Will no longer travel with protocol, says Imran Khan
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ISLAMABAD: After coming under heavy criticism a day earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday said that he will no longer travel with heavy security protocol in the future.
"From now on, you will never again see any kind of protocol with me," Imran said at a press conference in the federal capital. "There were only six cars in the protocol. But since it was the first visit with my wife and all our MPs and ministers were there, it appeared bigger."
Defending his decision to visit the army school two days later than the opening on January 14, he said, "I did not want to go for the media. But we were advised not to go because it was the army's soft opening and General Raheel was there."
He said he empathised with the sentiments of the families. "If I were in place of those protesting parents I may have also protested because of the sheer brutality of the killings."
The chairman met resistance a day earlier during his visit to Peshawar's Army Public School, as parents of the victims blocked his entry to the school premises.
Social media users slammed the politician for traveling to the school in a large cavalcade in contradiction of his earlier stance against "VIP culture". Reports stated that Imran arrived at the school in a motorcade of 18 to 32 cars, which included SUVs.
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Party leader Arif Alvi came to Khan's defence on Twitter by saying Imran Khan is not in favour of large motorcades..
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During the press conference, Khan further said that he understands the heartache that the victims' loved ones that protested outside the school during his visit.
More on this: Grieving parents try to stop Imran from entering APS
Grieving parents of children killed by terrorists in the school last month, tried on Wednesday to stop Imran Khan and his wife from entering the school in protest against what they described as the insensitivity of the PTI chairman for getting married, ignoring the pain and scars left by the massacre of nearly 150 students at staff members.
Police escorting Mr Khan and his wife Reham Khan scuffled with the agitated parents, among them women, as they tried to clear way for the couple, other leaders of the party and provincial ministers which caused further anger and commotion.
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Comments (95) Closed
Jan 15, 2015 05:49pm
that's the way to go, plz visit the parents again as well
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Jan 15, 2015 05:51pm
Shabaash! Keep it up VIP boy!
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Jan 15, 2015 05:52pm
Oh the eternal teenager makes another claim he cannot make real.
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Jan 15, 2015 05:56pm
Can Mian shb. follow IK?
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Jan 15, 2015 05:56pm
Not only this but also IK should think about PTI's performance in KPK. Anything better than other parties. Spare a moment for the betterment of the people who voted to PTI. Whole Pakistan is watching PTI. Wake Up please
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Jan 15, 2015 05:57pm
After insistng Ik only had 6 official cars , never the less they did form his convoy , I am pleased that he quickly has learned from his mistake, hope he keeps his promise, that is what Makes him better leader than the others.
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Jan 15, 2015 05:57pm
Security to life is your right, under the circumstances you did what was needed, too many have died for the lack of it.
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Jan 15, 2015 05:58pm
Your life is more important then these criticism.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:03pm
Admitting one's wrong is first step to improvement.
I must say that we, as a people, must reflect over and restrain our tendency to create personality cults because it has a negative effect on the person in questio, be it a political or non-political figure.
And why is everyone so obsessed with taking a picture with a known person? We need to grow up.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:04pm
I fail to understand why his marriage and tragedy of Peshawar school are being lumped together. His marriage ceremony was limited to few people, simple as it could be, no big reception in Marriot Islamabad. Carnage in the school should stand out as a national tragedy. IK's marriage is his private affair.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:05pm
Your life matters.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:08pm
Learn and live. At least he admits and looks to make changes. What has others done to fix VIP and corruption?
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Jan 15, 2015 06:09pm
The difference between IK and other politicians is that he has courage to admit his mistakes. At least he cares for how the people feel.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:10pm
Yeah for now on No protocol, unless there is a U-Turn.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:12pm
Being a long time supporter of IK, my advise to him would be to stay transparent with the masses. If you make a mistake, admit it and then apologize. People are very forgiving if you come clean with them and not hide behind excuses. IK made a mistake and did not plan his Peshawar visit properly. He should have traveled to the Peshawar school in a private car. People are genuinely fed up with the prevailing situation and want a leader who understands their grievances.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:13pm
It was a blunder and let's see how he observes in future.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:13pm
I hope I'd live to see the day when people will criticize the protocols of Zardari/Bilawal or Sharifs
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Jan 15, 2015 06:14pm
Well Mr. Imran Khan Allah gave you all this popularity for a reason dont be like PMLN or PPP or MQM or any other political party. Just remember I still support you and people of Pakistan are awake just because of your struggle and hard work. Please don't waist your struggle. DO THE RIGHT THING.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:16pm
The only thing that out performs Khan among his peers is his admittance to mistakes.
Keep it up Khan Sahab!
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Jan 15, 2015 06:16pm
Good Decision. Hope you will keep your words.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:20pm
Mr Khan's party is anti status quo and he has always opposed prortocol in speeches. Never gave up himself or his ministers. Saying it 100th time doesn't change anything
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Jan 15, 2015 06:22pm
Is it a u turn or acceptance of one's mistake?
He accepts his mistakes and that is why he is different from the rest
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Jan 15, 2015 06:22pm
No one should be over confident in Pakistan. It is wise to be with required security.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:23pm
IK is a great man. He is right typical protocol cars were only 6 but many of the PTI,s leaders were there with him including Jehangir tareen, Pervaiz khatak, mushtaq ghani, Atif shah, asad qaiser, Naeem-ul-haq and many others that is why the caravan seems larger upto 21 cars.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:24pm
GOOD DECISION ,BUT BE CAREFUL ABOUT SECURITY NEEDS .
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Jan 15, 2015 06:24pm
Your life is more important, then these criticism.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:28pm
Now that is a good decision.
Announce it like this to the whole nation. Action is important but being a political leader actions have to be supported by show off like this. IK and PTI lack the sense of symbolism and show off. They think just being sincere is enough. Remember these are political norms, not just symbolism and show off and plasticity. Now that is a show of symbolism, show off and plasticity.
You have to show that you are going to meet the parents at their home. No matter how much IK keeps in touch and supervises the provincial government's steps unless he shows it by going to their(parents') homes, actions will not be obvious. This nation is not clever enough to know the intents unless one shows it.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:32pm
Hope no U turn.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:33pm
@JZ
We only criticize whom we don't like.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:38pm
Very Sorry for the affected families but protocol is must for security reason. we should not be fooled by sentiments. There are many other ways to compensate the affected families. Imran is not a commando, in this nation a Core commander is living behind barriers while a political leader is forced walk without security. What a Nation......
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Jan 15, 2015 06:40pm
Amazing to see he cares about criticism unlike others
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Jan 15, 2015 06:40pm
Given the security situation especially in KPK and rest of the country. IK needs to travel with full security.
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Jan 15, 2015 06:42pm
"There were only six cars in the protocol. But since it was the first visit with my wife and all our MPs and ministers were there, it appeared bigger."
Did he admit his mistake?
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Jan 15, 2015 06:46pm
@Riaz : Why you don't like him?
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Jan 15, 2015 06:52pm
@Sajid
Yes. He admit his mistake and because of it he said that he will not have any security protocol.
In my opinion, he must have proper security, even if it means that he has to go with protocol (minimal possible)
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Jan 15, 2015 06:55pm
All are gimmicks. Reality is that both provincial and federal government have failed miserably.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:06pm
He is only an MNA, why does he have a 6 car protocol?
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Jan 15, 2015 07:11pm
Great men always accept their mistake. Weldone Imran Khan.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:14pm
The best part is he admits his mistake and states to not repeat it. Unlike other politicians that continue to deny allegations.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:45pm
Wish you stay safe IK.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:51pm
Do you also 'will no longer support Taliban'?
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Jan 15, 2015 07:53pm
I thought he resigned from NA and wy he still wants to use the facilities ......
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Jan 15, 2015 07:53pm
Please understand that if he does not travel with protocol and heavy security , He will be killed.
Imran , do not listen to any one. Please use security.
If you are going to be prime minister, we want you to live.
You saw the consequences of not travelling with security, shabaz bhatti, Gilani's son, Shahbaz Taseer, and many others.
It is the need of the day. Please , please , please.
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Jan 15, 2015 07:54pm
Leaders need security . But he is the one criticizing other for there security so he should travel without security
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Jan 15, 2015 08:29pm
This is called a leader who can accept and learn from the mistakes.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:34pm
Common sense means taking right decisions at the right time but Imran Khan is in the habit of crying over the spilt milk.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:45pm
I think it's good that IK comes out and accepts his mistakes but I would not like to see him without security because he is a target just like other leaders. I think the media needs to be a little more responsible and not try to tarnish these leaders to go to see the families 2 days after the opening of the schools. IK is a sincere person and we should all respect that. I also think that PTI should double efforts to put things right in KP because we as PTI supporters are watching the developments there and we will NOT vote if PTI does not do things a lot better than the rest of Pakistan. That does not mean they should take hasty decisions like giving weapons to teachers to protect the schools but rather make their safety their responsibility and give them more security and try and make KP and all Pakistan for that matter a weapons free Pakistan.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:49pm
Every 2 taka wadera in Khi and a chaudry in Lahore is roaming around with some sort of protocol. Imran khan is our only asset and also happens to be a president of a party tha has formed goverment in KPK. With the ongoing attcks we are having where lawmakers are being target occasionally ; it makes perfect logical sense for him to roam around with protocol. Our public serious needs to foucs on bigger things.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:50pm
my younger cousin study there he said that there were talks that 4-5 parents were there and rest were ANP workers.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:52pm
@Janu Not-German how come, he is surviving on them. That's why he visited the school and families after a month.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:53pm
@Qwells he gave this statement so many times before.
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Jan 15, 2015 08:57pm
For those talking about Nawaz Shareef, Why should he not get protocol, like him or not, he is the prime minister of the country. He should be provided maximum security.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:01pm
What is the role of his wife? Why was she present there? And I as a PTI supporter and donor, strongly protest the way Imran is doing things now a days? Mr Imran kindly wake up before its too late for you as well. Do something constructive in KPK otherwise I am afraid things will be not good for you in the province in next elections.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:07pm
Way to go!!!!!!!
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Jan 15, 2015 09:10pm
I think a u-turn is around the corner.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:13pm
lets see imran stands on this act or not...!!! what i feel now he is like all others no difference...!!!
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Jan 15, 2015 09:18pm
@Syed
It is not about PM. Even the Provincial Ministers in Punjab and Sons/Daughters of CM and PM gets bigger protocol than IK.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:23pm
@Sameer , The question is not if Nawaz can follow IK. The question is: Will IK live up to his promise, or will he make a U-Turn as usual.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:23pm
You have made the students smile and motivated; rest is all non sense .
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Jan 15, 2015 09:33pm
At least IK has the guts to stand up and accept his mistake, and to apologise and publicly state that this won't be repeated.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:40pm
Good step; yet to see
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Jan 15, 2015 09:47pm
@Wajid Khan .. he have always said that I will not have a protocol but internet is full of videos with his protocol. this incident is just an addition. When does Imran Khan keeps his promise that we are expecting him to do now. He will say sorry again.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:53pm
Imran has done nothing wrong by marrying. His mistake is that b/f getting married he should have called for a special meeting for condolence of the children martyred and given a speech to sympathise with the parents for their great loss. Everyone knows it's difficult to go to each ones house.
Parents please forgive Imran he's good at heart. As for your loss there are no words to express our feelings, May Allah give all these children the highest place in jannah and give you sabar.
Life goes along but these children will always live in our hearts.
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Jan 15, 2015 09:55pm
You should be aware of such things before you are pointed at!!
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Jan 15, 2015 09:59pm
Long live King Khan.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:02pm
@ASHFAQ ALI You need to wake up and open up the neutral eye not NS's eye.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:04pm
A resigned MNA also gets a 6 car protocol??
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Jan 15, 2015 10:23pm
Actions speak louder than words. But for Imran Khan's followers, his words are all that matter, not his actions.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:28pm
@Syed He's a prime minister we can all do without!
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Jan 15, 2015 10:33pm
@Ghani K Mr. Ghani - excuse me nothing is personal when you enjoy the public status. I am shocked why A person like IK carried a long protocol motorcade.
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Jan 15, 2015 10:49pm
As a Pakistani, I suggest that please do not lend quick judgement's. Mr. Imran Khan is a honest person, who is trying to improve the situation in Pakistan with a sincere intention. However, we need to support him, because in order for Pakistan to change it will take time ( Years), but we have to stay persistent.
Regards
Raza Bokhari
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Jan 15, 2015 11:04pm
Deeply shocked at the way the media handled the whole drama at the APS. Emotions have to be controlled - the words of the parents in which they were scathing about marriage etc should not be given the media attention - it did not help anyone. Decoram should be encouraged and maintained. Parents are right that one should not play politics on the blood of children - that goes to them as well.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:15pm
@Syed - Syed the issue is the whole extended family of NS has 40 cars for security. The whole.family is not the PM
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Jan 15, 2015 11:28pm
@Sameer : Mian Sahib is the PM, IK is a regular citizen, rejected by the masses but keeps insisting and dreaming.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:30pm
What Imran needs is consistency in his life utterances. KP has been temporarily gifted to him -- to improve its lot -- so far Imran shows no interest in uplifting KP -- KP is too mundane compared to the street politics -- but it's KP that wil decide Imran's political fate in 2018 - not the streets.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:34pm
It's a trap and threat to his life. He must be really careful.
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Jan 15, 2015 11:50pm
Pakistani society and Pakistanis are corrupt. Many don't even know what is right or wrong as it a norm. Please like to stick to corrupt people because they see their own benefit in it. IK will never succeed in this corrupt country. This country is doomed.
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Jan 16, 2015 12:40am
@asif agree
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Jan 16, 2015 01:01am
Agitation out side the APS was a stunt from PML-N workers on direction from top. IK's wedding was nowhere close to even a modest ceremony by Pakistani standard. How many from the ruling class have guts to sit with poor kids on the floor and share food on their wedding? Also as Imran mentioned in his interview, that he decided to marry earlier than he intended to quash the rumors about him and Reham. In the end I would request to people , not to jump to the conclusions without confirming the facts. He is not a Prophet or Angel, treat him as a human and expect mistakes but one thing I can assure you that Imran is willing to accept his mistakes and fix them. How many of the rulers have ever accepted their mistakes and fix them publicly, so far?
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Jan 16, 2015 01:26am
Not a wise decision imran Khan.
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Jan 16, 2015 01:32am
@mian While I was sitting in dharna my leader was going in and out his bani gala residence for finalising his marriage arrangements. Love you captan for mentioning in one of dharnas JALDI DHARNA KHATAM KRO TOU MEIN SHADI KAROUN. since he was getting late for marriage he called off the DHARNA. I am impressed.
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Jan 16, 2015 01:59am
@Sameer Nobody in their right mind should follow IK.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:07am
@Whiskey Khan no, it isn't. just weeks ago he was protesting other politician and officials right to have a convoy and travel with protocol. his life isn't more important than another man's. So no, this is the hypocritical and cowardly thing, not the 'right' thing.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:15am
Not an IK supporter but at-least he showed guts on this occasion by at-least shunning the VIP culture. Respect for that
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Jan 16, 2015 02:21am
Ik Don't care about anybody but "Him" He Lies all The Time! He is Getting Worst! Had A Big Hope on him! I am sure He is DONE Now!! Bye Bye IK !!!
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Jan 16, 2015 03:33am
Ik even if motorcade is smal dont compromise on security
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Jan 16, 2015 03:49am
May Allah protect you
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Jan 16, 2015 04:54am
You have to give the guy credit her recognizes he may have made a poor judgment call, apologizes and vows to not do it again. On the other side PPP and PML only defend themselves as innocent and continue to do the same things. Remember the Rehman Malik plane incident? Did he and his friend ever apologize or admit their mistake? No never all they did was claim innocence and blame others for the upheaval. See that is the difference, not everyone is error free but how you react after the error shows your true colours. I would have respected RM if he apologized and vow to never do it again, yet instead he and his colleague arrogantly entered the plane even had the gaul to take a seat and then blame everyone else but himself.
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Jan 16, 2015 04:58am
@Junaid he was making mockery of his 4 commandments of new Pakistan as he was preaching. We thought he has transformed from playboy to a leader. He was giving examples of Nelsen Mendela, who too was from his wife for 27 years in jail but did not break. Imran will be hold to the high standards that he has tried to set. He is under scrutiny. The shear indignation and utter contempt of parents of APS school reflects the general mood of KPK people at large! He needed to be cut to size as his arrogance was crossing limits. He will feel it if he starts agitation again.
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Jan 16, 2015 05:04am
atleast he admits it wasnt right has nawaz sharif ever apologized
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Jan 16, 2015 01:00pm
This guy is no more trust worthy, he is a partner of the biggest fraudulent person of the umma, Tahirul Qadri. S]hame on both of these guys.
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Jan 16, 2015 02:53pm
Saying and doing is quietly different. He only says haven't done anything.
He said a lot of thing but he don't do them.
Any-ways lets see what he's up to now.
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Jan 17, 2015 05:33am
When we will learn that protocol is a small problem. Having peace and security is a big problem. KPK government should be called on failure of security, not for IK's protocol.
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Jan 17, 2015 03:22pm
@Abbas Syed same reason why zardari has a 40- car one. He is the chairperson of the second largest party in pakistan, a party that can bring millions out on the roads with one call. I'm sure if something happens to this person, our country will be sent back at least 30 years because of the reaction it will spark.
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Jan 18, 2015 03:52am
What worries me is that some rogue politician of an opposing party might harm him if he is without required security.. not to mention the terrorism threat..
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