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LAHORE: A day after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) clarified that it was, in fact, the government that had asked Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to “facilitate” negotiations with the protesting parties — the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif dismissed the ongoing sit-ins at D-chowk as a diminutive storm.
Seeming to have held his ground in the battle of nerves under way in the capital since August 14, Nawaz, who was speaking to reporters in Lahore, ridiculed PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s often cited idiom of the “roaring sea of supporters” in the capital, saying the firebrand cleric's dharna had become "a sea of empty chairs".
The prime minister, who appeared to be in a jocular mood, reiterated his position that there was no question of giving in to the “unacceptable demands” of the protesting parties.
When asked if he would pursue resolution of the deadlock by having a discussion with PTI Chairman Imran Khan as he had done on March 13 at Bani Gala, Nawaz said he would be happy to negotiate but that the conditions set by Imran were unacceptable.
“We have discussed our concerns openly before… but how did Imran Khan and Qadri sahab suddenly decide to launch on Islamabad the same day?”
Nawaz recently came under fire for reaching out to the military leadership to play the role of “facilitator” to end the ongoing sit-ins staged by PTI and PAT on Islamabad's D-chowk soon after the interior minister reached out to the army top brass to convince them that unless they got involved, a peaceful resolution of the crisis may not be possible.
The premier also lamented that the situation was beginning to hurt the country's economy and its place in the international community and went on to explain that the cancellation of the Maldivian president's visit was followed by the cancellation of a visit by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He apprised the reporters of the upcoming visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan, saying his government was "collaborating with the Chinese administration on a number of projects and that the protests in Islamabad may again have an adverse impact".
Read more: Army as ‘facilitator’ was Nisar’s brainwave
Nawaz's government appears to be in a quandary, even more so after the ISPR's statement of Friday night and politicians on both sides trading barbs the whole time — each side accusing the other of inviting the army into the fray.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (74) Closed
Aug 30, 2014 02:10pm
First of all Mr PM you should say sorry for your open lie yesterday . You have insulted both parliament, army and people,s trust in you as a PM.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:13pm
keep it up Nawaz, we need economically strong country, you better than many, but there is always room for improvement.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:15pm
Military-Mullah-Media alliance have moved their pawns brilliantly, but have miserably failed to move the masses to achieve their objectives.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:17pm
"...politicians on both sides traded barbs all day long..." There are politicians only one side. The other side is merely an angry mob waving pitchforks.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:17pm
Nawaz Sharief has the distinction of being addressed as a Liar and Mujrim Prime Minister apart from being the PM dismissed twice before completing his term.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:19pm
Lol. If protests are a small storm...why go running to COAS?
Its exactly this ability to not see the seriousness of the issue that gets mian sahib in trouble!
If he hasn't learned this in 20 years, then there is no hope for him.
He's the only guy I know who LOOSES wisdom with age! Lol
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Aug 30, 2014 02:21pm
His complacency and indecision is bringing him down.....
Rulers are trying to hide behind 'sham democracy'. Lets see how long they can continue with it.
Pakistan desperately needs a new visionary leadership to stand up to the challenges of the twenty first century.
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN......
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Aug 30, 2014 02:23pm
The arrogance in this man cannot die. Alas!!
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Aug 30, 2014 02:26pm
There was no attack on islamabad
even the police took leave of
absence ...
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Aug 30, 2014 02:36pm
ab to dil ko khush rakne ko Ghalib ye khyal acha hai
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Aug 30, 2014 02:38pm
You will have to leave your throne. Just the drama you created in not filing the FIR makes you culpable enough to leave the throne let alone rigging.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:38pm
The Government should stop quibbling about the what when and how of the dharna. The only way to regain the trust of the Pakistani populace is for it to put its nose to the grind and start to deliver on its promises. An honest days' work goes a long way.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:41pm
This is the dilemma of our political cadre! Instead of realizing the gravity and the seriousness of the situation, they mock and scoff and try to vilify the opponents.
"Sea of vacant chairs" huh, aren't they accountable for each and every single citizen of Pakistan? Oh, well, the numbers do matter. I forgot about the individuals who burnt themselves in front of state buildings, who died at the hands of law enforcing agencies, etc.
If only sense would prevail!
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Aug 30, 2014 02:44pm
On the one hand NS wants early end to Dharna and on the other hand he is "trying" to ridicule
the organisers. Clear proof of non-serious type of attitude towards resolution of this crisis like situation despite his "worries" (!!!) that economy is being hurt. Seems NS is not interested in getting the protests to end soon.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:45pm
Why does Qadri mix religion in this protest? They show people giving Azaans. But I guess if he leaves religion out then maybe those chairs don't fill up even in the evenings. I don't think God would appreciate using His name like that.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:46pm
They have nothing to offer but to gain more time to settle their hidden agenda while engaging both the parties for a longer time so that their supporters either tired or go violent. There is still time to read their fate before they are forced to a protected house as worthy guests of honour to face the music of their misdeeds and massacre of innocent people of Model Town.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:48pm
Good to see that NS is holding his nerves in this battle of nerves. This shows that he wont take any desperate steps despite all provocations by the gang of two in Islamabad. However, this should of course not lead to hubris of any sort. He must remember it is for the principle rather than his government's performance that he finds most of the nation behind him. It is also perhaps his good luck that he found adversaries who shot themselves in their feet.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:51pm
The Government should stop quibbling about the what when and how of the dharna. The only way to regain trust of the Pakistani populace is for the Government to put its nose to the grind and start to deliver on its promises. An honest days' work goes a long way.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:55pm
A great manapulator pm
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Aug 30, 2014 02:55pm
I don't see the seats in Parliament as full either, former allies of Nawaz are reconsidering their position after his latest blunder. After trying to save his own skin by sacrificing the Army and blatantly lying to the nation on the house of the National Assembly, Nawaz is just pretending he still has the moral highground in this fight. He is facing criminal charges (along with his family) and might even be disqualified for lying on the floor.
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Aug 30, 2014 02:58pm
Wait till dusk, Mr. PM, these empty chairs will mock at you.
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Aug 30, 2014 03:04pm
Can't dare to talk against IK anymore :)
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Aug 30, 2014 03:09pm
The arrogance and lies of an empty headed PM knows no bounds. The coffers of the PM and his clan are not full as yet so he will not leave, he need to be thrown out.
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Aug 30, 2014 03:17pm
@Rebel Imran cannot do anything
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Aug 30, 2014 03:19pm
@Hassan Nasir very wel said
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Aug 30, 2014 03:27pm
Few thousand people holding Pakistan to ransom. Luckily, Pakistan has a strong leader at the helm.
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Aug 30, 2014 03:30pm
Emty chair! Your Geo Tv show the last chairs lying vacant at the dhrna.i think you are talking about that chairs
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Aug 30, 2014 03:34pm
Two parties are alleging you became PM by rigging and protesting outside parliament for 2 weeks. Most parliamentarians are angry that u involved the army to deal with the situation, the army is angry because you used them to justify the situation. The only party standing next to you (PPP) just announced they will stop their backing.
Time is up Mr Pm . Its time for you to leave.
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Aug 30, 2014 03:45pm
@mian it was both parties demand to involve army, so gov did, and yes it was gov who forwarded their demand for arbitration, but not gov itself arranged army's mediation on its own.
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Aug 30, 2014 03:45pm
good to see NS is making fun of empty chairs; or i thought this was just Imran's way of making fun of others and almost using abusive language; hold your nerves NS and you are the winner but for time being and then you need more hard work
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Aug 30, 2014 03:57pm
To all those saying Nawaz is doing a great job with economy may I remind you that the country is still on the IMF lifeline which means no one else is willing to lend, they were on this in 1999. By the way Musharref was able to take us off that within 2 years of arrival.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:05pm
@kamran who are you kidding? Keep plundering the country's wealth into his own pockets, wake up, open your eyes, economically the country is in far worse situation since the past 14 months then it was in PPP's tenure.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:13pm
@kamran keep fooling yourself as nawaaaz sharif and his sons become richer and you will still explaining your wife and kids why you can't buy them gifts.
foolishness has no limit for pml n supporters
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Aug 30, 2014 04:16pm
@Dr Basheer because GOD tells the rulers on His earth to be just, strong and righteous - that is why
let us see who one calls when ones brothers and sisters are murdered
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Aug 30, 2014 04:26pm
Nawaz is acting like a Rabbit who,when cornered, closes his eyes and thinks everything is alright around him. He should be ashamed of the lie he told on floor of Assembly and has lost Moral authority to stay in office.What a shame.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:32pm
Has anyone noticed that how Nawaz is now attending all parliament session whereas in in last fourteen months he has been absent.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:36pm
@Younus does politics means only hypocrisy, tricky nature, deceiving, corruption, promoting family businesses by using authority, being unreliable, avoiding course of law and so on ??????
If these qualities are expected in politicians, then such people deserve NO respect at all. Not at all. just spit on them.
where is integrity, credibility, honesty, law abiding people standing in this crowd?shame on everyone who appreciates these shrewd corrupts as successful politicians.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:38pm
Nawaz will sacrifice anything but his seat.
This shows what a poor leader he is. At least Musharaff had the decency to go with dignity.
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Aug 30, 2014 04:41pm
@Napier Mole "finds most of the nation behind him"? Really? Lol. Whatever makes you feel good.
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Aug 30, 2014 05:32pm
@Hassan Nasir
"This is the dilemma of our political cadre! Instead of realizing the gravity and the seriousness of the situation, they mock and scoff and try to vilify the opponents.'
You seem to be expecting a standard way too high above what these midgets are. They are nothing more than nothing who have no education, no class, no talent. For generations, they have been non-entities, with no distinction at all. The only treasure they possess is what they have stolen from the people, generation after generation and that even contninues today in their progeny. Find me one name in this forum among their younger generation that has any claim to some mentionable education. This is the tragedy of our Pakistan today that our hopes rest in those who are so tragically hopeless in the real capitol of class, education and talent.
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Aug 30, 2014 05:50pm
@Ebrahim
It is sad and irony.
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Aug 30, 2014 05:55pm
@Saiyed zaidi
Short of attack but harassment of employees and citizens by the momneens like yourself and shroud wearing Qadri's followers that even scared of foreign visitors.
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Aug 30, 2014 06:02pm
Very sad and tragic situation in Pakistan after 66 years of its existence. Caos in the country, lawlessness and insecurity every where, corrupt politicians and ruling elite, and government machinery. On top of all this head of the major oppostion party on holidays in China and the prime minister on a weekend retreat with his animals in Lahore. Does any one care about the country, and give any hope of a better future for the suppressed people.
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Aug 30, 2014 06:03pm
Well done NS. No apologies/no compromise. We are with you.
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Aug 30, 2014 06:04pm
First of all you have no right to be the PM of our country.
Secondly you will always be remembered as the most shameless PM in the history of our great country Pakistan.
People of Pakistan we need to get Nawaz out before he cracks some more deals with the chinese government. God knows what financial consequences Pakistan has to bare and who are benefiting from these deals.
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Aug 30, 2014 06:22pm
@salman its is not foolishness.
try to understand they are paid PML-N social media posters. Don't be stressed with these comments. The world knows where and hiw these comments are coming from.
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Aug 30, 2014 06:24pm
@Ganga Din dheet phenoemnon?
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Aug 30, 2014 06:41pm
Nawaz Sharif even if a single person is demonstrating at being ignored by any member of the government machinery, you as the sitting PM is responsible to answer his call. You know what, you are an arrogant power hungry corrupt person who is only interested in self & his family welfare. If an honest election is held you will in thousand years not become PM because you are simply not qualified for the post. To me the biggest mistake of Gen Ziaul Haq was to groom a stubborn person like you for a national role.
Please let this post appear
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Aug 30, 2014 06:55pm
@Naveed Rana Wrong I live in the US and will be leaving soon to join IK along with 5 others. So this movement is building and will reach critical mass soon and then watch the PM run like dog with his tail tucked under its legs!
Imran keep the movement going we are listening and coming to your aid one by one from every corner of the world young and old, man and woman, boy and girl!
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Aug 30, 2014 06:57pm
@Ahmed Ijaz oh I see so the great leader is so smart that he can not even manage a few thousand lets hope he knows how to handle a few million!
Shows how inept he is nothing more!
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Aug 30, 2014 07:12pm
Mr PM do not make mockery of poor people. Remember pride hath fall
Be compassionate in your position you should be acting with honour
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Aug 30, 2014 07:34pm
Did head of states visits from other countries bring any benefit to pakistan in the past??? Their visits might be beneficial to nawaz only because Nawaz and company will make money in the projects started with cooperation of those countries(e.g nandi pur so called project). It is much more important to get rid of corrupt leaders than srilankan, maldevians and chinese PMs to visit pakistan?
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Aug 30, 2014 07:37pm
Honourable leader of the opposition in national assembly should be honest when he says he is protecting constitution and democracy. The constitution demands that no body should lie on the floor of the national assembly. When will the people of Pakistan have honest and selfless leaders in the assemblies.
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Aug 30, 2014 07:42pm
Do you believe MR so called PM people will believe in you? The person who said to the nation he will bring all looted money of zardari back, drag him in streets, hang him upside down, HAVING LUNCH WITH HIM??? what does it tell you about a person?
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Aug 30, 2014 08:10pm
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Aug 30, 2014 09:01pm
before
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Aug 30, 2014 09:24pm
Haha
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Aug 30, 2014 09:36pm
Both Qadri and Imran Khan behaving like comedy actors, then what is there to be serious. Their Azadi/Revolution shortly fizzle out. Best luck next time.
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Aug 30, 2014 09:43pm
I wish Khurhid Shah understands the Article 62 and 63 of the constitution, which disqualifies the liars from the membership of the assembly.
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Aug 30, 2014 09:47pm
I have always disliked PML N, PPP and other feudalistic parties and preferred the parties with socialistic anti feudal agenda like Tehrik Insaaf, MQM or even Jamat Islami even though I don't agree with JI's ignorant religious agenda. But what TI and PAT are doing in Islamabad is pure gundagardi and I don't support it. No matter how much I dislike PML N, I must accept that they won the elections fair and square. There must have been rigging at some locations but and I don't believe it changed the inevitable outcome of the elections. I want a change but not like this. Imran Khan and his media colleagues should stop the harassment of the government and start their fight staying within realms of constitution.
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Aug 30, 2014 10:09pm
Shameful that a person like Nazaz given the chance again and again has understood nothing and learned nothing. Just look at him, his brother and his family the way their body language is. They are arrogant, aloof and condescending to us .. to us Pakistanis as if we know nothing and they have the right to rule over us. Others I can forgive but these people I cannot and Pakistan should not for them being ungrateful to the Almighty for all that HE has given them and for the way they have chosen to serve Pakistan. They will not know peace on this earth and they will not be forgiven after this life.
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Aug 30, 2014 10:29pm
@Younus
Please make a small correction all of these politicians on the NS side are those who has looted us and they don't want to loose it.
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Aug 30, 2014 10:34pm
@Syed Zafar Kazmi
They are not only arrogant but also stupid and only care about their wealth.
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Aug 30, 2014 10:36pm
@zia
This statement show his arrogance and not caring of the common Pakistan man.
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Aug 30, 2014 10:43pm
@Buta
Buta sahib - Khurshid is supporting his boss's (zardari) skin. He does not care about the country.
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Aug 30, 2014 11:01pm
@Faras Khan
Count me in brother.
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Aug 30, 2014 11:47pm
Nawaz is a useless, selfish and nonsense leader who has NO brain at all. Why he lead this situation at this level, why NOT you addressed at initiative level 14 months ago, and still you are stuck, showing stubbness and 'MAIN NAAN MANNO' stage.
Your last speech in Assembly is the latest foolishness you made and you still want to stick with the Chair??
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Aug 31, 2014 01:28am
The empty chairs were an eye sore for Nawaz. These have been put on fire at his dirty order.
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Aug 31, 2014 02:41am
When its housefull at D chok, mian saab is sleeping, when he wakes up he sees empty chairs
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Aug 31, 2014 06:15am
What's happening there? Pakistan needs to grow up!
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Sep 01, 2014 09:38am
@kamran Economically strong or economically pauper?? Can't you recall Nawaz last gov when he froze foreign currency accounts of public and the total foreign exchange reserves of the country remained just $500 millions???I think this time he will leave nothing in the foreign exchange reserves as every single penny he has been transferring to his personal accounts in England.
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Sep 01, 2014 09:41am
Nawaz Sharif is an old hand and he knows that the time is on his side. All he needs to do is stand firm. IK &TQ are standing naked in the eyes of the people for their hunger for power they have shown and complete disregard for the democracy and the nation.
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Sep 01, 2014 11:13am
While his nephew was hosting a " sea of supporters" rally in Lahore!!!!!!!!!!! These are shamelss rulers who belong in jails.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:45pm
Mr. Nawaz Shariff do you still see empty chairs or just one empty chair?
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