People of Pakistan will celebrate if army takes over, says Imran

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday stated the people of Pakistan will celebrate and distribute sweets if the army takes over in the country.

"Democracy in Pakistan is threatened by Nawaz's monarchy and the people will celebrate and distribute sweets if the army takes over," said Imran while addressing a public rally in Azad Kashmir.

The PTI chief added the people of Turkey supported Erdogan as he serves the people, while Nawaz has burdened the people with debt.

"In three years, Nawaz Sharif has burdened the people with billions in debt. Every Pakistani citizen has a debt of Rs120,000, which is increasing everyday."

Imran also questioned the premier's continued silence over the Panama Papers controversy.

Forces loyal to the Turkish government fought on Saturday to crush the military coup attempt which crumbled after crowds answered President Tayyip Erdogan's call to take to the streets and dozens of rebel soldiers abandoned their tanks.

More than 194 people — including 41 police, 47 civilians, two military officers and 104 described as “coup plotters” — were killed in clashes that erupted after a faction of the armed forces attempted to seize power using tanks and attack helicopters, some strafing the headquarters of Turkish intelligence and parliament in Ankara, others seizing a major bridge in Istanbul.

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Pakistan

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194 killed as Turkish military coup attempt fails, Erdogan returns

Imran backs army chief’s call for uprooting corruption

M. Emad

Jul 17, 2016 09:11pm

Regressive thinking of Imran Khan . . .

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Ranachakwal

Jul 17, 2016 09:19pm

IK and NS please learn from turkey.

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Last Word

Jul 17, 2016 09:30pm

Well, Imran is giving an open invitation to army to take over just to see Nawaz Sharif go.

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syed wasim haider

Jul 17, 2016 09:32pm

May be true but it is a very undemocratic statement.

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Abid

Jul 17, 2016 09:31pm

You are seriously mistake .

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Najeebullah

Jul 17, 2016 09:33pm

What kind of leader is he? Will he ever say something sane?

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Lucky Star, USA

Jul 17, 2016 09:33pm

One word, Khan is a dreamer!

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Ramesh krishnan

Jul 17, 2016 09:34pm

He doesn't like Nawaz we all know that...But its very incongruous of him to say that...

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:35pm

Sorry IK; never.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:36pm

Nawaz Sharif phobia !!!

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:36pm

Back door entry never welcomed.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:40pm

Has IK got any development agenda or only a compound of sloganeering, blameering, and containeering to derail development..

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Hosh

Jul 17, 2016 09:42pm

I like you but don't like this thought sir.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:46pm

Solution to Pakistan problems lie in change of system and not army take over. Parliamentary form doesn't suit us. Presidential system like US will be the best option.

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jan

Jul 17, 2016 09:46pm

you will be next prime minister Inshallah.

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divend

Jul 17, 2016 09:50pm

Typical 90's Pakistani population. If you can't win elections, invite a coup. So much for a "new" party.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Jul 17, 2016 09:52pm

What has PTI done to stop corruption in KPK except throwing away millions of rupees on different sorts of donations. Even it could not afford to let its own Ehtasaab Commission function in KPK.

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Anonymous

Jul 17, 2016 09:53pm

Although I agree that Nawaz has done far more disservice to the people of Pakistan than any service, however, issuing such statements is not good either.

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Salma

Jul 17, 2016 10:05pm

Although right, the preferred option is not to go down the path of the army, but to have IK be the next leader!

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M. asghar

Jul 17, 2016 10:14pm

Keep up the pressure for an effective and compulsory accountability from the public figures going up to the highest level.

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Waheed

Jul 17, 2016 10:13pm

Keep dreaming

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stranger

Jul 17, 2016 10:14pm

Incorrect. Military takeover is bad for the country, bad for the military, bad precedent. I do not think people will be happy. It is only Imran Khan who would be happy.

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obivankanobi

Jul 17, 2016 10:19pm

Very surprising statement from a politician who was once considered to be Pakistans very own Erdogan. Does it mean that the people of Pakistan also have no faith in the PTI and their leader and he acknowledges that he is also a failure?

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Ravi Vancouver

Jul 17, 2016 10:21pm

Very irresponsible immature remark by Imram Khan. This is a disrespect of all Pakistanis who struggled to bring democracy in the country. If he does not like to have democracy, He should not become part of the democratic system in Pakistan.

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Indian - responsible for the heat

Jul 17, 2016 10:23pm

Amazing! Pakistan democracy.

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Saeed

Jul 17, 2016 10:25pm

What kind of democratic leader Imran Khan is when he is inviting army to take over?

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Jul 17, 2016 10:25pm

Absolutely right.Not a single soul will fight for Nawaz.

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Factual

Jul 17, 2016 10:38pm

Sadly, he is right. And it is politician's fault. They need to deliver to win over common man. Take some lessons from Erdogan.

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Dasti

Jul 17, 2016 10:39pm

I am not the supporter of PMLN but I will never support Army in civilian role..

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umer salahuddin

Jul 17, 2016 10:48pm

This is what he wants. He does not believe in Democracy. He has to wait for next elections and forget about dharnas and agitation. Every government has right to complete its turn in a true democracy. Why he did not speak when PPP was in power.

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abbas kd

Jul 17, 2016 11:01pm

I m a Pakistani & I wouldn't b happy if Army interfered in politics. On one hand Imran Khan feels democracy is threatened in Pakistan & on the other hand he thinks inviting Army to take over, is better democracy. Over the past three years, all he is talking about agitations, Dharnaas, disobedience, demonstrations, lawlessness.

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Ayub

Jul 17, 2016 11:07pm

The people of Pakistan are fed up with the politicians as well as the military. The people of Pakistan wants the change of the status quo.

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TZaman

Jul 17, 2016 11:07pm

Captain Imran Saheb has probably got his facts wrong. Being an elected member of the National assembly he should not have uttered such undemocratic and unconstitutional statement. He is showing is gullibility.

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Jul 17, 2016 11:11pm

Indeed some people will celebrate. But what makes IK think he stands a chance as PM under army rule. And have dictatorships not done enough damage to the country already?

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Asif

Jul 17, 2016 11:18pm

I am IK supported but I wont listen to him anymore. Thanks for nothing Mr. IK.

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Freedom

Jul 17, 2016 11:24pm

you disappoint imran by giving this statement

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papito

Jul 17, 2016 11:39pm

Not a mature leader

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Nofel Daud

Jul 17, 2016 11:41pm

What a disappointment this man has turned out to be!

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Concerned

Jul 17, 2016 11:52pm

I am truly disappointed in Imran Khan's statement of inviting Military coup. Imperfect democracy is better than benevolent dictatorship.

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Zak

Jul 17, 2016 11:57pm

IK did not 'evade ' Tax, I.e Hide tax but 'avoided' tax , i.e used the rules to minimize his tax liability. Any accountant would know the difference. Evasion is an offence in UK , whilst Avoidance is permissible. That is why there are so many tax accountants doing just that. IK had a British tax consultant.

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Ayaz khan

Jul 17, 2016 11:59pm

i hate NS but will never celebrate military take over. we must learn now that military take over is no answer to our problems

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Shane Pasha

Jul 17, 2016 11:59pm

Imran Khan is definitely losing it. The only way to oust Nawaz government is via vote (the only democratic way). Turkish people has shunned the military take over and people of Pakistan is going to do the same. Three chairs to the people of Pakistan & Turkey

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Pragmatic Pakistani

Jul 18, 2016 12:01am

How irresponsible.Responsibility does not solely lie with the government but every citizen is responsible in his own capacity.

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fayez

Jul 18, 2016 12:16am

extremely irresponsible statement from IK. really disappointed

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Shahid Khan

Jul 18, 2016 12:22am

Imran Khan is right in saying that people are sick of Nawaz govt and would celebrate if the army takes over. What has this govt given to the masses except misery.

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kiran

Jul 18, 2016 12:27am

Irresponsible statement

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AntiZak

Jul 18, 2016 12:37am

People of Turkey didn't. But then Pakistan is always different.

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Abdus salam

Jul 18, 2016 01:00am

It's disgusting to suggest that Army should take control of democracy in Pakistan in this modern age. Never heard a politician recommending this undemocratic action.

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Shoka Laddoo

Jul 18, 2016 01:21am

I don't know when will IK learn to make meaningful statements

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ROY

Jul 18, 2016 01:43am

Wow! What a comment by a LEADER! Instead of finding solution for the democratic process he is provoking army rule!!!

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Jul 18, 2016 01:47am

Imran does not deserve to be a politician worth is salt as he has made it clear that he does not believe in democracy .

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Muzaffar Ali

Jul 18, 2016 01:48am

The key to the 99 is the 1. Translation: If you serve the poorest one percent well , you have the key to the hearts of the remaining 99% of the population.

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Ayub

Jul 18, 2016 01:50am

The people of Pakistan do not want military rule; they want to change the status quo.

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PTI supporter

Jul 18, 2016 02:16am

I regret voting him

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Khan

Jul 18, 2016 02:48am

Imran is clueless about democracy, and shouldn't be speaking on behalf of the Pakistani people if he himself wasn't elected leader of Pakistan.

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Nasir

Jul 18, 2016 02:57am

We like imran khan but let the govt complete its tenure. This govt is 10 times better than the govt of zardari. Be careful about people around you.

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Zak

Jul 18, 2016 02:58am

Long live Pak Army!!!!

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Ahmad

Jul 18, 2016 03:54am

Its because people want change as majority are tired of this system where they have no hope.

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Ancient king

Jul 18, 2016 04:40am

Now that is a childish statement

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Omar

Jul 18, 2016 04:44am

Democracy is here to stay. Building institutions take time and creating checks and balance also do as well. We need to keep moving forward on the path that we are on.

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Muhammad Sajid

Jul 18, 2016 04:50am

Imran Sb. think before you speak. Leaders of your stature need to be careful even in their private talks.

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Ramsay Bolton: Our blades are sharp

Jul 18, 2016 05:12am

What is surprising over here?

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Syed

Jul 18, 2016 05:14am

I like you but you are wrong, martial law is never an answer, if these guys are so bad then people will replace them in two years, that is the right way.

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Omar

Jul 18, 2016 05:25am

No doubt. But unfortunately,that is not good for the country in the long run.

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Times NY

Jul 18, 2016 05:45am

When leader of a major political party gives such statements, it shows his belief on the democratic system. NS may have shortcomings, but is still elected by majority of the votes. When mandate of people is questioned, democracy starts failing.

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Jul 18, 2016 05:43am

Sadly, I agree with IK on this.

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Law abiding

Jul 18, 2016 06:02am

That's a very irresponsible statement. Mr. Khan I hoped you knew that people want to fix the country in the right way, instead of military misadventures which proved no good for country in the past.

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Dr. Nasir Ali Bhatti

Jul 18, 2016 06:14am

his is in appropriate comment

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Denali

Jul 18, 2016 06:20am

No they wont !

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atheist

Jul 18, 2016 06:28am

Never seen any politician more unloyal to country's consitution than imran Khan , he forgot that nawaz sarif is a democratically elected leader, he has mandate of people of Pakistan. Imran Khan can do anything for the throne.

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Shamoon

Jul 18, 2016 06:33am

I would prefer a dictatorship over highly corrupt civilian rule. To name the monarchy of two families as democracy is insult to the intelligence of Pakistani nation. They have corrupted the entire governing system to the extent that it is better to call it a mafia rule.

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Yaar Nawab

Jul 18, 2016 06:55am

Bitter but its true what IK said.

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Fact

Jul 18, 2016 07:06am

A man advocating instability can never have the good of the country on his mind.

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Agha Ata

Jul 18, 2016 07:21am

People will celebrate, but for how long?

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ahmed

Jul 18, 2016 07:23am

Imran Khan is blinded by ambition.

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sub se pehley pakistan

Jul 18, 2016 07:40am

such an irresponsible and foolish thing to say by IK

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K.Shah

Jul 18, 2016 07:58am

Democracy does not ensure rule of law so please don't harp about it. Dubai (UAE) does not have a democratic system but rule of law is so visible. Stories are rife about Mr. Erdogan shady character & dealings and it is only a matter of time before they surface.

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Vishal

Jul 18, 2016 08:00am

Army rule will be a disaster for Pakistan.

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NADEEM KHAN

Jul 18, 2016 08:02am

He is so frustrated to become PM

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Thought

Jul 18, 2016 08:25am

Very well said.

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Abdul Ghani

Jul 18, 2016 08:48am

Lessons not learnt from our political history. I don't expect such an immature statement from Imran Khan.

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tappu

Jul 18, 2016 08:50am

what happened when Musharraf took over? Were the problems resolved?

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Hashim

Jul 18, 2016 08:59am

I suggest Imran Khan take a closer look at the Turkish government and how Erdogan is "serving" his people, namely, his family, friends and loyalists. Any opposition is arrested and put behind bars on terror charges, even if it is a tweet from a 14 year old boy.

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Jul 18, 2016 09:00am

Real face of Imran khan.No matter what only people of Pakistan will decide who will rule the country.IK should wait until 2018 and should take his case to the people and let the people decide.We have seen the Army rule and still paying the price in form of terrorisim.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jul 18, 2016 09:02am

Is this statement for real, coming from a head of Pakistan political party.

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MOHAN

Jul 18, 2016 09:22am

FOOLISH PROPOSAL. You can't save democracy in fear of monarchy by replacing it with dictatorship. If you fear that NAWAJ GOVT is any way disastrous to Pakistan then simple solution is fight in election and win it. democratic victory. excessive power to army by your so called opposition leads you to again in instability and dictatorship. which is no good for anyone.

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Narasimha Murty

Jul 18, 2016 09:25am

It is strange to hear these words from a politician. Armies are pride of all nations, but democracy in its worst form is better than the best dictatorship for any nation. All the best to our Pakistani friends

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Owais

Jul 18, 2016 09:29am

Though i am not a fan of imran's politics and consider him a failed leader as far as politics is concerned, especially the way he has handled the policies and failed to control the party during last one year or so, I still agree with what he has said here. Our governments cannot match the performance and support of turkish government who has delivered and is sincere to its nation and the cause for which they were voted, while these elements have been completely missing in any of our past governments, including musharraf's. People therefore are fed up and waiting for miraculous person to deliver, which unfortunately cannot be done with these old lots of political bargainers !

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Qandeelfan

Jul 18, 2016 09:38am

I think Pakistan going into dark path.. dictatorship is much dangerous than democracy.

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Khalid Javaid

Jul 18, 2016 09:40am

This had been IK & Co's (JI, Sh. Rashid, Ch. Bros, Tahir Qadri and other Tonga parties) a long and earnest desire to share govt. if army took over. They know that they can not be elected even by fare election. Now JI and IK also know that they they cannot deliver even in a small province, not to talk of all Pakistan. Two years ago, election dhandli was most important issue of Pakistan. At that time there was absolutely no corruption but today corruption has become the only issue. People of Pakistan know that there are multiple problems in Pakistan but would it not be cogent to form an honest election commission, win election, come into power and then try all corrupt elements according to law and justice

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Zia

Jul 18, 2016 10:02am

Hard reality for pakistani politics...

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Vikas

Jul 18, 2016 12:55pm

@abbas kd You're a Pakistani and say that you won't be happy if Army interferes in politics. Please read the unwritten and hear the unspoken and see reality... You will discover it is already doing so. For that matter always did and never gave up.

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SAP

Jul 18, 2016 09:16pm

I fully agree with PPP leader Taj Haider's views. PTI should seriously look for a replacement of its leadership. The best person in entire PTI is Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a thorough gentleman, experienced politician and a very civilized and decent speaker.

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Muzaffar Qureshi

Jul 19, 2016 04:15am

@SAP - What about Shaikh Rashid?

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Javed

Jul 19, 2016 08:07am

I don't know about the people of Pakistan, but you certainly will Mr. Khan.

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huma khan

Jul 19, 2016 11:01am

such mature comment from IK

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Majid Khan

Jul 19, 2016 01:51pm

@jan You are a dreamer my friend.

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Guest

Jul 19, 2016 02:59pm

But there will be know " Imran Khan shows and tamashas" if army takes over.

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aslam shaikh1

Jul 19, 2016 03:54pm

There will be a big shortage of sweets and mithai for days.

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Asif Jamil

Jul 19, 2016 06:15pm

I like Imran's honesty, courage, indefatigable spirit and so on but I really don't think he is a politician if he makes such statements. Imran, caught behind wicket for 0. Very irresponsible shot!

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Jul 20, 2016 01:50pm

@SAP you are biased

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sukhera

Jul 20, 2016 05:02pm

Inciting military to topple a duly elected government is a very serious case. It appears he does not the constitution of Pakistan according which its a treason. IK is a totally irresponsible politician who does not understand who do not believe ion democratic process. wat will be his reaction if it was his government, and an opposition leader gives the same statement. A civilian government is hundred times better than a military dictatorship. Military's job is to defend the country, help the civilian in maintaining law and order and not run the government. Military take over will automatically trigger US/European union sanctions which country can't afford . Military take over by army will be a disaster for the country and its economy.

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Jul 20, 2016 07:26pm

Imran is right, Go and ask People in streets. Only those who have benifits from other political parties would deny what Imran is saying. And to be honest don't twist what he said to mislead his words are simple to translate for a sensible person.

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