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ISLAMABAD: With the protests in Islamabad taking a violent turn, the meeting which was underway between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the PM House on Monday afternoon has concluded.
Sources told Dawn that the army chief took the prime minister into confidence over the discussions held during the corps commanders meeting on Sunday evening on the prevailing political crisis. Both Nawaz and Raheel were expected to chalk out a strategy to resolve the impasse which has resulted in at least three deaths and scores of injuries.
The prime minster has been holding consultations with his senior political and government aides since Sunday’s meeting of the top army commanders. Nawaz has also called Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to rush to Islamabad.
Meanwhile, a session of the National Assembly will begin later today during which the prevailing situation will likely be discussed.
Today's meeting between Raheel and Nawaz will likely have a serious bearing on the prevailing scenario with it coming a day after the corps commander met on the prevailing crisis and affirmed the army's support for democracy.
The meeting came a day after the army said it was “reaffirming support to democracy” and reiterated that the ongoing standoff between the Nawaz government and the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) needed a political solution.
No truth to Nawaz being advised to step down: Govt spokesperson
A government spokesperson has denied and denounced rumours broadcast on TV channels stating that COAS General Raheel Sharif has advised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down.
The government spokesperson termed the rumours "baseless" and "fake".
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On DawnNews
Sep 01, 2014 01:03pm
What is left to be consulted except winding up the corrupt practices and a safe passage back to the palace.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:09pm
Army Chief please ask Nawaz Shareef to resign or at least ask him to go on a leave or at least suggest him to resign or leave. I know that people would say that this has made our Army a little political and the naysayers would criticize our Army which they do no matter what but for the greater good of the country Nawaz Shareef has to resign or at least go on a leave. I love my Pak Army and that would never change. I have always respected the Army and would continue to do so no matter what. Even though I feel that our Army should have been more active to protect the protesters but I would never ever doubt my Army. Pakistan Army is the only Institution which is organised and is the backbone of our country. I would never ever believe false stories about deals between Army protecting PMLN. Anyone criticizing the Army is the biggest traitor of Pakistan. Pakistan and Pakistan Army Zindabaad!!
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Sep 01, 2014 01:15pm
@Darkanu ....or where to keep IK and TuQ after they are arrested...Attock jail, Kotlakhpat jail or a remote jail in FATA....
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Sep 01, 2014 01:20pm
It is best that Nawaz goes. To save democracy and the country he needs to sacrifice himself. That will prove that he is a true leader. Go with dignity.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:22pm
throw out IK & TUQ. the miscreants and anarchists.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:23pm
The End ..
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Sep 01, 2014 01:24pm
From yesterday's press release:
"... the army will always look out for nation's aspirations."
MY observations suggest that nation's aspirations are to see NS sent packing.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:24pm
Well done Dawn for covering and reporting news so brilliantly.Proud of you guys.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:25pm
More discussions? Not sure what is stopping Nawaz Sharif from resigning for a month while independent investigations are carried out into the supposed irregularities. A legitimately elected Prime Minister has nothing to fear, and would happily step aside in the interests of true democracy. If he is cleared, he returns with an even stronger mandate. It really is that simple, Mr Sharif. Unless you really have something to hide...
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Sep 01, 2014 01:35pm
Last warning!
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Sep 01, 2014 01:37pm
@Akhtar he doesn't have any
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Sep 01, 2014 01:42pm
Nawaz should resign in the interests of democracy.
But he is too stubbern and least cares about national interests.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:48pm
@Akhtar Yes. He must resign and call for elections immediately.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:49pm
@Akhtar and what about the millions who voted for him?
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Sep 01, 2014 01:50pm
We can import transport buses from turkey and declare our strong friendship to turkey why not learn and get some sense from them as well.
NS can resign and if he is so popular and is sure of his mandate he should not have any fear or problem becoming PM again. For sake of the country I think its time for NS Family to go.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:52pm
@Akhtar how can he be a true leader if he goes now...after all this damage, if goes now means he will be forced to go...
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Sep 01, 2014 01:59pm
It's advisable for Mr. Nawaz Sharif to accept whatever Army Chief says in the best interest of the nation. If Mr. Nawaz Sharif will not listen to him, he will be more degraded in the eyes of the nation.
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Sep 01, 2014 01:59pm
If NS resigns now it would be a very wrong precedent........Army should continue its policy of supporting the democracy.....IK & TUQ are trying hard to cajole army into announcing a martial law...but our army knows that, no matter how much hue & cry these wannabe-revolutionaries make, this govt. has been elected by the people of this country.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:01pm
Where are the so called brave pml n ministers who were making fun of these marches.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:01pm
PML has already assured that if charges are proven, he will go. why were elections fair when zardari became president? whatever the issue is, we need to be absolutely fair and just. if we cannot be fair to NS, how we will do justice to anyone else? how the whole this so called revolution claims to bring justice/insaaf when it cannot be just to the current rules? he is giving complete hand to the demonstrators in proving their charges, he has said he will go if charges are proven. why cause anarchy? this is absolutely the wrong approach.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:02pm
This stand off must finish now. If IK is not agreeing less than the resignation of the NS then in order to save country from the ordeal the PM should resign. Otherwise the country will plunge into more chaos meaning more suffering for people.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:06pm
Nawaz it is still not too late for you to call for another election. You may not gain absolute majority but are highly likely to form the next goverment once again. This shall also satisfy Khan and we would make progress; after all electoral reforms would be something extremely positive.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:07pm
@Akhtar Dignity. You call this dignity. Absolute disgrace of a PM who refused to deal with the people and their true representatives, and continues with his habit of leaving in total ignominy.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:27pm
it is strange that army is taking decision instead of obeying direction from government .Thats not healthy sign of democracy
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Sep 01, 2014 02:38pm
NS needs rest for 30 days. Nominate PM someone from his party, problem solved ! Be positive... everybody needs good sleep for mental health.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:38pm
@Z Do U know honestly think that he (Nawaz Sharif) is not involved in rigging and he won the election on fair basis.
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Sep 01, 2014 02:53pm
@irrfan A wrong precedent? Do you know the meaning of precedent? NS has already set this precedent when he "resigned" on the 'advice" of General Abdul Waheed Kakar.
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Sep 01, 2014 03:08pm
@irrfan Really? then what is the government afraid of? Why didn't it investigate rigging allegations if it had a legitimate mandate?
Erdogan faced similar situation in Turkey at the hands of the seculars/military, he called fresh elections and returned with an even bigger mandate. This is how you legitimise yourself, not by hiding when faced with challenges.
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Sep 01, 2014 03:20pm
This meeting is not a good omen for the PMl-N government. The outcome is ominous for Nawaz Sharif.
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Sep 01, 2014 03:40pm
Whatever the result bad precedence is now set. Whoever comes to power will again be thrown out by mob. Globally it means we as a nation are not mature enough to settle differences through civilised means and democratic institutions. I seriously doubt that IK who is surrounded by people of dubious character is capable of cleaning up the country of corruption. I live in KPK and I can tell you that corruption here continues unabated.
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Sep 01, 2014 03:50pm
COAS meeting NS in a tea party!!
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Sep 01, 2014 03:52pm
Waiting for another tweet from ISPR that yes, army chief advised the PM to step down :)
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Sep 01, 2014 03:57pm
@haider khan Hes not stubborn. Someone else has to make up his mind for him.i,e tell him to resign.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:13pm
The only way to remove Nawaz is through parliament , NO ARAMY NO mobs NO terrorist No IK and TUQ can remove him. IK and TUQ have tried every tactic but Nawaz should not leave. He has shown restraint and can continue to do so if this mob in control but if not then try every available option including brutal force, constitution has given him authority and powers to do so.
No one can resign just on the basis of allegations, there is a law which has to be followed, no shortcuts.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:15pm
Let the PML N for 4 years more as we had allowed PPP to complete its tenure. Pakistani public is very much mature and they have an ability to judge any tenure as they had been thrown PPPP in General Election-13.
On the other side confrontation of IK and TUQ with NS is a beauty of democracy. No doubt System should be restructured from minor level to major level,especially Electoral system.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:18pm
@Zafar The End is for Imran Khan's dreams of becoming the King of Pakistan.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:18pm
@irrfan - you still not understand this government was rigged election result.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:21pm
@Z
This is the issue isn't it.Whether indeed million genuinely voted for him.If he has won the election fairly,then he can go back again to the country & win it again.That will shut IK and TUQ.for ever and Nawaz would be be very strong indeed.But it seems that there is...DAAL MEIN KALA.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:22pm
No offense but nothing has come out so far from numerous army chief meetings and consultations. Are they just wasting Pakistani tax payers money for gup shup and tea coffee.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:23pm
In a un-civilised society, its very difficult to remain civil for long. That's what's happened with PTI and PAT. If NS resigned for 1 month a few days ago, none of this would have happened. In my opinion, NS will never resign because over the years he has betrayed 200million people, so if he has to betray another 50k, so what? no big deal to him.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:33pm
Army this time will only intervene unless there is a demand from all the opposition parties also. These protests only will not count for much.
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Sep 01, 2014 04:46pm
NS- Time to show this nation your big Lion's heart announce re elections in the best interest of democracy and Pakistan.
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Sep 01, 2014 05:01pm
Of the 2 Sharifs, hope Nawaz goes.
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Sep 01, 2014 05:02pm
The respect for the Army amid the public at large is very high. People accept as axiom that the Army will do only what is good for pakistan and always have this as its Paramount consideration.The image audit would rank them very high above all politicians today.(Currently). But this does not mean that they have an extra constitutional authority to interfere in a duly mandated governance and decide vetoing the ballot.
But what one should keep in mind is that they are highly trained and disciplined to fight a war and are not the benefactor of the last resort for civil issues. They are best utilized either in war or in the Barracks during peace time.Overloading them with what civilian police should do would be dangerous for any liberal democracy.
Pakistan should hold its democracy under any circumstances. There is respectable judiciary which can be called in to give or underwrite credibility to extent it deems fit in National interests.
But even this is very despicable and related to a bad governance and handling of civil issues. Inefficiency does not call upon the barracks to be activated. The equation always is that the army under any situation is subordinate to a civil authority. Executive or the judiciary.
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Sep 01, 2014 05:02pm
@irrfan very true
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Sep 01, 2014 05:11pm
Nawaz has proven to be the worst Prime Minister in the history of the world. The only one to lose his seat 3 times without completing his tenure, because of his exceptional incompetence. Nawaz has botched with the 3 pillars of a state. He conflicted with the judiciary, then the army and now finally with the public, the awaam. His report card reads , ' Failed 3 times'. He needs to go and sooner better than later.
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Sep 01, 2014 05:21pm
@Z what about more millions who did not vote for him but he got their votes by confirmed massive rigging.
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Sep 01, 2014 06:48pm
@irrfan
I think it was N league that requested army's mediation.
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Sep 01, 2014 07:20pm
Is Nawaz waiting some more casualties?
In democratic countries if one person died the PM is resigning.
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Sep 01, 2014 07:22pm
@Z All votes were duplicates. Everybody knows.
5 years PPP
5 years PMN
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Sep 01, 2014 07:28pm
@Zak Yeh he is really fool. God given him second third time chance but he did not prove himself.
There should be life band for sherif brother not to enter in politics.
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Sep 01, 2014 08:09pm
Nawaz and Family should resigned from the Government and announced re-election.
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Sep 01, 2014 08:26pm
Go Nawaz Go. Ok but for what reason? Just because IK and the mullah are asking him to go? What credentials do these two have that make them qualified to run a country. The guys can't even manage a small crowd and when push came to shove, both of them were hiding in their bullet proof gear. That's leadership?. Both of them should come out and face the bullet, otherwise dig up a hole like Saddam Hussain and we we will come and get you out.
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Sep 01, 2014 09:12pm
"Democratically elected" PM, once agqin begging the army chief to protect his Kingdom.
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Sep 01, 2014 09:35pm
If Nawaz steps down , then after re-election the selected prime minister will be of the choice of establishment . God forbid
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Sep 01, 2014 10:00pm
How is superior in Pakistan PM or COAS ? If its COAS then definitely He can advise PM to step down, otherwise he is just to obey is PM's legal instruction or resign off.
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Sep 01, 2014 10:04pm
Why u peoples turned crazy over night. Everything was all right N fine. Please don't distract noora. Don't disturb him. Every time he is elected to power. Every time some conspiracy uproot him. This is not fair with an experienced N a dedicated political minister. India s best wishes with NS. May God help him out.
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Sep 02, 2014 03:50am
NS for democracy should vacate premiership for any reasons he feels appropriate and ask for fresh elections and if he comes back he will have a strong mandate and can bring along the changes the common man wants which he has not attended to so far, and that will be the end of PTI. There is no doubt Pakistan needs better governess, it has talent and if guided properly with opportunities Pakistan will become self sufficient.
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Sep 02, 2014 04:29am
The question is which is more important, integrity of Pakistan or the seat of the PM. Leaders,Kings, PMs, Queens are all despensible. However a sovereign state is not. Listen to the masses, have a referendum and let the people decide. There should be three choices
1. Nawaz govt to rule for the remaining term
2. Imran khan as PM
3. Army rule for 20 years
Let the people decide
May Allah keep Pakistan safe from looters and plunderers. Ameen
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Sep 02, 2014 03:18pm
Please love your country, do not be hungry for power, you people are destroying your country?I am not a Pakistani but I love Pakistan very. much, I feel very much for this country I always pray Almighty Allah for this country, please love your mother land. again please love your country, Almighty Allah bless this country and its people, Ameen.
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