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ISLAMABAD: An opposition jirga seeking to resolve the 35-day standoff between the government and protesters besieging parliament wrote a letter on Thursday to all three side, urging them to take practical steps in order to end the prevailing political impasse.
The 11-point letter said that the prolonged sit-in has agitated the people of Pakistan and should end at the earliest.
Speaking to media representatives after meeting with PTI and PAT leaders, Jirga member Senator Rehman Malik said dialogue was the synonym of politics, adding that anything other than a peaceful resolution to the issue would prove catastrophic for the country.
He urged both the sides to move forward from their current positions. “Government should come forward and embrace the protesters … on the other hand, protesting parties should announce to end their sit-ins,” he said.
The letter written by the jirga has urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to announce on the floor of Parliament his resignation if the alleged rigging in last year’s polls is proven right.
Malik said the jirga has proposed that the prime minister should make this announcement in the Parliament and the protesting parties should accept this.
The opposition jirga has also proposed formation of an independent commission to probe into the alleged rigging through an ordinance. The commission should be empowered to seek assistance of any provincial or federal police officer, said the letter.
The commission should be able to seek help of foreign experts as well and should be tasked to complete the investigation in a limited time period, it added.
Senator Malik said that the three stakeholders have agreed upon a time frame of 45 days. However, he added that details regarding scale and nature of the rigging were yet be agreed upon.
The proposed commission should be empowered to launch criminal cases in addition to keeping it secret or making it public in case alleged rigging is proven in the 2013 general elections.
The centre and all provincial governments would be liable to implement recommendations of the commission, said the letter.
Speaking on the occasion, Jirga member and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq said talks between the three sides can resume, however, the government should take the initiative in this regard.
The political jirga has also proposed not to include any official of Punjab Police in the investigative commission. The letter has also urged the interior ministry to issue a notification in this regard.
Apparently, all three sides are sticking to their respective stances and are not showing any flexibility. PTI Chairman Imran Khan keeps insisting that he will not budge from the sit-in in front of Parliament House unless Prime Minister Sharif resigns.
The ruling PML-N, for its part, has vowed not to sacrifice the prime minister and has termed the PTI’s demand “unconstitutional”.
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has also pledged to continue his sit-in until the entire political system in the country is revamped.
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On DawnNews
Sep 19, 2014 12:41am
Go Nawaz Go
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Sep 19, 2014 12:44am
Please do not waste time it is all drama, it is so simple that it shall be resolved once the sensitive nominations are cleared.
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Sep 19, 2014 12:47am
What about the people involved in rigging like the alleged ex-chief justice ? They should be punished also for their crimes
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Sep 19, 2014 12:52am
IK and Qadri are unreasonable and promoting their own selfish agenda of getting rid of PM, because they know they will never be PM under the present set up whether the present system is fair or unfair is another topic for discussion.
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Sep 19, 2014 12:54am
Yes it is simple as that, why on God's earth is it so complicated? An inquiry by an INDEPENDENT entity is done and if proven that rigging was done then PM shouldnt resign, what is this to his discretion? The PM is kicked out of office, jailed and banned from poltics! Just like Rehman Malik from the plane! This will teach future thieves and abusers a lesson.
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Sep 19, 2014 12:59am
The Jirga members themselves have dirty hands. They have vested interests in the process. They are dishonest brokers looking for their own cut.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:03am
Sounds fair enough but jirga should have insisted on Shabaz Sharif stepping down straight away
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Sep 19, 2014 01:07am
Sure PM will resign but what if rigging is not proved. I think then Mr Khan should jump in 'Chullo Bhar Pani' and die.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:07am
go nawaz go
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Sep 19, 2014 01:13am
Dawn News: “The letter written by the jirga has urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to announce on the floor of Parliament his resignation if the alleged rigging in last year’s polls is proven right.”
Vote rigging happens in all countries, even in USA. Sometimes there are re-elections in the affected poling divisions or constituencies but no report, so far, of re-election in the entire country. The commission will investigate and find out in which polling divisions or constituencies the rigging took place. It would be fair to have judges as commission members, not party members.
If rigging is proved, the commission must determine whether Nawaz Sharif could not become Prime Minister if vote in the rigged polling divisions and constituencies were not counted. Only in that case Nawaz Sharif should be ordered to resign. Therefore, just proving that votes were rigged does not mean Nawaz Sharif must go. Nawaz Sharif had no authority or official control on conduct of 2013 Election.
I am not a supporter of Nawaz Sharif and will be happy to see him go but not by bullying, threats, intimidation, pressure and illegal means. The image of Pakistan and Pakistanis is far more important than the benefits of getting rid of Nawaz Sharif by illegal means.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:13am
A very good & honest proposal from the Jerga,but somehow it is doubtful if the Nawaz camp will agree to that.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:22am
No, NS should never resign, even when rigging proved because our democracy and constitution wont survive without Sharif dynasty, not to forget Bhutto clan and all other Khawajas, chaudhries and what have you.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:24am
"PM should resign if rigging proven"...
wow, really? thanks Jirga Team
Here's another fact: water is wet !
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Sep 19, 2014 01:31am
A fair demand.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:34am
I see hints of common sense prevailing... PM should resign not only on account of rigging, but also if an unfair election is proven... The ruling party is trying to hide behind the issue if the nexus can not be proven...
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Sep 19, 2014 01:37am
hmm.. every party mentioned that polls were rigged when they showed their solidarity in the honorable national assembly (pun intended).. is that not enough as a proof?
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Sep 19, 2014 01:37am
Rigging to PMLN is just if it is "systematic" rigging coming from the top, however any sane person would view rigging as if a certain % of votes are rigged "however" way, the election is at that point no longer valid.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:41am
Go nawaz go
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Sep 19, 2014 01:46am
This sound fair and square decision, hope both sides agree to it.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:48am
What impasse, it is the media that has set a world record of continues 24 hours live coverage of a musical concert cum a totally failed political show of strength for the last 33 days or so. The crazy electronic media is bent upon creating a sense of uncertainty and panic among the masses by mixing facts with fictions. I am sure that no society or country in the world can tolerate or allow such irresponsible, immoral, irrational and illogical anti-state analysis, discussions and in the TV Talk Shows and media reporting. But in Pakistan the media seem to be under no control or law and have been given free hand to create political instability in the country. Next come the intellectually and morally corrupt so called analysts who keep injecting venom of hatred, intolerance and violence into the minds of our young generation. Can we have such talk shows and media reporting in any civilized society? the answer is NO. I expected our educated young generation to be sensible and wise but they were no difference and have been conveniently brain washed in the similar manner of Madrasa students who were later consumed by the canons and the drones. I live in Islamabad and my workplace is inside the red zone but it is not what you see on your TV Screens. In 95 percent of Islamabad its life as usual and even at the D Chowk the marchers though now very few in numbers and visibly exhausted but having fun by playing cricket and enjoying music while others are busy with live barbeque sort of activities. So no impasse situation but an engineered and media managed mock crisis to send the present government packing.
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Sep 19, 2014 02:04am
It all depends on the definition of rigging. According to a video tape leak recorded in May 2013 Zaid Hamid is seen sharing information that PTI, PAT, JI and few others (obviously Sh Rahseed and Chodries) have been tasked to march towards Islamabad and ultimately by hook or crook dislodge the government within the year 2014 to introduce a new system of its own kind to fix the "lingering problems" of Pakistan. So far so good.
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Sep 19, 2014 02:13am
I have been a long time follower of the dharna and comments and articles published by Dawn.
I personally understand that there may be weaknesses and inconsistencies in Imran's actions and policies. However, I strongly support his mission.
Being a Pakistani, I would really support anyone who has made a commitment and taking action to improve our nation. If rigging is proven, then the PM (whoever it maybe - now being Nawaz Sharif), should resign.
We have been given a gift of our nation and we need to stop abusing it. Currently Imran is the only one fighting for making things right. Our nation needs to respect individuals who are honest and have a proven history of championing teams and major large civil projects in their career. Corruption and poverty needs to be controlled. We need leaders that are selfless (to a certain degree) and patriotic.
My doas and support is for Pakistan and anyone who is trying to make the nation become independent and self sustaining and prosperous.
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Sep 19, 2014 02:34am
The Drama gets only more exciting.
All elections are rigged. Here in Canada the motto of our Party is "vote early, vote often".
In 2000 US elections the Florida results were massively rigged in favour of Dubya Bush.
Any investigation will prove that Pak 2013 Elections were rigged. But so what? Should Nawaz Sharif resign even if he had no part in it?
IK and TuQ are simply impatient. If history is any guide, within a year or two the massively incompetent and corrupt Sharif Brothers will have the country on its knees resulting in huge protests that will drive them out. No need to push a person over the cliff when he is about to commit suicide.
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Sep 19, 2014 02:41am
Go IK Goto chullo bhar pani
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Sep 19, 2014 02:51am
@Raees LaL : Pakistan is a country of "Adalat" (Courts), Faisla (judgment of courts) not "Jirga ka Faisla" (decision of Jirga),.
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Sep 19, 2014 02:56am
If Pakistani can live under dictatorship for more than 10 years each under Ayub,Zia and Musharaf,what is wrong with rigged elections under democracy for short periods when you can your say when next election come.
Rigged democracy is far better than dictatorship.see our history.
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Sep 19, 2014 03:30am
@Lucky Star - "present system" is a system of rigging. What is fair about that?
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Sep 19, 2014 03:37am
@Mustafa J. - "I am not a supporter of Nawaz Sharif". May God help you for supporting corrupt rulers!
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Sep 19, 2014 03:43am
@Lucky Star grow up!
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Sep 19, 2014 03:44am
@Babar Khan what world do you live in
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Sep 19, 2014 04:15am
@Harmony : Did I say I support Nawaz Sharif? He is legally elected as Prime Minister unless otherwise proved in a court of law and not by Mr. Imran Khan or Maulana Qadri even if they gather one million protesters and continue Dharna for next 4 years. You or I have no authority or qualification to call anyone "Corrupt". If a corrupt leader is elected by majority of people, it is the choice of majority of people and neither you or I or Mr. Imran Khan or Maulana Qadri can do anything about it. In democracy will of the majority must prevail.
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Sep 19, 2014 04:23am
First publish the documents on EC website as requested by FAFEN on numerous times.
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Sep 19, 2014 04:25am
@Mohsin - lol.
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Sep 19, 2014 04:37am
Need to repeat election in Punjab. Nawaz boyz were up to no good....:)
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Sep 19, 2014 04:45am
@mustafa
I suppose morality and doing the right thing are not in PMLN's vocabulary !!
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Sep 19, 2014 04:48am
Nothing left to prove. After the brutality shown by the government in Model town Lahore and Islamabad.
PML-N has no moral right to rule this great nation Pakistan.
Now rigging or no rigging. Nawaz and Shabaz has to go.
GO NAWAZ GO
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Sep 19, 2014 05:04am
Rigging???
Wikepedia: Rigging (from Anglo-Saxon wrigan or wringing, "to clothe") is the apparatus through which the force of the wind is used to propel sailboats and sailing ships forward. This includes masts, yards, sails, and cordage.
PML-N can use this definition 'literally' and prove there was NO rigging used in the election!!!
Jokes apart, Not a supporter of NS and would love him to go but if rigging is proven, what gives the other members to stay???????
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Sep 19, 2014 05:04am
@Canada just one problem: the constitution.
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Sep 19, 2014 05:14am
"the political jirga has also proposed not to include any official of Punjab Police in the investigative commission" really good judgement. PP should not be included in any crime investigation let alone rigging commission. They are as good as rock in the bottom of Ravi.
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Sep 19, 2014 05:18am
Any body that has been convicted of a crime should not me in the government
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Sep 19, 2014 05:21am
Fir is garbage. If you commit a crime .it must be investigated
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Sep 19, 2014 05:36am
I read the article and all the comments. It seems most of them are missing the point. Rigging elections is a small part of the problem. The real problems are the constitution and the voter. Every body is talking about the sanctity of the constitution and the supremacy of the parliament elected under it, which does not make sense. Here are the real issues:
1. Parliamentary system of government is not suitable for Pakistan. It only works for the politicians to govern the masses. We need presidential form of government, which will be whole lot better for governance, and needs to be re-written accordingly.
2. Regarding the election, rigging is not the only issue; it is the electorate. Voters are illiterate and ignorant. They do not have any knowledge of the issues, their solutions, and cannot judge the best candidates to solve the issues. They vote through their local chaudaries, the vote brokers. The candidates approach these vote brokers, not the voters. The current crop of politicians have their established networks, which cannot be broken by the elite class candidates.
3. In order to make the democracy work in Pakistan, you have to qualify the voter. If the voter does not know "what" he is voting for, how can you expect the right results. Democracy is only as good as the voter. In the beginning, everybody was not allowed to vote in USA. Voters had to qualify by having some property and stake in the government to vote. Women were not allowed to vote in USA until 1921. Pakistan's present situation is worse than USA of those days. Therefore, there has to be some sort of criteria to qualify voters.
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Sep 19, 2014 06:01am
Too many people are expressing opinion on vote rigging. Anyone here knows the Laws of Pakistan on Vote rigging?
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Sep 19, 2014 06:12am
@Lucky Star The whole point is the current system is highjacked by the current elites so justice to anyone who is outside this elite club whether it is IK, or me or you.
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Sep 19, 2014 06:13am
@Shah Sufi Just like IK AND QADRI . They too have dirt on their hands .
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Sep 19, 2014 06:17am
1- caretaker government
2- Reelection
3- Computerized foolproof voting
4- no arguments
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Sep 19, 2014 06:59am
@Mustafa J. Thanks Mustafa for an even treatment of the subject. Most people take one side or the other. So if rigging is proved at a smaller scale, then what about the rights of people who v0ted for NS and where no rigging took place. It is all a question of "scale" of rigging and not whether or not it took place. If the scale was large enough that NS could not have won otherwise, then he must go otherwise not.
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Sep 19, 2014 07:02am
So far PTI has provided no evidence against Nawaz sharif , Ex CJ etc.
Rigging is done on local level when possible. MQM PML PPPP and even PTI politicians are involved in that...some have been disqualified when evidence is presented to election tribunals
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Sep 19, 2014 07:06am
@z khan
Go Nawaz go
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Sep 19, 2014 07:20am
Go Nawaz Go
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Sep 19, 2014 07:34am
Cant imagine that Sharifs or PMLN will accept it
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Sep 19, 2014 07:45am
@Raees LaL : Who are you or I to say that morality and doing the right thing are not in PMLN's vocabulary !! You have painted all members of PML-N with one brush. Let us not pass judgment unless we are qualified to do so.
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Sep 19, 2014 07:48am
@Mansoor Cheema : Agree with you 100%
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Sep 19, 2014 07:48am
I don't get this every one from opposition in National Assembly has acknowledge that election was rigged what is this they keep going around in circle
Speak the truth and tell Nawaz to resign till recounting is done
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Sep 19, 2014 07:57am
If I were to decide my simple solution would be: Both Sharifs should resign first and then a high-powered Judicial Commission appointed to submit a Report about the allegations regarding rigging of cases The Report of the Commission must be submitted within a period of one month.
If the Commission concludes that riggings in fact have taken place, the 2013 elections must be declared null and void and fresh elections held under the auspices of a completely overhauled election machinery.
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Sep 19, 2014 08:04am
sounds fair & sensible, govt should now have the courage & sagacity to take initiative & resolve these genuine demands of public, it will be a mile stone in our beleaguered history , a positive change a hope averting the course to failed state labels
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Sep 19, 2014 09:12am
We as a nation have reconciled to cheating, corruption, nepotism, exploitation of the poor by the rich and powerful and other lawlessness. By sitting silently and helpless we are not being just to ourselves, our nation and most importantly to our next generation. No wonder it is so unfortunate that a basic right of access to truth is facing so much resistance. Until we take pain, stand for our right and snatch what is due to us, they will keep suppressing and exploiting us. Every one of us has a due role to play and until we discharge our duty our fate is doomed. Think and think again and see what can you do to fight it out. These are established principles of society, religion, common sense and you name it. We are looking for exceptions that to our dismay are not there.
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Sep 19, 2014 09:26am
@Truth will Always Prevail
Because they can't ask Nawaz to go as they will have to go to. And they know especially now-- if they leave -- very difficult for them to win again. So they're all protecting each other and giving it the name of -- saving democracy --
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Sep 19, 2014 09:30am
NS should resign if. ------
This not NS saying. It's the famous jirga--/-- so it mean anything.
Anyways nobody trusts sharif brothers. Didn't SS say on TV/// that if JIT blames him he will resign. So what happened. He lied.
So who will trust NS now. Doesn't matter what he says. Cause he might be lying just like his brother.
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Sep 19, 2014 10:38am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain :If I were to decide my simple solution would be: Imran Khan should resign first as a Chairman PTI and then a high-powered Judicial Commission appointed submit a report about the allegations framed by the President PTI Javed Hashmi against Imran Khan for being a foot soldier of the hidden forces to undo the democratic process in the country. The report of the commission must be submitted as early as possible.
If the Commission concludes that the mock crisis or inquilab is the result of the much talked about “well hatched conspiracy” to bring a technocrat setup, the conjoined of IK-TQ and their cronies should be put under life time ban from politics.
The logic is simple and straight “prove your allegations with evidence” otherwise stop babbling.
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Sep 19, 2014 11:24am
May be government has now changed the entire election results or atleast 4 constituencies Imran Khan has been asking for last 15 months. Its not difficult if you change say 500-600 votes on daily basis by taking thumb impression, genuine paper etc
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Sep 19, 2014 12:13pm
Go Imran Go
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Sep 19, 2014 12:30pm
Government should accept the most sensible proposals of Jirga followed by lifting of Dharnas by Imran and Qadri saheb.
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Sep 19, 2014 01:00pm
Its been over a year now and the government machinery must have ATTEMPTED to fix the rigging so to appear elgitimate ........the great part is that they are so inept that most likely they will compound their errors
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Sep 21, 2014 11:14am
NS must be in a very difficult situation because all the political parties even his own had openly confirmed about rigging. Let us see this interesting moments.
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Sep 21, 2014 11:14am
NS must be in a very difficult situation because all the political parties even his own had openly confirmed about rigging. Let us see this interesting moments.
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Sep 21, 2014 11:33am
It is not a fair demand. NS should resign only if it is proven that PML(N) and NS were involved in rigging. However, in case mass-scale planned rigging (not ordinary election rules violation at local level) is proved without involvement of PML(N) and NS, then both national and all provincial assemblies should be dissolved, and fresh elections should be conducted. Geo NS Geo.
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Sep 21, 2014 11:37am
@Fazal Karim
I fully agree. Government should introduce sound election reforms and introduce pro-people policies for welfare of common people.
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Sep 21, 2014 04:40pm
if this is their principle stand why don't they i.e Jirga join PAT and PTI... it is only a statement with out any meaning
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Sep 21, 2014 08:02pm
Nawaz Sharif has proven himself to be a mature politician by not allowing these two clowns to become martyrs or pioneers of whatever they think they are doing. These two have no qualifications. Both are running charities and before calling anyone corrupt, they need to explain their sources of income. On the other hand, Nawaz Sharif owes no explanation to anyone. He built his wealth with his own hands and ran a very successful enterprise compared to these two who are always relying on handouts, cheating and stealing in the name of philanthropy. I am sure Nawaz Sharif knows something about economy and management. After all he is a successful businessman. What are the credentials of these two? No resignation. No compromise. No gang is going to force a sitting PM, duly elected by the majority, to resign or leave office.
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