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ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif on Wednesday visited 10 Downing Street and met with British Prime Minister David Cameron.
In a series of tweets, ISPR spokesman Asim Bajwa said the COAS raised issue of action against proscribed organisations, anti-Pakistan elements operating from outside Pakistan and measures to choke terror financing.
The COAS also called on Secretary of Defence Michael Fallen and held extensive talks with Chief of the Defence Staff UK, Gen Sir Nicholas Houghton on regional security, stability in Afghanistan, mutual defence and security cooperation.
He also met Home Office Permanent Secretary Mark Sedwill and Director General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) Charles Farr and discussed intelligence sharing and terrorism cooperation.
Sharif, who is on a three-day visit, also met with the National Security advisor Sir Kim Darroch.
He was presented full guard of honour and was as accompanied by Chief of the Defence Staff UK, Gen Sir Nicholas Houghton.
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Pakistan's High Commissioner to UK Syed Ibne Abbas and senior British defence officials received the army chief upon his arrival.
The COAS was expected to brief British leaders on Pakistan's war against terror and the ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb.
Pakistan's military in mid-June had launched an all-out operation, named 'Zarb-i-Azb', against Taliban militants in the region which is still under way.
Moreover, months into Zarb-i-Azb, the army also launched Khyber 1, an operation to clear out militant strongholds in the tribal region of Khyber.
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Jan 15, 2015 12:02am
Why Gen. Raheel Sharif and not PM Nawaz Sharif?
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Jan 15, 2015 12:03am
General Raheel you are the only hope. These politicians are playing havoc with this country. Please don't let us down.
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Jan 15, 2015 12:21am
@Jalaluddin, because Raheel Sharif is a leader, Nawaz Sharif is not.
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Jan 15, 2015 12:21am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain ..Because he is the top man in-charge.
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Jan 15, 2015 12:27am
Where is the political leadership?
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Jan 15, 2015 12:45am
Alhumdulillah. I am so happy to see our sip a salar, so brilliant and patriotic. Hats off to you.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:11am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain - In case you have not noticed yet, Nawaz lacks leadership skills and it was very obvious after the Peshawar incident where he was acting like a deer caught in the headlights. And while Nawaz was lacking leadership skills during that incident, Raheel took charge of the situation and showed that he was a leader.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:13am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain
Sir what is your issue? At least some one from Pakistan is taking the lead whether military or political leadership. Let us see the positive side if it and move forward. I certainly see peace and prosperity being strengthened in Pakistan.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:14am
@Ehsan Mani sleeping.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:31am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain Because they are discussing Defense Cooperation not political and economical solution.
What an industrialist will add to defense and killing the Terrorist?
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Jan 15, 2015 01:36am
where is mr pm......
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Jan 15, 2015 02:23am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain
Funny enough , when i saw the picture , i thought the same thing.
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Jan 15, 2015 02:46am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain --This trip is related to war on terrorism which has become a threat, not just for Pakistan but for the entire world. World leaders would certainly be interested in the role played by Pakistani forces against that threat. General Sharif being the top man of front line warriors is suited to explain the strategy and resolve adopted by his forces. Also the General would be more trustworthy considering the prevailing conflict among the political parties against war-on-terrorism.
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Jan 15, 2015 03:00am
@Ehsan Mani : Political leadership is busy in making money, expanding their business empire and kicking idle sons into politics
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Jan 15, 2015 03:28am
@Ehsan Mani The politicians are doing what they have been best at: plundering the coffers.
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Jan 15, 2015 03:29am
@Hassan Spot on
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Jan 15, 2015 03:47am
@Ehsan Mani - Fighting Imran Khan.
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Jan 15, 2015 03:52am
The way our political leaders meet foreign leaders and the way millitary leadership meet them is completely different. Just the body language speaks!
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Jan 15, 2015 03:55am
Laughable and stupid.
Raheel is an unelected army officer who should only serve the elected government led by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He should never exceed his authority of dealing with elected foreign leaders.
Administratively he has nothing to do with foreign policy and politics, and should simply serve the elected government and, therefore, the public.
No wonder the UK Prime Minister looked uneasy and tense, and our army man - so pompous!
If Raheel is not following government orders to do so, he should be sacked immediately by the Prime Minister.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:01am
Nawaz should be removed along with his "tea party" - they are totally useless.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:07am
Its 'patriotic' for some when they see Army clothes but its not so 'patriotic' when they see PM wearing Shalwar Kameez.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:09am
Dear Indians, can you ever imagine your COAS getting an invite to the Pentagon, CENTCOM, 10 Downing and getting a guard of honor ?? This is the power of Pakistan, respected and admired by the great powers of the world.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:29am
@AXH He is a military leader not the leader of people, and he has been appointed not elected. I find this astonishing that you guys raise the importance of a General so much that it undermines the political leadership. Then why there is so much hue and cry if a General overtakes the government in a coup. It appears to me that you guys will be happier and satisfied if there is a General ruling the country instead of a democratically elected leader.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:30am
A sincere man making sincere efforts.
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Jan 15, 2015 04:47am
@Ehsan Mani "Where is the political leadership?" They are too busy throwing keechar at each other.
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Jan 15, 2015 05:00am
General's overseas visit is not given coverage in India and most probably he does not have access to the top political leadership of a foreign country.
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Jan 15, 2015 05:40am
"COAS raised issue of action against proscribed organisations, anti-Pakistan elements operating from outside Pakistan and measures to choke terror financing". Great job General Raheel. Keep up the good work and make Pakistan free from all kinds of terror.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:06am
@Hassan very true, he visited US for 10 days, now how many days of vacation in UK?
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Jan 15, 2015 06:07am
It is the Army guy representing Pakistan since the Dual dharnas of Imran and Qadri have given the power back to the Army which just for a fleeting moment had come to the civilian side.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:14am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain . This is what happens when politicians fail; someone had to step up and fill the vacuum. PM is busy making money, no foreign minister, no defence minister; so what else you would expect?
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Jan 15, 2015 06:19am
another blow to NS government.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:35am
@SKB another stupid comment
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Jan 15, 2015 06:57am
Its clear now, Nawaz has officially declared martial law and made Gen. Raheel the leader of the country. He'll be resting and enjoying "siri paway" at his Favorited outlet. I do not see any outrage and that makes me believe that Pakistanis want this. Well, they get what they want. This is exactly Iqbal said, :Khuda nay Aaj Tak........"
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Jan 15, 2015 06:58am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain This is not Nawaz Sharif's job. In a normal democracy the defense minister visits a coalition partner and the COAS accompanies him. The COAS reports to the defense minister.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:02am
"The COAS was expected to brief British leaders on Pakistan's war against terror and the ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb."
In my opinion, the Pakistan army is doing a good job and shouldn't be involving themselves in these types of briefing.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:26am
Looks like Gen Raheel has assumed the power of PM. Congratulations to Army and their supporters for destroying democracy and civilian institutions.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:29am
What hypocrisy! When PM visits foreign nations, you blame him of wasting tax money and that he isn't staying in Pakistan at a crucial time. But when Raheel Sharuf visits foreign nations, you start asking why PM didn't go.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:46am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain ..Because David Cameron knows that who is honest, reliable and trustworthy person in Pakistan
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Jan 15, 2015 07:47am
These frequent visits by our head of army instead of the head of the state is an ominous sign. Maybe we have again relinquished the reigns of the state to the military again. But this time it seems that it was voluntary. A coup-less victory for the army. All thanks to the Taliban. How come any of our conspiracy theorists have never made this connection?
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Jan 15, 2015 08:01am
I'm very proud to say our Army Chief( Gen Raheel Sharif) is given warm welcome by USA & now UK. It's unfortunate,
Nawaz Shyarif and Zardari Butto) who been dishonest with people of Pakistan ever since they came in power, they production of NRO deal. Ppeople of Pakistan and also world leaders have rejected them.
The reality is Gen Raheel Sharif is in charge of Army and civilian government.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:08am
Am I glad to actually to finally see someone capable handling the important issues! Being a civilian is not a requirement. Being capable is, and always will be.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:22am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain in case you haven't noticed, military has gained more political space in your country by discrediting the civilian leadership. War against terror has come in very handy to further squeeze space for the civilian leadership. Gen sahib has out maneuvered your PM and expanded army's role by taking over foreign policy and security affairs completely. Only question that remains to be seen now is whether he will take the next step and what will be the trigger for that.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:30am
A brave General. Good job Sir.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:52am
Someone tell the army to stop running like the leaders of the country so that the real leaders have a chance to prove themselves
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Jan 15, 2015 08:56am
The Chief seems to have met with all important people in the UK. He seems to have a well thought out strategy. One thing I would like him to avoid is to visit the Middle Eastern countries, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, etc., who are the main problem for Pakistan because of their funding to the religious seminaries that subscribe to their brand of religion. The Chief should strengthen ties with the Western world and so far he has been doing good.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:05am
time to introduce full army rule, always better than sham army rule.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:20am
Never seen an Indian army chief handshaking foreign leadership like this.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:29am
@Fifo May Almighty bless Gen. Raheel Sharif for his sincere efforts to make Pakistan a better place to live for all Pakistanis. Long live Pak Army, long live Pakistan.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:36am
Can't underatand !! In a democratically elected government isn't the PM suppposed to chart out/meet world leaders???
Power centres I guess??
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Jan 15, 2015 09:47am
Where is your defence minister?
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Jan 15, 2015 09:59am
what is the role of PM in Pakistan...???????????
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Jan 15, 2015 10:02am
We are so opinionated, moment we see someone in the uniform we classify him the real patriot and anyone who is parliamentarian is bound to be corrupt. I am no defending the NS lot, just trying to make a point that nothing is black & white in our politics, all are shades of gray.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:02am
A lion walking in khaki in the others den.
After Ayub Khan, have never seen, such a respect and hospitality shown to any Pakistani general.
Proud of you.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:08am
It appears that the elected politicians are unable to manage the administration of the country. The politician have amended the constitution which gave the judicial powers to the military. Now we see that Gen Raheel is meeting the politicians and foreign dignitaries in Pakistan as well as well as in foreign countries. The professional military man is being exposed and trained in politics and diplomacy of the world representing Pakistan. I think Gen Raheel is being acceted in UK as well as USA represting Pakistan well. This is a smooth transition of power from politicians to the military. It is so easy to amend the constitution when we have majority in on province which will be willing to amend the constitution for transferring power of government from parliament to General Raheel amd make him President. This will be smooth transition of power when military chief as a President will have the government and parliament will continue to remain as a legislative body.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:10am
Civilian government must represent the country rather than military...Dear Pakistani fight for democracy...
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Jan 15, 2015 10:18am
@Hamood: Are you guys in your senses. Military should remain in barracks instead of leading Government. This is shameful for Pakistan!
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Jan 15, 2015 10:29am
Unsecured society always need a muscleman as their protector ...... and a corrupt society never produce a good leader......
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Jan 15, 2015 10:39am
@Iqbal Khan I am not surprised at the stupidity of people who think it is a good or an okay thing for Sharif to be touring world and meeting elected officials. Education makes a lot of difference in understanding these events. Am I surprised to see David Cameron receiving the Pak. General? Not really, this is how these countries get to know the working of other countries and in times of need favors are asked and given.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:01am
For what? Getting some more aid?
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Jan 15, 2015 11:20am
I dont get it why people lose their brains when they see a man in uniform. He is a gov. official who is paid by ur tax money and u shud be the ones thanked for providing the means due to which these demigods stay alive. People should know what they are worth and stop licking boots of politicians and armymen as if they are doing any service. They are doing their job and for that we pay them through our taxes. Keep ur head up and have a mindset of free men rather than slaves.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:27am
@Md Imran Even most powerful nations on the earth are represented by their elected leaders not military...
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Jan 15, 2015 11:28am
Gen. Raheel, please get an approval from Cameron and Obama to take over the Pakistani leadership and run the country effectively. The corrupt and inefficient politicians will never let an their lessons,
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Jan 15, 2015 11:35am
@Iqbal Khan: Couldn't Agree More.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:56am
This may be disastrous for Pakistan. One can counterintuitively say that good or bad, only elected leaders should represent the countries externally and vis-a-vis, other elected leaders. If you look at David's countenance, he does not look that comfortable in posing a photo with General. On the other hand, Mian Sh is gong to see a sick man outside the country.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:59am
@commentater : The fact is they don't have to! That work is done by our "Elected Executives". A soldier's only job is to protect his motherland, and my army does it perfectly. Even you know that. Don't You?
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Jan 15, 2015 12:07pm
@Sami Khan.. Pakistan is run by people upon approved by USA and UK !!
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Jan 15, 2015 12:48pm
@Harris Mustafa compare the military budget to Pakistans overall budget and think again who is plundering the coffers.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:07pm
@Wajid Khan : Political leader has gone to Saudia Arbia to meet a dictator
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Jan 15, 2015 01:23pm
@Mscoree Exactly that's what I am thinking too. Our ppl are too hard to be satisfied, isn't? :-\
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Jan 15, 2015 01:25pm
Lol that's what India is saying right from the start. What's the point of talking to the civilian government when foreign policy is handled by army.
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Jan 15, 2015 01:36pm
army took advantage of dharna to increase their bargaining power against goverment.army took the decision of operation, but if something goes wrong or blowback like peshawar. blames goes to politicians. army has all authority but no responsibility, politicians no authority but all responsibility.70 % budget goes to army. which some of them they spend heavily in media, like ary, express tv, dunya. which shows them as heroes and politicians as villains. i bet make raheel sharif pm for 2 years and let the media way it is. after few months people will start raising voices against him, tht raheel did nothing. its irony we only like those who r not in power and hate those who in the power. i remember when musharraf came in power, how people appreciated him in start. but after few years he became villain
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Jan 15, 2015 02:20pm
It's our misfortune that our country had been governed by such so called leaders who are basically there just for the sake of earning more money and to satisfy their THURST to RULE the HELPLESS, POOR, UNEDUCATED NATION (almost 80% of population in rural areas).
And it's our good fortune that we have such a strong and disciplined army that comes to our help in such times when we lose all our hope to stand up again.
Pakistan Army Zindabad
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Jan 15, 2015 03:04pm
@Irfan Rahim it does nothappen in real democracy. Have you heard any such instance Military man officially visiting PM of another country except in a sham democracy. It is ridiculous Sir.
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Jan 16, 2015 09:49am
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain ...He is the de-facto Head of State
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Jan 16, 2015 10:34am
@Iqbal Khan.
"Raheel is an unelected army officer who should only serve the elected government led by the Prime Minister of Pakistan."
Except that we don't know who is the elected prime minister.
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Jan 16, 2015 10:37am
@Zahid;
The :fleeting moment" of Mukmuka rule lasted almost seven years and has given the nation nothing but hunger, corrupt courts, sold out media and subservience to foreign powers.
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Jan 16, 2015 10:38am
@pak47;
"Its 'patriotic' for some when they see Army clothes but its not so 'patriotic' when they see PM wearing Shalwar Kameez."
It is not the dress but the man within.
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Jan 16, 2015 10:42am
@Harris Mustafa ....Compare your Military budget with that of the budget allocations to social sectors....then you will know who is plundering the nation. Corruption at high level is not that comparable to your Military's budget
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Jan 16, 2015 10:42am
@Kumar;
"General's overseas visit is not given coverage in India and most probably he does not have access to the top political leadership of a foreign country"
Your generals lost Kargil and your politicians won it back, our generals won Kargil and our politicians lost it.
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Jan 16, 2015 10:44am
@SR;
"Then why there is so much hue and cry if a General overtakes the government in a coup."
There is no hue and cry inside the country, all the hue and cry is in our enemy countries, I am sure you have heard a lot of it.
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Jan 16, 2015 10:47am
@Muhsmmad Faroow;
" it does nothappen in real democracy. Have you heard any such instance Military man officially visiting PM of another country except in a sham democracy."
Well, American generals always visit our prime minister.
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Jan 16, 2015 11:03am
@SKB then he should be max a minister for industry.
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Jan 16, 2015 11:16am
@Md Imran
Dear Pakistani. Nope we can't imagine our military head being invited like that despite heading the world's 4th largest army. Reason, well our civilian leadership is capable to handle these matters. However question is whether General Raheel was invited or summoned, first by US and then by UK. US and UK know who is their man in Pakistan. If Saudis have NS, US and UK have COAS of Pakistan. As for the power of India, well president of US is a guest of honor on India's republic day. Tune in to see that. Before that, all SAARC heads, including Pakistan's, were present in Modi's swearing ceremony. In less than 6 months, head of the states from Japan, China and Russia have visited India and now US president would be visiting. So you see, while you feel proud by visiting others, we feel proud by having others visiting us. Its just a different mindset, that is all.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:20pm
@Kumar India is not a good example. They are too far away from fairness and justice as a society. Too much poverty ---- more than Pakistan.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:28pm
@pak47 shalwar kamiz is a sleeping dress ----- not practical and dangerous to work in.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:34pm
@Iqbal Khan elected by a millions of fools could not be a wise man
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Jan 16, 2015 02:40pm
@Amir Indian Two weeks. One week as state guest of US.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:44pm
@Qamar He is defense minister and foreign minister and no background of both the fields.
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Jan 16, 2015 05:16pm
Don't forget When Modi lectured Nawaz Sharif while the latter went to India for the formers inaugeration. What did our 'Leader' do? The next day he took his son to meet with India's business tycoons. After all there are billions of dollars' potential.
This is the kind of 'Political Leader' my esteemed fellow readers you are crying for?
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Jan 16, 2015 09:03pm
This is funny, is he a general or a elected leader? Either the elected govt is completely incompetent or another coup is in the making..
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Jan 16, 2015 11:58pm
@Paddy wasn't it Cromwell who skewered the inept and corrupt political class, which enabled later and better leadership???
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Jan 17, 2015 11:50am
@Md Imran India is a mature democracy. In India the COAS is subordinate o the defense minister - what to speak of PM and our PM has been geting a red capet wherever he has one - be it US, Japan or Australia.
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Jan 17, 2015 01:09pm
@Hamood
NS is a leader. He appointed COAS after interviewing many.
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Jan 17, 2015 11:19pm
General Raheel would make a GREAT President
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