 2014 11:17pm
IK was right. MNS is good at nothing but making DEALS!!!
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Aug 28, 2014 11:28pm
Excellent news. These are critical areas where the army will need it fair say - especially vis a vis how to deal with enemy nation(s) such as neighbours with hostile leadership
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Aug 28, 2014 11:38pm
History bears witness that since very inception our politicians inclination towards military for solving political issues is sole cause of all coup in the past... Is history on repeat again?
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Aug 28, 2014 11:47pm
Dear COAS, Why my country should have a PM, who is unable to deal with opponent safe and securely. Why PM should beg help from COAS.
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Aug 29, 2014 12:03am
So the Army used IK and Qadri.
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Aug 29, 2014 12:23am
Joke of the day: free and fair election! lol seriously
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Aug 29, 2014 01:55am
Would that PM resigned and hand over all matters to parliament before making any such deal.
The prevailing situation shows that the politician in power are inefficient and unable to run state affairs efficiently and professionally.
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Aug 29, 2014 02:05am
@Masood Haider history will judge him as a brave man who stood up to stop the vicious cycle we are in for 60 years What will IK be remembered for I am not sure
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Aug 29, 2014 02:26am
The present events have proved how meaningless is the parliament and its residents. Not a voice was heard from the parliament. They have failed to represent the people and are supporting the government for their personal interests.
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Aug 29, 2014 02:29am
NS no resign at any cost , it is so easy to hire 5000 people to camp therr provide them with food , music and govt will resign..?
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Aug 29, 2014 02:32am
@Saqib
Every army has a say in strategic policies. But Pakistan army is different. It does not "say", It "tells". Have you seen a army coup in US?
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Aug 29, 2014 02:40am
This whole sordid episode raises an interesting question for the political analysts the world over. Can a political system, where the nation's significant governing institutions are controlled by the non-elected (read Army) actors, be called a democratic system whose elected representatives are actually barred from the policy making? That is, barred by a non-elected state institution.
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Aug 29, 2014 03:00am
Finally and eventually, the real power surfaces in the "land of the pure."
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Aug 29, 2014 03:15am
@Gulfy
IK will be remembered for his stubbornness and one who tried whole life to become PM but never became PM.
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Aug 29, 2014 03:17am
The purpose of all these protests was not to strengthen the army - the purpose was to change the system. Now it looks the army has taken advantage of the situation. Imran and Qadri must continue their struggle to revamp the system. Army may be helpful in that.
If they bring back Musharraf, he can do that job. Let's make him president, like American president.
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Aug 29, 2014 03:22am
Soft coup thanks to IK....btw we are from KPK and the situation there is worse than any other province
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Aug 29, 2014 03:45am
Everyone who is throwing the word "Democracy" should actually learn what it means. Just because Nawaz told you that it was democracy does not make it a true democracy. We all want the same thing but some of us know that there needs to be free and fair elections to allow people to vote for anyone even Nawaz or Zardari again, as long as the votes actually count.
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Aug 29, 2014 03:51am
Pak fauj zindabad. They have proven again to everyone who is the real boss. Bravo.
They will control the foreign policy .internal policy .they already control almost 65% of our money.
They will have their puppet prime minister to show the world that we are democracy lovers.
They will continue the foreign policy from where they left it off. Which has isolated us from whole world
And to the brink of our destruction.
I was never a fan of Sharif brothers corporation but he is first pm who was trying to bring an army dictator to
Justice .Be it a personal vengeance but very bold step which he will pay a very heavy price for.
If all of the T.I resistance was just to achieve a 30 days resignation of PM and turning the balance of power to the
Real beneficiaris (army) then it will be Imran,s greatest mistake .
Seeing people like sheikh rashid by his side was already a big tunn off for people like me but if things turn the way we
Fear,it will be biggest disappointment.
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Aug 29, 2014 04:23am
@JackDomm
NS is a true businessmen unlike IK running NGO by collecting Zakat from overseas Pakistanis. To make deals require brain which this Niazi lacks.
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Aug 29, 2014 04:51am
@someone
No coups in US. Because they don't have Zardari/ sharif family etc. there politicians may be corrupt but mostly they are Patriots to their country. There constitution has checks and balances. Once elected theory president does not become god. He has limited powers not like our PMs. parliament has it's own powers and judiciary and so on. Our constitution is being used snd a used by every ruler.
Having democracy for so many years is also not a valid argument( that's what every body in Pakistan says that give some time to democratic process and elections). As US never had a coup even in their democracy's infancy. Why? Again because they were lucky to have a balanced constitution that their fire fathers wrote and their politicians had limits to corruption. And that's true for most of other countries with democracies. Our politicians are---- in simple words unpatriotic power hungry breed from the beginning except for very few. They never let any sincere person rise.
So my dear stop comparing yourself with others and look into your backyard. You will find all the answers and even solutions if you look and choose carefully.
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Aug 29, 2014 04:54am
And the establishment, aka Military wins again. They basically want to control our opinion about India, Afghanistan and the US so they keep cashing on our fears. Apparently you can survive if you're excessively corrupt but not if you try to take on the military.
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Aug 29, 2014 04:56am
@someone
Please see my earlier post
And don't blame the army. Again look into your own backyard. You will find the reasons and solutions.
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Aug 29, 2014 05:00am
Nawaz shareef resumed premiership for third time ,just where he had stopped his second term from, with same
attitude and temperament without learning from history, one thing or two. He took every thing too easy to be
relaxed and reluctant particularly from public, army, miseries of county and current scenario.
Being an arrogant and luxurious Nawaz was constantly trying to make India, Iran and America happy by all means,
ignoring Pakistan Army's and Pakistanis' sentiments. His ministers absolutely with zero level political vision attempted
king like statements while considering Pakistanis merely sheep and goats. P.M.L-N is a group of businessmen that
that been doing countrywide biz in dollars rather than looking into the matters of people and their miseries.
Ministers have been emitting nonsense in their news statements since formation of P.M.L-N government,
Nawaz along with his ministers supported Jang group of news including Geo news channel in the matter of I.S.I.
Nawaz Shareef did not appoint the Pakistan foreign minister just only to hold foreign policy into his own hands.
There is a lot more heap of political mistakes he has been committing in sequence, consequently he had to face
such a mega mess that has led him to be no more dictatorial. Imran Khan has burried his 15 years politics through
unconstitutional and immature attitude just in 14 days. Qadri stays nowhere because he has no worth already.
He is universal lair and a minor agent of western interest in Pakistan. i think ,he is no more useful for west from now on.
Total the story ends. Now we can expect our foreign minister soon.
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Aug 29, 2014 05:13am
So now army,will continue to rule from behind the scenes, the political process will continue to weaken ,nothing will change,with the army pulling all the strings as always, this, thanx to our selfish , immature and shortsighted politicians/ leaders, and special thanx to IK , who has always been a pawn and stooge to the army, welcome to "Naya Pakistan"
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Aug 29, 2014 05:22am
PM Mr. Nawaz Sharif is one of BEST PM for people of Pakistan, and for the country. Once if he resign than
people of Pakistan will go through difficult time. Even Imran and Qadri can't handle the situation.
People of Pakistan must think seriously about future of Pakistani people and for the country. GOOD LUCK.
Sincerely, Ashraf Mirza (USA) ashwmirza@yahoo.com
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Aug 29, 2014 05:23am
NS has made the same mistake again. He should have been realised by now the fact that Army has a role in Pakistani polatics. Why he tryied to bring army under civilian rule in one go. It will take at least 10 to 20 years. But before evan expect to do so, He have to bring democracy in there own pary. Leave a dream to bring his family members as his sucessors.
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Aug 29, 2014 05:26am
@Shaer Khan
You also Zindabad, Allah Subhan O' Tala also Zoindabad. Man, try to talk some sense also instead of getting so much intoxicated by Zindabad.
You don't see that how democracy has been so brutely and so fatally slaughtered by these thugs. What business should the army chief have to do with civil governance?
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Aug 29, 2014 05:56am
@Nadeem
Blame your dear leaders IK and Qadri.
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Aug 29, 2014 06:03am
Wouldn't it been better if Nawaz made a deal with Imran Khan on his own? A real elected leader would have ordered fresh elections out of anger at his mandate being challenged, let alone be seen clinging to the chair like a child does with favourite bedtime toy. Nawaz needs to do some serious time in a western country on asylum, as bhia sahib done, to get lessons in real politiks.
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Aug 29, 2014 06:07am
@Wasem PTI played right into the hands of Army, isn't it? Can you name the biggest winner in all this?
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Aug 29, 2014 06:51am
Though our politicians talk a lot about Democracy and Constitution, yet just out of expediency they override or over look the very importance of both, the Democracy and the Constitution, which leads to "Confusion being Confounded".
Now the question is, whether the politicians opened the doors for the military, or the military showed the exit door to the politicians? Thus where is Democracy and the Constitution?
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Aug 29, 2014 07:30am
Imran Khan's protest is hollow.His only agenda is to become Prime Minister by hook or by crook!.The very fact that he has raised this issue of booth rigging more than one year after the elections were held,points to this hidden agenda!
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Aug 29, 2014 08:07am
Million $ question is Who informed WSJ? NS, SS, TuQ, IK, PPP, JI, the army ? Readers plz advise
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Aug 29, 2014 09:42am
@Wasem Army is using NS for their own agenda now. Using these sit-ins they have weakened NS Govt and now demanding for such things which are in favour of Army. How can you say PTI + PAT are not supported by Army ?
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Aug 29, 2014 03:56pm
You can't take Ayesha Siddiqa seriously, or even take her at all for that matter. Half the time she is in U.S and all she ever has to say is army was behind this, army this, army that. She doesn't even have an insider in the army nor in the govt. Funny, she is qouted so prominently always. Go Home Western Media.
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Aug 29, 2014 07:18pm
Now; that the cloak of secrets has unveiled to Pakistani people , and the world , that the major surgery has been carried into the political process of PML(N) future , hence from now onward , the political career of Nawaz lays in abeyance rather has unfolded in dark alley , henceforth the fall off from limelight into plumes of darkness may be the destination.
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Aug 30, 2014 01:51am
@Tanveer Ahmed Chattah
It's an internal affair of Pakistan. Why do you need international observers?
Always looking for an opportunity to sensationalize the events.
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Aug 30, 2014 08:38am
In the end Army, religion twisting Mullahs control Pakistan to keep them in StoneAge for their luxurious life style. Poor real Pakistanis suffer in life and take it as granted.
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Aug 30, 2014 09:18am
As usual, a hidden propaganda from the Army side and succeeded. Army would never want the Elected Government be the Decision maker but a stooge.
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Aug 30, 2014 07:40pm
''It also says that for the rest of his term, Sharif will be a ceremonial prime minister.'' Since 1950, every prime minister in Pakistan was a ceremonial prime minister.And then some Pakistanis accuse Modi of not talking to Pakistan. Whom do we talk to. A country with two heads?
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Aug 30, 2014 10:22pm
@Jamal Power, my friend, POWER!
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Aug 31, 2014 04:00am
@Imran Thank You for your infinite wisdom. You wouldn't be the real deal "Imran Khan?" Are you?
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Aug 31, 2014 04:10am
Trust WSJ. It has far more integrity than ALL Pakistani Politicians and the "so called" leaders of the media. All these guys are spinners. Nothing more.
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