Pakistan will not be paralysed on Imran's call: Khurshid Shah

E-Paper | February 28, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said the country would not be paralysed on Imran Khan's call.

He was speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House in Islamabad on Monday.

Shah said Information Minister Pervez Rashid's statement that the government would not hold talks with PTI was disappointing.

It was necessary for the PML-N led government to hold talks with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, the Pakistan Peoples Party leader said, adding that in the other case, the government risked weakening its own standing.

He also said that the actions of both the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz government and Imran Khan were destabilising the country.

Today's was the first reaction by the opposition leader on Imran Khan's call of paralysing cities to increase pressure on the PML-N government.

Imran's announcement calls for paralysing major cities in the first phase and eventually shutting down the entire country by Dec 16.

“On Thursday (Dec 4), I will go to Lahore and shut it down. On Dec 8 I will shut down Faisalabad; on Dec 12, I will go to Karachi and shut it down. By Dec 16, I will close down all of Pakistan,” Imran had said.

Read | Imran's Plan C: Paralyse major cities, paralyse Pakistan

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Irfan

Dec 01, 2014 01:32pm

And the mukmuka carries on and on. Now all depends on the nation whether to take things as they are or strive for the change. Nothing will change if we continue to criticize only and don't want to take part. We have to put more pressure on our sacred courts so they start to become active. They are sleeping since a very long time.

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Concerned Citizen

Dec 01, 2014 01:36pm

I don't see it succeeding. May be they will block some roads for some days but that's it. If there is any untoward incident and people get hurt. The responsibility will be on IK and his cronies. IK's lust for power and hate for NS can let him do anything even if it means destabilizing the state of Pakistan. Shame on IK and PTI.

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F Khan

Dec 01, 2014 01:36pm

Thank you Khurshid shah for coming back from London. Please sit with PM and decide/propose the name of the new CEC instead of giving irrelevant statements. You are the leader of the opposition this is your constitutional responsibility to agree and propose a name for CEC as the SC is asking. Forget IK at the moment. We the people of Pakistan are enough to handle this lunatic.

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Paggri sanbhaal

Dec 01, 2014 01:36pm

In Pakistani politics you must have one wing assigned to terrorise the public.Since PTI has none that s why this corrupt KS is saying so.

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Dr AH

Dec 01, 2014 01:37pm

The only loyal supporter of Nawaz Sharif left ! God save Pakistan !

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saleem2

Dec 01, 2014 01:38pm

Look these crooks using the name of democracy and still prevent election audit. Shareef khandan and Zardari khandan using the cry of democracy to protect their rule.

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AnObserver

Dec 01, 2014 01:45pm

Well what do you expect from meter Shah? God, is there NO limit to how much money they want to make at the expense of poor, hardworking people of this country? Ultimately, we all go into the ground and this won't matter. If only they kept perspective of what really matters. Sad.

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Qamar Tarar

Dec 01, 2014 01:53pm

no other option left. We are with IK.

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Atta

Dec 01, 2014 01:58pm

We Stand with you IK ... Pakistan stands with you .... All young Pakistani's who think beyond self interest and want to see this Pakistan as a Pakistan our ancestors envisioned and sacrificed for stand with you. We Thank you Imran Khan because you are Pakistan Khan, proud son of green land

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mustafa

Dec 01, 2014 02:04pm

It looks like rather I am sure that Khursheed Shah is no opposition leader, he is acting like a Govt Official. what a shame. Atleast he should keep quite and act dignified.

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Naveed I

Dec 01, 2014 02:13pm

Leaders like him are omen to imminence of judgement day.

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Cool

Dec 01, 2014 02:17pm

In short they are all united to save their backs.

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Yusufzai

Dec 01, 2014 02:17pm

Pakistan is already paralysed by you guys. Let the youth take their part as well.

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Muhammad Adnan Sadiq

Dec 01, 2014 02:17pm

The attitude of government is disappointing its people. Government should realize that Mr Khan has given some time before final shut down of country. So, as to hold talks with PTI in order to find some way out of current political situation in the country.

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Usman

Dec 01, 2014 02:20pm

Who says he is our opposition leader. He is a political broker between Zardari and Nawaz. We will sea him and his so called democracy.

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Aly Khan

Dec 01, 2014 02:22pm

We will save the democracy. We will save the corruption, we will do the electoral fraud and no one will ever investigate it, we will earn commisions on government projects and shift them to our overseas bank accounts. Once we die our children are being trained to take over the crown. Welcome to the so called democracy of Pakistan. May Allah save us from these culprits. IK the nation is with you all the way through. A good electoral system is first step to save pakistan from these culprits.

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Shahid

Dec 01, 2014 02:23pm

A big stupidity by PTI chief. These statements are good in action movies not in real life.

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salman

Dec 01, 2014 02:29pm

@Shahid You are not living in reality..come back please.

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Kashif

Dec 01, 2014 02:32pm

@Shahid This is a real life.

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GolGappewala

Dec 01, 2014 02:33pm

Shut this down and that down. I do not understand, shut down what? something similar to curfew, or similar to surrounding the town and cutting of water, power, gas supply and blocking roads so that no one can escape. How ill this help the PTI, except the government registering another criminal case.

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Dec 01, 2014 02:33pm

@Shahid And govt actions are more like a low budget comedy movie.

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IMRAN QASIM

Dec 01, 2014 02:34pm

its already paralyzed bro. Imran is trying to cure it. PAKISTAN IS NO MORE COUNTRY OF FOOLS.

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Talha

Dec 01, 2014 02:36pm

Pakistan is already paralyzed by the corrupt mafia, Imran Khan is here to liberate us from that very corrupt mafia who is looting us in the name of democracy. And sir it is not Imran Khan's issue, it is the issue of the people of Pakistan who think that their votes have no value and want proper elections instead of fake elections. If anybody creates hurdles in investigating last year's elections then that someone would be the biggest traitor of the country as that someone would deprive the people of Pakistan to have trust in elections.

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Dr. Sadaf

Dec 01, 2014 02:38pm

Let's see, there is still one power which is more than what you people can even think off, why don't you all go and assemble in one of your favourite places where you land in your big luxury cars and so far removed from reality, that is the place for all the cowards to gather and think about the next strategy and that also in that case when all of you can understand what policy and strategy is.

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Sultan Alvi (Canada)

Dec 01, 2014 02:43pm

@Yusufzai : Khurshid Shah and Nawaz Sharif are way ahead of Imran Khan in paralyzing the whole country through massive corruption and mismanagement.

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john

Dec 01, 2014 02:44pm

PTI does not have clean people in its rank nor the party is formed with its own original members coming form the grass roots, but instead it has infiltration of figures from other political parties. The only party is MQM with its own original members uprising from the grass roots, its leader does not want any position for itself other than the justice for the poor and under privileged.

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ali

Dec 01, 2014 02:44pm

I think he woke up after IK jalsa. Now there is no need for you to worry, we as Insfians will do the rest.

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ali

Dec 01, 2014 02:57pm

@Concerned Citizen shame on yourself actually. if you are "concerned citizen" then you cant have such a mentality.

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Ahmed

Dec 01, 2014 02:58pm

Just thinking, what one should do if there is no justice ? When Election Commission, Supreme Court and Parliament failed to protect the basic right of an individual then what's the ultimate solution ?

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Irfan

Dec 01, 2014 03:03pm

Sure Mr. Khursheed shah. You have already buried Pakistan alive. So how can this happen.

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Naxalite

Dec 01, 2014 03:06pm

Thugs At Work!

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Ravi

Dec 01, 2014 03:09pm

I feel petty the way country is getting exploited by people. Someone wants this someone wants that but there is no common thread. No one is really looking at how to uplift country. Its sad state of affairs the way Pakistan is going. I truly feel bad for brother nation. Hope you guys get a good leader who can channelize country to stability.

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Ali

Dec 01, 2014 03:13pm

I always noticed first few comments are always against IK and after that all in favour of IK. You may disagree with IK (which I don't) but I can't find any reason to support "khandani democracy" of Nawaz and Zardari. All other nations are progressing and Pakistan is in a free fall. Who is responsible for this?

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Talha

Dec 01, 2014 03:17pm

Wake up people of Pakistan, your time to show your importance is now!!

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numan

Dec 01, 2014 03:20pm

Yes it difficult for IK to shut down all country. because there is no millitant wing in PTI. Yes PTI cant shutdown like MQM shuts down Karachi

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Ghazanfar

Dec 01, 2014 03:25pm

I am overseas Pakistani and not PTI worker. However I want to say that IK might be a flawed leader, and doesn't always appear to have well laid agenda or a clear vision for the future. But he gives chance to knock down the door, change the course of politics and displace a system of elite dynasty and patriarchy based corrupt and rotten politics that hasn't worked for an overwhelming majority. If you don't like IK you can even support someone new, something different eventually, but should align, join forces with him in the objective to kick out the status quo. Don't focus on the fallen fuel prices in the last month and the risk of government shutdown the next month. Look at the economic, social and security indicators in the last 20 years. Sub Saharan African levels poverty, shrinking middle class, extremism, broken and self destructive foreign policy, Pakistan is moving backwards and is constantly at the precipice of becoming a failed state and you cannot expect the status quo to do anything different. At least IK can be an ally to knock down the current system, if not to build a new one.

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Imran Khan

Dec 01, 2014 03:31pm

I wish PPP was true opposition!!! IK playing the role of true opposition. Shame on u

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Zak

Dec 01, 2014 03:32pm

Excellent move, to get people's genuine voting rights, people have to demand it by peaceful action, however inconvenient it may be. This blockade is one foundation stone towards a just society like UK as without it, we live like now. Extortionists, land mafia, religious extremists groups, state corporation mega corruption, children starving to death in thar. Punjab vice chief minister, unseen, unheard, no work, but great salary and accommodation.

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Shabbir

Dec 01, 2014 03:32pm

@Concerned Citizen do you have any advise for nawaz?

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Sami Ullah Swati

Dec 01, 2014 03:36pm

This is supposed to vitalize the nation and the general public against corrupt practices by the PPM-PMLn nexus, Mr Khurshid! The tide is coming to wash out the rubble of rigged polling system!!!

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Pakistani

Dec 01, 2014 03:38pm

KS, as leader of the opposition, your job is to ensure the government is forced to accountability and good governance. We know you will never support these measures and continue to hide behind the slogan of "democracy" to cover your past and intended misdeeds Your day of reckoning will come sooner than you think.

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mrmela

Dec 01, 2014 03:40pm

@Concerned Citizen or slave citizen!

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Usman

Dec 01, 2014 03:51pm

hahaha keep underestimating the Khan and he will keep hitting you back. The country is well and truly with Khan :)

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Pashtunyar

Dec 01, 2014 04:18pm

How do you paralyze a city without hurting the people? Why has he left kpk out of the party? Will paralyzing a few cities force nawaz to resign? Is it even possible to paralyze lahore where pmln enjoys considerable support, the same goes for mqm in karachi? And most importantly what happens after 16/12? What is his exit-plan?

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Dr Carla

Dec 01, 2014 04:21pm

Put Imran in jail, this guy is a trouble maker. In multi party parliamentary democracy, party wins with 20 to 30% vote, it means majority of the people against the government but that is how parliamentary democracy function. This guy caching the opposition and paralysing the elected government. Most selfish person I ever seen. No matter who comes to power, they cannot cut any official and unofficial budgets to military and ISI, leftover budget will be peanuts for any sensible development, Who ever will be in the power, there will be no change in countries economy.

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khawar malik

Dec 01, 2014 04:21pm

Earlier I thought IK to be a sensible person and leader, but as he is exposing himself more with his actions and rhetorics he now seems to be a stupid and immature. This guy should not be a leader of the country. He is dreaming to become PM overnight and without having any realistic strategy, action plan and vision

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Ahmed

Dec 01, 2014 04:23pm

IK had an option to turn pakistan around, by making KPK a model province, yet he choose to become a hooligan. His hatred and lust for power are unprecedented. Ironic he choose the Dec 16th the day Pakistan surrendered as he day to sub due Pakistan once again. InshaAllah he will not succeed. I think IK is the worst thing that has happened to us.

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Saad Khan

Dec 01, 2014 04:24pm

Imran Khan is far too ambitious and NS & Zardari are far too corrupt...God save Pakistan!

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jahangir Khan

Dec 01, 2014 04:45pm

I talked to a family guy who is a big supporter of PTI. I said to him so you will block Pakistan and will come out on roads on 16th. He replied I am not mad, I have a family and how will I look stopping individual cars. Its the job of either worker or young man (if his family allowed), he further added. So..

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Sohail

Dec 01, 2014 05:00pm

PMLN spokes person khursheed shah.. Zardariz B team is PMLN

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SRehman

Dec 01, 2014 05:05pm

@F Khan Absolutely right...who cares whether your vote ends up deciding who get's the seat...after all democracy in Pakistan is the voting not the counting.

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SRehman

Dec 01, 2014 05:09pm

@Ahmed Let's say you were convinced after a model performance...you vote...someone else counts it...are you not getting the picture. I know for a fact that my vote has been cast on at least two occasions and I can tell you for a fact that I have never voted.

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Shahid Malik

Dec 01, 2014 05:16pm

PTI has registered its point of view on 2013 elections. Now they must sit on the table with government and other parties to seek the peaceful solution. The calls for plan C and D would only spread anarchy. PTI must think for the larger interest of the country that lies only in peace and stability.

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Nessar

Dec 01, 2014 05:17pm

@Ahmed .....and NS and Zardari are the best things to happen to Pakistan. With people like you God help Pakistan!

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Shahid Malik

Dec 01, 2014 05:47pm

PPP can be rightfully accused for corruption and inefficiency but their political vision is far ahead of other parties. PTI is sincere but their excessive agitations and protests are damaging the country and setting up wrong political culture. Sincerity alone is not enough, a political party must have a vision as well. Hope PTI will withdraw its calls for agitations and sit on the negotiating table to find solutions and utilize its energies on delivering in KPK for which they were given the mandate.

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Rajab Ali

Dec 01, 2014 07:43pm

Imran Khan is surely a political power to reckon with. Gone are the days of fooling people in Bhutto's name!

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Dr. Sadaf

Dec 01, 2014 07:44pm

Is he the so called opposition? God alone can save us from them.

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saeeds

Dec 01, 2014 08:26pm

People of Pakistan are full of hate of Democracy . Even straight forward and decent statement make no sense to them.

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Truth will Always Prevail

Dec 02, 2014 12:59am

You need to wake up and smell the freedom from corruption all over Mr Shah. Pakistanis have had enough from you and your partner in corruption PMLN. Handful sheep mentality followers may listen to your to but Majority of Pakistanis will come out on street and make Pakistan free of corrupt leaders of PPP and PMLN. You will be witnessing the end of Noora khusti soon. By the way word of advice for you shareef and zardari will be running away to mid east or Uk have you covered you back?

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Truth will Always Prevail

Dec 02, 2014 01:01am

@Dr AH GOD only help those who help them-self. All sincere Pakistanis need to get out on street to make Pakistan free from corrupt leaders of PMLN and PPP

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Mustafa

Dec 02, 2014 01:18am

In the past their foreign masters used to make PPP and Nawaz fight each other, with the entire system facing existential threat, all foreign lackeys have been summoned to save Nawaz. This crisis has unmasked many well hidden lackeys of the colonial world order, let alone PPP which had always had a very thin facade.

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eradicate corruption

Dec 02, 2014 02:39am

@Shahid ......IK never bluffs.....he has proven to be 200% correct previously..DON'T play with him...you 'll be burned

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eradicate corruption

Dec 02, 2014 02:41am

@saeeds ....DNA Troubled nation.....slaves for 3000 more years....

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khan

Dec 02, 2014 06:12am

Ignore Khursheed Shah no credibility

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Dec 02, 2014 06:39am

Pakistan has already paralyzed due to corrupt politicians and their fake democracy

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Jawad

Dec 02, 2014 06:41am

I don't think you matter any more. That's all I have to say. Bye bye --------- for now. Go home and try to build PPP again. I was once a very strong supporter after all.

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malick

Dec 02, 2014 06:56am

Khurshid shah and Zardari can embrace katil league, can embrace Shehbaz shariff for their interest. PPP could not produce any like IK, and could not save my shaheed Bhutto and shaheed BB and these two leaders are going to loose the last blood drop of Bhutto shaheed. Bilawal. Some leader says election is stolen and we are saving democracy. To day your mandate is stolen, What about if your families are stolen tomorrow by PMLN or any one else? You will try to recover your families are you will cooperate just to safe democracy.

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Niran Salehjee

Dec 02, 2014 07:05am

Imran Khan the "King of Swing" and his anti-state "London plan" stand exposed for all to see. He has shot himself in the foot again and again. I feel pity for those innocent fools who support this reckless man and his agenda of destabilizing the country! Although it is an absolutely impossible task to shut down Pakistan, Watch out for this man, he is a rogue and the devil himself in the clothing of a sheep! With barely 20,000, he plans to shut down Pakistan and that to on the 16th of December which is a date that only the enemies of Pakistan celebrate! Shame on Imran Khan and his party for choosing this date for their historical plan 'C' show, which is bound to fail as all his other plans! .... I cannot wait to hear his excuse for the imminent failure and his plan 'D'! "Go home Imran Khan", this is not a cricket pitch boy!

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Niran Salehjee

Dec 02, 2014 07:16am

@Talha IK is a a part of the corrupt mafia which cannot stay out of power for too long because they stand to loose billions of dollars in kickbacks from their foreign masters in India, USA, UK and Israel! He is the face of "reactionary" powers that are trying their level best to stop Pakistan from becoming a leading power in the region and stabilizing. Before you talk of the empty glass of the future that this crazy man is holding uo to a small group of hynotized people, please tell us what his party of fools has given the Khyber Pakhthunkhwa in the last year and a half or so! ........... Zilch! .... and thats what he intends to give the rest of the country. He is doomed to fail from the word go!

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