'People either with or against Imran Khan,' says Fawad Chaudhry

Arif Malik Published September 30, 2018

In this file photo Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry speaks to media.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday asserted that all state institutions stand by Prime Minister Imran Khan and are working together to lead the country towards development.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Chaudhry said that before Khan came to power, every politician thought that "corruption was their right". However, PM Khan had ended tolerance for corruption after he assumed office, Chaudhry claimed.

He also referred to criticism being raised over the prime minister's austerity drive, saying that previous governments had left the country up to its eyeballs in debt by spending huge amounts of money on extravagance. The new premier was trying to repay this debt.

"People are either with Imran Khan or against him," Chaudhry claimed.

"They [the previous government] had ordered cars worth Rs980 million for one Saarc conference," Chaudhry said, adding that the maintenance expenditure of the cars amounted to Rs350m.

He further said that the budget allocated to state institutions like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan State Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan, among others, exceeded the returns, thus increasing state expenditure.

"The state is giving Rs3 billion to PTV and it earns only Rs250m," Chaudhry revealed. "The expenses of PIA are Rs45bn while Radio Pakistan is given Rs5,650m by the state."

He hailed PM Khan as a "symbol of change" and a "representative of the middle class".

"[Zulfiqar Ali] Bhutto's revolution in the 1970s was that of the poor people. Today's revolution is of the middle class."

He said that while the previous PML-N government circled around Nawaz Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government comprises a team of experts.

Chaudhry said that the government had asked other countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan.

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M. Saeed

Sep 30, 2018 06:00pm

Fawad Chaudhry borrowing the phrase from G.W. Bush that he said about war against terror after WTC attack.

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Ahmad

Sep 30, 2018 06:04pm

revolution for middle class, if there will be any middle class left with the expected inflation.

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Maha Mitra

Sep 30, 2018 06:09pm

One day this man will sink IK's Ship with all his too frequent statements. He should be told not to issue statements to media.

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Love Your Country

Sep 30, 2018 06:11pm

Wow .... speaking like GW Bush!!

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Haramullah

Sep 30, 2018 06:21pm

So Bhutto's revolution eradicated all the poverty from Pakistan, really great achievement, this govt has got to do only for middle class.

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A shah

Sep 30, 2018 06:24pm

Very dissapointed with IK so far

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RUMI

Sep 30, 2018 06:28pm

Reminds me of George Bush statement " Either you are with us or you are with then". By the way it doesn't matter who is with him or who is against him. He didn't come into power through people's votes. He got into power through THEM.

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Guest

Sep 30, 2018 06:29pm

"People are either with Imran Khan or against him," Chaudhry claimed. I thought the sentence is reversed .. the elected PM is for every citizen and not the other way around.

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Sudheesh

Sep 30, 2018 06:35pm

Any issues, it is because of previous government. Grow up man, don't be a parrot with same excuses. By this way even after 5 years of rule, you will give the same excuse.

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Surya Kant Agrawal

Sep 30, 2018 06:36pm

Use some original slogan and original ideas.

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Patriot

Sep 30, 2018 06:38pm

Honorable Mr. Minister, the nation knows very well the problems we have got and what the past Governments have done (or not done), and that is why PTI has been elected. So can you please stop repeating same statements over and over to avoid wasting your very precious time (as you don't need to win elections anymore) and start working to deliver on your promises. Achievements speak louder than statements, so please focus on delivery and fulfil promises. Once you will deliver inshallah, everyone will appreciate & celebrate. No need to continue making statements anymore, as its not helping this Government in any way.

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Ajib

Sep 30, 2018 06:38pm

My way or highway

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Sep 30, 2018 06:39pm

In other words, as a nation, we have two choices, either we support Imran Khan and his government or follow previous corrupt governments of PMLN and PPP. As a public, we all have to ask ourselves that: do we need a change where everyone treated equally or have a double standard and law for rich and famous, and poor are treated like a third class citizen? Think carefully for the sake of your children and future generations!

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Sep 30, 2018 06:43pm

I fail to see any good reason to go against Imran Khan. He is trying his best to root out corruption from Pakistan. Only an ignorant or corrupt person will oppose him.

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TKHAN

Sep 30, 2018 06:46pm

What a genius? What other choice is there?

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ahamed

Sep 30, 2018 06:48pm

Minister Chaudry, look for investments from countries besides KSA and the USA. They are one and have an agenda so don't sell PK to them. Create an enabling environment and ensure security. Investments will follow.

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Hwh

Sep 30, 2018 06:54pm

Is there any other possibility? I guess mr. minister learn

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Hwh

Sep 30, 2018 06:56pm

Is there any other options? This line, either with us or without us was the lesson by ex US president.

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Aakif Siddiqui

Sep 30, 2018 06:59pm

Every politician thought that "corruption was their right". Now only some of them do.

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Khaja

Sep 30, 2018 07:00pm

Looks like he is talking like George Bush.

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Aakif Siddiqui

Sep 30, 2018 07:02pm

Previous governments had left the country up to its eyeballs in debt by spending huge amounts of money on extravagance. - PM Khan had to begin somewhere to reverse unlimited borrowing and unlimited spending. Bureaucrats always want as much money as they can coax out of the budget for their own departments.

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Ali

Sep 30, 2018 07:21pm

Keep up the good work we have full trust in our new govt.

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Asif A. Shah

Sep 30, 2018 07:22pm

I would agree with Mr. Fawad Chaudhry's analysis that the people of Pakistan were fed up with pervasive corruption in the country, therefore, they have brought Imran Khan as PM; an harbinger of change. Considering the popularity of Imran Khan on social media and the Pakistani diaspora he does seem like a hero of the middle class. However, it is the Supreme Court of Pakistan which keeps Imran Khan's indiscretions in check. At the end of the day, it is the strong, independent, honest and competent Judiciary of Pakistan which will be able to salvage the country.

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Kabir

Sep 30, 2018 07:35pm

"government had asked other countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan" You expect American investment? That too when not a single statement from your mouth is pro America? Saudis themselves are struggling to diverse their economy and generate jobs, you expect them to invest? Why not ask Greenland and Iceland to invest too?

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Philosopher (From Japan)

Sep 30, 2018 07:43pm

Please come in ‘working’ mode rather than abusing mode. Days in days out you people allege one another. How long this continues. People need some concrete results rather than hearing the allegations on previous government on every matter.

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Attaullah Thull

Sep 30, 2018 07:46pm

Reminds me of that President Bush demand post-9/11: Pakistan is either with the US or against the US.

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Ch.Yasir Azim

Sep 30, 2018 07:48pm

How will Pakistan be with out any Debt. Like what will really change, lets say today we owe nothing in loans, what then?

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AKB

Sep 30, 2018 07:50pm

People have voted for PTI and they have lot of expectations from the Government. The thump rule for progress should be to reverse the wrong policies followed by the previous rulers. Only the tourism could have made great difference if there was no terrorism in the country.

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JagoPakistan

Sep 30, 2018 07:56pm

People are with Imran Khan, but Imran Khan’s credibility goes down because of people like you (Fawad Ch) around him. It’s win win for IK if he can change his team. By selling buffaloes you can not make Naya Pakistan. Now PM house will buy milk on a market rate for guests and staff tea.

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Feroze

Sep 30, 2018 08:03pm

How come all these revolutions are initiated by only the rich? Revolution for the poor by ZAB and revolution for the middle class by IK, JT, SMQ and the list goes on. Also the funny thing to note is that after their revolution efforts come to a sudden halt, these leaders end up being richer then before and the supposed beneficiaries end up being poorer then ever.

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Ahsan Gul

Sep 30, 2018 08:04pm

Totally being a non political person and being a keen observant of economic conditions in Pakistan I believe that people who were being supported by these opposing parties either financially or by any other means favor PMLN and PPP. Majority of our public is tired of Nawaz's corruption and control of all our resources. Not easy for a few to stand up to Nawaz or Zardari's forces.

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Naveed

Sep 30, 2018 08:11pm

Keep talking..... Like you are in election campaign.

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Rizwan

Sep 30, 2018 08:18pm

Fix things man. Too much whining.

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goldigger

Sep 30, 2018 08:35pm

What a stupid statement!!

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Disparate

Sep 30, 2018 08:38pm

Page from The Book of The Bush.

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Khawja Azizuddin

Sep 30, 2018 08:43pm

Fawad please restrict your job to reporting factual news and not making news. It would help PTI and country if you keep your opinions to yourself and instead show some maturity by selecting appropriate use of language consistent with a person of educated mind. Think before giving your views.

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Khan

Sep 30, 2018 09:03pm

IK should have opted for someone more presentable. I dont think Fawad is capable of this job.

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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Sep 30, 2018 09:20pm

One can’t comprehend the logic & gets baffled to read statement by our information minister. Naturally there is substantial opposition building up due to disoriented steps taken by the sitting government during the past 2 months, aiming at correcting our basket full of financial and other issues. The crux of the problem is that our financial managers are still not in consensus whether to go to the IMF or not, causingjitters in the financial markets, by shying away would be local and foreign investors. With our debt repayment schedule coming into effect early next year, dwindling FE deposits, value of Rs in constant flux, rising inflation day by day, deficit of current accounting as $18.5B, does not allow us the luxury of waiting for a miracle to happen. These gimmicks of austerity are nothing but deception to look pretty. The PTI must get into real action lest slogan of bringing change to destiny of middle class falls hollow as PPP’s worn out Roti, Kapra & Mayan deception for poor

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Haramullah

Sep 30, 2018 09:31pm

Same like American attitude, either you are with us or against us. And you can't be with the country, because we are the country.

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Sep 30, 2018 09:51pm

Oh bhai, that's your Job to make these institutions in profit. Stop complaining and better do something. Last 40 days you guys just windging and blaming previous Gov. Prices are increasing for poor people. Law in order situation bad in Karachi. Kids kidnapping increasing. Where is change?

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IKE Khan

Sep 30, 2018 10:00pm

Please Imran, Remove this guy from his job. He is going to make your life hard by making everyone your enemy. Do yourself a favor and remove this guy and few others like him. Do it fast.

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RJM

Sep 30, 2018 10:08pm

Copying Bush's statement in equally brainless fashion. Amazing, one even needs to copy to make foolish statements.

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Imtiaz

Sep 30, 2018 10:11pm

"With us or against us" Where did I hear this phrase before?

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Sep 30, 2018 10:39pm

This man is good for nothing.Please come out of PML N phobia and focus on your priorities.

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Gen Mansoor. Ret.

Sep 30, 2018 11:09pm

Khan saab sound more and more like trump everyday

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Sunil

Sep 30, 2018 11:10pm

Need to focus on work and not talk all the time.

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ABD USA

Sep 30, 2018 11:27pm

Last time we heard the slogan "You are either with us or against us' from the US president Bush in 2001. We are indeed in a "Naya Pakistan"

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Mohiz

Sep 30, 2018 11:31pm

Just looking at the grandeur and splendour of the Prime Minister and Governor Houses show what a ridiculously lavish and opulent lifestyle the former rulers of Pakistan lived. For them a life in 'politics' was a way to enrich themselves making heaven on earth while the country's impoverished downtrodden masses suffered. Imran Khan has to be applauded for exposing these crooked charlatans for what they are. These stately homes need to be opened to the general public so they can see for themselves how the elite of the country took the whole nation for a ride while chanting hollow slogans of 'democracy'

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MONIER

Oct 01, 2018 12:03am

Very good. Keep up the good work.

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Zak

Oct 01, 2018 12:14am

He should PTI and IK are not only for the poor but the middle class as well. Switch to inclusive rhetoric not exclusive. Don't bash the elite, but only the corrupt or safarishees, not those who became rich by hard work. It is the elite who give best representation of the nation inside and abroad.

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Oct 01, 2018 12:47am

PTI won election 2018 on pack of lies and now this minister and his colleagues are running the Government on pack of lies too.

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anwarsher

Oct 01, 2018 12:51am

Latest Version of Dictatorship?

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zafars

Oct 01, 2018 01:13am

What is Imran , George Bush?

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Zeeshandxb

Oct 01, 2018 01:32am

I mean cmon ... lets already focus on directions and results. Are we going to imf? Is Saudi investing? Is UAE investing? Let's talk business.

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M. Afzal Riaz, MD

Oct 01, 2018 04:08am

Privatize PIA and other such business ventures. Government MUST not be in business. It NEVER works even in Western countries. Sell PIA today.. It will flourish and labor will benefit with more jobs.

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ali

Oct 01, 2018 04:36am

People are either with Pakistan or against Pakistan**************

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Zain Ansari

Oct 01, 2018 04:41am

So Glad that 25% of the “middle class” population are leading a “revolution”

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Ahmed

Oct 01, 2018 04:45am

Im against him! PTI is all about lies and deceit.

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Chacha

Oct 01, 2018 04:48am

No man, many people who supported PTI are now skeptical about their ability to govern. This is a country not a cricket game.

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Pervez

Oct 01, 2018 05:17am

The analogy of" either you are with us against us" is very disturbing and anti democracy.Hope this is a personal opinion of Mr. Fawad Chaudhry and not that of the Hon. Prime Minister.

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Oct 01, 2018 06:24am

Br. Choudhry needs to mind his language especially when he is on a position of authority.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Oct 01, 2018 06:56am

Don't agree with Fawad Chaudry on this one. Some people are neutral as well. Who will support PTI for all their good work and point out the mistakes done by the PTI government. For now prayers are with Imran Khan as long as he holds individuals and institutions accountable across the board. No one should be above the law.

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atta rehman

Oct 01, 2018 07:12am

Very nice. My way or the highway is the doctrine of naya Pakistan

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Khan

Oct 01, 2018 07:47am

People are against Imran Khan ! He is no different than Trump !

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Silent

Oct 01, 2018 07:58am

" the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government comprises a team of experts." Like Punjab information minister, Punjab CM, Federal information minister and list goes on. Will these arrogant and unsuitable individual lead the change, the Answer is NO. IK made mistakes and appointed these low caliber guys on these important posts. He should have chosen more smart and intelligent people from his party. IK replace this man or he will damage your image more in future.

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A Patriotic National

Oct 01, 2018 09:09am

Salam Sir: Middle class in a country may represent 40% of the total. The rest is either average or elite class. If this is the case, are we sure only PTI is representing only middle class?

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