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State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday said that action will be taken under cybercrime and defamation laws against those carrying out 'negative propaganda' against the prime minister and his family.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Aurangzeb said, "While the Panamagate case was in court, there was a lot being said about it on the media and social media, and no action of any kind was taken against it."
"However, in the past two weeks while the court has secured its verdict, a propaganda campaign has been carried out on social media, and people have been carrying out this campaign in an effort to influence the court," she alleged.
"Remarks like 'If the verdict is in favour of the prime minister, the judiciary will have lost its battle' have been used time and again," she claimed.
The government has, thereby, decided to act against anyone carrying out propaganda against the prime minister and his family over social media, she announced.
"This should not be considered political revenge," she stressed. "Whenever the government takes action against anyone, it is said that this is political victimisation carried out by PML-N."
"If action is taken against those carrying out this campaign... and politics is played regarding the government's action, the people of Pakistan will respond to it because they love Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," she claimed.
"The honourable judges have already said that courts do not give verdicts based on popular opinion. Instead, they form their judgements according to law," the minister said, adding that the PML-N, "would agree with whatever verdict the Supreme Court gives."
"In the past two weeks, since the Panamagate verdict was secured, the PM has attended various events, but has refrained from using any of these platforms to influence courts regarding the case's verdict in any way," Aurangzeb claimed.
Pakistan's law governing cybercrime which was passed last year has been heavily criticised by the IT industry, civil society organisations and rights activists for curbing human rights and giving overreaching powers to law enforcement agencies.
Read more about it here: Cyber crime bill passed by NA: 13 reasons Pakistanis should be worried
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (113) Closed
Mar 13, 2017 09:14pm
Dictators.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:18pm
Musharaf was better and softer than them....
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Mar 13, 2017 09:21pm
Oh so people can't even express their disgust or dissatisfaction over the performance and their despicable personalities.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:22pm
PML(N) will go down to any level to save The Royal family.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:19pm
The heat is on- Big time i guess
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Mar 13, 2017 09:23pm
Dictators... what is said on social media is right... sue the ICIJ, BBC or German newspapers first if you dare ... Do not scare the common people to voice against your corruption.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:23pm
Then government shouldn't make comments like 'NS will get clean chit' as this would be considered affecting he judiciary as well.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:23pm
Anyone who abuses their power for personal gain regardless of who they maybe are NOT fit for purpose and do not deserve to occupy the position to hold!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:28pm
The PM Propaganda Machine is already in full swing ahead of the SC verdict. Adding insult to injury, using the Government resources to defend the family.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:27pm
The worst govt this country has seen since its independence. Pity on those who elected them and still support them. Whether it is economy, trade, foreign policy, defence or other matters, they have taken Pakistan to limits of devastation.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:24pm
Look who is talking... Have a look at this..
https://www.dawn.com/news/1306732/minister-sees-govt-victory-in-panamagate-case
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Mar 13, 2017 09:26pm
Is there any moral ground for Nawaz Sharif and his family to remain in government after the Panama Papers? Don't blame media, it is only showing real face of Sharif family.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:30pm
Let them do their job what they know best because, they are the selection of democratic majority. They are on their highest pedestals since last 35 years (minus a few Musharraf years) and still people vote them because they are fulfilling the wishes of their voters who vote them again and again.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:30pm
First I thought it was a humorous article.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:33pm
Shameful disregard for the nation and insult to our collective intelligence. They should be run out of the country before we all end up in the poor house to keep this lot around.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:32pm
wow. a minister for state has to take care of personal reputation of prime minister and his family.
wow. they want to muzzle the freedom of press.
wow. people have right to express their opinion about the likely outcome of the panamagate case in SC. The court has already reserved its judgment so the case is no longer sub judice (under judgment) and the judges will not go back and revisit their decision.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:32pm
They do realize that people have the right to have informed opinions about things and other people.
With Great Power comes Great Responsibility -- Uncle Ben ( that's why he died)
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Mar 13, 2017 09:33pm
what about freedom of expression. Is this democracy??
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Mar 13, 2017 09:30pm
Pathetic instead of giving the answers of looted money, they are implementing sensorship. Sorry its kingdom not democracy in pak oh
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Mar 13, 2017 09:35pm
Musharaf was way better then these self interest below average leaders
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Mar 13, 2017 09:38pm
First launch a case against ICIJ BBC and German newspapers. The case itself speaks volumes of corruption done by the PM.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:37pm
Act against who?
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Mar 13, 2017 09:40pm
The allegations are against the PM and his family, why are cabinet members making defensive statements? I am responsible for my own acts and not of others including of those very near and dear to me. Everything works in a strange way in God Gifted State of Pakistan.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:44pm
That's a shame, you cant expect any good from them.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:45pm
@Naeem Bravo
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Mar 13, 2017 09:46pm
The nation is waiting for PMs disqualification by the supreme court of Pakistan. What government?
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Mar 13, 2017 09:47pm
absolute disgusting miss minister!!!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:44pm
We're not North Korea, stop using a public office to curb free speech!!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:45pm
Sue the ICIJ, BBC or German newspapers first... lets see
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Mar 13, 2017 09:52pm
Criticism is part of Governance. If you cannot take a bit of criticism simply don't bother ruling the Nation.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:53pm
@pakistan zindabad I agree. Full DICTATORS!!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:53pm
Is she for real our minister??? Unbelievable!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:54pm
It has nothing to do with PM family. Public money been looted and anyone whose involved in this case is a public property. NS shouldnt have involved his family in this corruption. Now they are involved , so people have right to point fingers. Plus, i am always surprised when Maryam Nawaz tweets and other political parties react to it. Shareef family and cronies start crying that dont point fingers at shareef family. If she is involved in politics, then she has to face to music.
This is the same shareef family who attacked supreme court and was deeply involved in character assassination of Benzair, jamaima and many others you name. What goes around comes around. I never call this as Muslim league. This party is basically Tehreek e Istaqlal nurtured by General Jilani and Zia.
This party is one man focused who make the decisions. its not even democratic party. Minus nawaz shareef from this party today and tomorrow you will see every laggar baggar in this party running here and there
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Mar 13, 2017 09:54pm
Oh, dear. It wont be long that your saving tactics will have to fail for this sacred family of Pakistan!
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Mar 13, 2017 09:56pm
You just can't muzzle the mavrick.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:56pm
Obeying your command, for a moment, we would not consider the government action an act of political revenge nor we would call it political victimization.
We will call it royal retribution.
However, to punish the crime of negative propaganda against our adorable poor prime minister what action the government suggests?
Would the government make these cybercriminals disappear?
Or, would they be killed in encounters?
Or, would the government simply amend the constitution again and introduce brand new exemplary punishments?
By the way, how could the court be influenced by social media? It has already secured the verdict.
May be the government can sequester the court, as well.
Please, do not consider these humble questions negative propaganda.
Thanks.
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Mar 13, 2017 09:59pm
As Zardari used to say "journalists will miss PPP"
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Mar 13, 2017 09:58pm
Sure Minister, we will. In between, when you are calling it propoganda, it is you who is giving verdict in favor of Ns (indirectly)
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Mar 13, 2017 09:58pm
this is actual dictator ship....and the propagandas pmln is running are worst....please madam aurengzeb ask mr javed latif about what he said few day back...
thanks
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Mar 13, 2017 10:03pm
Propaganda?. Should the government functionaries be spending time in doing anything other than running the government?. The challenges being faced by the Prime Minister in his capacity as an individual are his personal problems and he should deal with them himself. Like it is done in every other country in the world.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:02pm
This is how they spread fear among the public to discourage them talking against these kings. Is this a democratic government suppressing people's right to freedom of expression? Imran Khan sounds right when he says sharif's democracy is worse than Musharaf's era.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:07pm
Using the public tax payers resources to defend the royal family - shame.
If anyone is targeting PM or his family, it is the responsibility of the police to decide, not government spoke person.
PM or his families corrupt practices are their personal issues, only they should defend them using their own resources.
How sad and shameful that they looted the money from the people of Pakistan and then get the same public to pay to defend their crimes.
ONLY IN PAKISTAN
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Mar 13, 2017 10:12pm
Why Information Minister is defending the government? What has it to do with it.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:16pm
Please don't claim people of Pakistan love Sharif because I don't and am a Pakistani.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:17pm
Are we in democracy ?? Trying to control the social media so we cannot talk about their corruption.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:20pm
@M Saeed. The majority only consists of a supposed 56.44% (2015, UNESCO) literate people. What that means is approx half the country is illiterate. Out of those who are literate are considered literate as they can only read and write as there is no set criteria defining literacy by Pakistan. The democratic majority is a laughingstock as are those in power.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:24pm
Now facts are "propaganda" and interestingly govt will act ONLY when PM and family is targeted. Everyone else is worthless and fair game. PML is like a cartel, if you please the Don then expect promotions in the future. No morals or ethics, just self interest/
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Mar 13, 2017 10:26pm
Not a bad move.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:26pm
People have to understand the difference between expressing political disagreement and deliberating spreading fabricated information against someone. UK courts just fined a Pakistani channel a hefty amount for spreading deliberate lies. Wish our courts were as strong and independent and show the same amount of concern that they show on allegedly fabricated pictures of one of their judges.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:27pm
Government should have acted against panama leak solicitor company who was responsible for leaking details of the offshore companies owned by Nawaz Sharif & his family. Diamond is called diamond & dust is called dust, why PMLN camp is so disturbed. Pakistan nation will see who is wrong & who is wrong, time is near.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:27pm
A lot of PMLN ministers should be taken in first if this draconian step is taken!
https://www.dawn.com/news/1306732/minister-sees-govt-victory-in-panamagate-case
Danial Aziz, Muhammad Zubair, Mariyam Aurangzeb, Tallal Ch, Kh Saad Rafiq etc etc have been pressurising the courts in media and social media.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:39pm
Lives of ordinary people arent safe yet govt cares more about comment made about sharifs. Dear minister this is 21 st century and sooner or later speech suppression wont hold stead. Kindly focus on governance rather than being sharifs PR secy.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:35pm
Another way to silence the masses. Maybe someone can challenge this in Court?
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Mar 13, 2017 10:39pm
Your just confirmed those rumors as truth!
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Mar 13, 2017 10:41pm
These ministers should realize that they work for Government of Pakistan not Nawaz Sharif. Why would you defend Nawaz Sharif, you do your work and let Nawaz Sharif defend himself.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:45pm
It would have been better for her if she had said anyone, including PML-N using their platforms to influence would be dealt with.......but she is only their to protect Shahi Khan dan.....and not Pakistan....if u look back at PPP tenure then the PML in opposition always made such statements including Nawaz Sharif......they just cannot take it now that it is them who are in the docks.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:42pm
"The honourable judges have already said that courts do not give verdicts based on popular opinion. Instead, they form their judgements according to law," the minister said
So what is the point of this stupid exercise and wasting our time and money? You words and actions clearly DO NOT MATCH !
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Mar 13, 2017 10:50pm
If anyone has done things that are a crime under the cyber crime and defamation laws of the country then action should be taken against them. No one including the prime minister is above the law.
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Mar 13, 2017 10:54pm
Madame minister you are paid by the people of Pakistan, not the Sharif family. Your loyalty must be to the people. If Sharif family has erred, why must the common people bear the cost.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:03pm
Well, if the courts are impartial then they should not take any notice of what is being said on social media etc. Trials are discussed outside the court in democratic countries and discussions have no influence on the verdict of the court.
Please admit, you are only trying to protect your "King".
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Mar 13, 2017 11:05pm
What about Govt ministers saying we are iron balls, you cannot chew us, we want clean chit and judges are unable to read the book pages properly etc. any action against these people???
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Mar 13, 2017 11:11pm
Good take it to court. Apparently the only thing you fear is exposure, you and the Matador.
But, publicity you sought, so you shall receive.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:17pm
Ladies and Gentlemen; Stop paying taxes to this government. Period.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:18pm
Now King of Pakistan is unable to buy Facebook, Twitter and YouTube like local media, so he wants to put ban on social media so people cannot talk bad about Kings government.
SC is almost ready to declare King a thieve and he is asking to be respected.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:21pm
There are so many contradictions in those quotes, it is beyond belief.
How about requesting the judges to stay away from social media instead of wasting scarce resources on keeping the entire social media under surveillance? And why worry about it anyway when judges have already said that their decision will not be influenced by popular opinion?
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Mar 13, 2017 11:24pm
Liars. After looting the pakistani people of all other rights. Now freedom of speach is their target.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:19pm
@Tariq Lahore
Or 'people love their PM'. This may be regarded as propaganda.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:25pm
Pakistans democracy = If you show me the mirror , I will make your life miserable unless you are wearing uniform. Only then I will bow down to you 7 times a day.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:27pm
If the verdict was already finilised by the judges and it was reserved how can the propaganda change it now?
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Mar 13, 2017 11:32pm
Govt machinery is increasingly nervous ...
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Mar 13, 2017 11:37pm
I'm feeling scared ... I should stop expressing my opinions.
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Mar 13, 2017 11:48pm
Frustration at its peak
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Mar 13, 2017 11:49pm
Time to say Good bye to Nawaz Sherif and his team
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Mar 13, 2017 11:58pm
@Maqsood Because they know once the corrupt Sharif motu gang is out, they wont have any room in Pak
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Mar 14, 2017 12:06am
Please read all the comments on your/govt statement. This should tell you how much support you have.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:08am
South Korea took the second 5 year plan from Pakistan in 1960s. I wonder if Pakistani courts could learn one lesson from their courts.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:10am
She is going to defend Nawaz sharif on public tax. She seems to be more spokesperson of the PMLn rather than the govt. it is evident from this whole episode that the govt is nervous and terrified of Imran khan and his straightforwardness
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Mar 14, 2017 12:20am
Satire and humor are part and parcel of political landscape in democratic nations. Those who are sensitive to it should never contest elections for public offices. In a democracy, the citizens have the right to criticize their government & public office holders and such criticism may includes jokes and humor targeted at the leaders and their families. It seems that the Minister of State is against the standard democratic values.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:19am
@Talha : How one can say Musharaf was better. He made his money also to but London and Dubai assets. When asked about proof , he told got it from King Abdullah. It was clever statement, because he is dead.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:25am
Some more censorship
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Mar 14, 2017 12:38am
Wait, what? ?? Our tax money for fixing them getting a bad name for stuff they did or didn't do? How can they even think they can do that? More so.... this shd be contested in parliament by opposition.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:49am
Keep it up miss Minister of Information. You are doing well. When a person exceeds their mandate they start exhibiting incompetence.
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Mar 14, 2017 12:52am
@muhammad usman anwar I fully agree with you, some are beneficial who have to say always in his support but I feel sorry to those who are struggling for their bread with empty stomach and they support this Kingdom family. And this ruling clas know that we have the right to rule. This is the reason this family never promote and support the education in this country. Their priority is to make yellow train red train and metro where they can make money and people will happy to see only metro
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Mar 14, 2017 12:58am
Yup, the government has nothing better to do than to protect the "izzat" of the corrupt leaders.
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Mar 14, 2017 01:27am
The world knows better. Other countries took fast action on the revelation of Panama scandal and the culprits. Only in Pakistan it seems action against corruption takes the back seat while the corrupt in ruling class use influence to deflect it and blame others.
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Mar 14, 2017 01:36am
@M.Saeed Through rigged elections
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Mar 14, 2017 01:46am
Pathetic. Democracy Hosani Mubarak style. Unfortunately such leaders do not learn from history
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Mar 14, 2017 01:50am
@Maqsood
Right on target. PM, if you resogn today, no one has the right to finger your family. But as long as u use the public office and public money to build properties abroad for each of your family members, public has the right to do so.
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Mar 14, 2017 01:48am
So they can't take criticism and try to corner people who criticise them. This only proves that there is something wrong and are trying to hide things that may cause issues for them in the next election.
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Mar 14, 2017 01:52am
Mughl e azam. No one should talk about him even if he is in court in corruption case.
What a democracy we have.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:09am
@OBSERVER ..... Actually, that was what she was put into position and hired to do.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:13am
I agree with her. That one should not pressure courts to get what they want.
The justice should be served. No one should get any excuses that courts were under pressure.
Most of the comments amount to put pressure on judiciary
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Mar 14, 2017 02:18am
We are not too far from absolute rule. Instead of helping the people they are determined to extend their rule as far as possible.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:22am
@Talha .... I would not call Nawaz Sharif below average by any means.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:24am
What about them defaming PPP when they were in power. Bunch of dictators
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Mar 14, 2017 02:27am
It is illegal to use government machinery to provide protection to prime minister and his family in their private matters.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:26am
@Maqsood ..... Nawas Sharif has Pakistan's richest families backing him. That is a lot of money and power. Families from Islamabad to Dallas to London to Hong Kong.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:41am
In any defamation case, the plaintiffs (PML-N crowd) have to show that the public statements influenced the court, as they claim. If they can't show that, then the court can find the plaintiffs guilty of filing frivolous and vexatious lawsuits. Those lawyers can then be disbarred.
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Mar 14, 2017 02:48am
The Government obviously has nothing more important to do than continually defend the indefensible.
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Mar 14, 2017 03:33am
The miniter should do her work and explain as to what she has done really on the ground instea of wasting her time to look after the PM.
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Mar 14, 2017 03:38am
It is the government and especially you and Saad Rafiq who are trying to influence the court by your degrading statements and expressions showing that you already know the verdict.
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Mar 14, 2017 04:05am
If you defy the rulers of fiefdom of Punjab , you will be dealt with harsh punishment . That was expected. What else ?
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Mar 14, 2017 04:23am
"...... and people have been carrying out this campaign in an effort to influence the court," she alleged.
If this is what you and your Government thinks and believe then, how would you convince and satisfy the honorable court, if at all asked to clarify, "Influence the Court". Besides, as always claimed by government of time, ours is a democratic system, and yet you all are not prepared to hear peoples voice; except of course only on election victory for having been elected by the people.
Madam, how is it that, you are ready and prepared to take action against your own people, but are scared to sue the Panama gate or the group having compiled relevant information for onward publication!
Any action by your Government before the final judgement is given out by the court would in itself be equally out of place!
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Mar 14, 2017 05:15am
Yes, indeed, the court must give a verdict according to the law and fortunately there's no law which lets the thieves go scotfree. Once the court has ordered dismissal of criminal occupying the offices he is not worthy of, the minions, including this woman, also must be held responsible for abusing the public office and acting as personal servant of a family at the cost of taxpayers money.
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Mar 14, 2017 05:25am
LOL, that is all Pakistan need, information minister. Does anyone even listen to you?
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Mar 14, 2017 05:31am
This is not Saudi Arab or UAE. Deal with it
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Mar 14, 2017 05:27am
It is simple. Ask you PM & Family to return the looted monies and the properties they acquired through ill-gotten monies and beg for forgiveness from the nation and I am sure nation will forgive them.
JUST ASK YOURSELF: A country with 40% population below poverty line how can the PM be a billionaire. According to his own account he lost everything twice, ask him to provide money trail to his wealth. You guys have your heads somewhere and are blinded to the plight of all people.
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Mar 14, 2017 05:35am
your panama is about to be leaked
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Mar 14, 2017 06:24am
This is dictatorship. Shame on PML-N.
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Mar 14, 2017 06:29am
Good news. No one should have the right to trample on the clean character of our benevolent leader...Kim Jong Nawaz. Pakistan has had freedom of speech long enough. Time to put the righteous cybercrime bill to effect to control this evil and corrupt public that is enemy of the state.
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Mar 14, 2017 06:53am
Miss information minister, this is democracy, that means, freedom of speech, that means people of Pakistan who had the right to go and elect PM Nawaz also have the right to speak their mind. As for the court, the court is independent, its verdict cannot be influenced by mere social media, or these judges do not represent the judiciary which I don't believe is the case. The government does not have the power to shut the people out. That's dictatorship, and there is no place for it here in Pakistan in 2017.
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Mar 14, 2017 07:06am
It is not the governments job to become the private servants of the Prime Minister and his family.
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Mar 14, 2017 07:20am
God save Pakistan from these illiterates and sycophants.
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