#TheBuzz
A new Sharif in town
omar r quraishi
Journalist
Gen Sharif was 3rd on the seniority list and the Pak media didn’t really think he would be picked – shows unpredictability of selection
Farrukh Khan Pitafi
TV Anchor
Well congrats Lt Gen Raheel Sharif. To be honest I was hoping to see Gen Haroon as the next chief. But as I said PM’s prerogative!
Feisal H. Naqvi
Lawyer
Old joke abt “iss mulk mein sirf do sharif, Babra Sharif aur Nawaz Sharif” will now need to be revised
Talat Aslam
Editor, The News
Has anyone ever described an incoming COAS as ‘thoroughly unprofessional and politically ambitious’ at the time of his appointment?
Sanam Taseer
Daughter of Salman Taseer
Junior General made COA. that usually turns out really well.
Syed Talat Hussain
Anchor, Saach TV
PM Sharif handpicks Gen Sharif, learns nothing from past experience.
Wajahat S. Khan
Correspondent, NBC News
COAS-select Raheel Sharif also has the rare & coveted legacy angle covered as the brother of Nishan-e-Haider Shabbir Sharif Shaheed
Nusrat Javeed
Columnist & TV Anchor
Raheel Sharif’s appointment is definitely a good news. A thorough soldier with no interest in things political.
Rauf Klasra
Ediotr, Dunya TV
@haroonsardar NS lucky. No Leo to stop him this time. COAS RS is Libra and libra r decent, witty, intelligent, lucky but lack decision making
Asad Umar
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
The new COAS is the brother of a great son of pakistan. Hope he can serve the nation well as a professional army chief
Mehreen Zahra-Malik
Pakistan Correspondent, Reuters
In the end, it wasn’t about seniority after all. “Raheel Sharif chosen as new Pakistan army chief – govt official
Pervez Musharraf
Former President of Pakistan
I congratulate General Raheel Sharif on his promotion as the new Chief of the Army Staff.
PM Nawaz Sharif appoints Raheel Sharif new Army Chief
#TheBuzz
Airport Assault
Quatrina Hosain
Anchor, Abb Tak
Is Karachi attack prelude to another round of incessant terror attacks nationwide? Eerie lull these past few weeks indicative of new phase.
Azhar Abbas
Journalist
TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid claims responsibility of Khi airport attack, says they have now re-launched attacks after failure of talks.
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
I am on PK 319. We were scheduled to land at midnight in Karachi. Plane landed at Nawabshah. All well here. Prayers for Karachi airport.
Adil Najam
Professor, International Relations
#TaftanMassacre and #KarachiAirport: Can we please start fighting the war that is not ours but keeps taking ours from us?
Omar Quraishi
Editor, Express Tribune
The image of terrorists armed with RPGs running across the tarmac of Karachi airport, taking positions near the runway, damage is done.
Rameeza Nizami
Reporter, The Nation
Only PTV sounding confident right now. Might be the inspirational background music. Everyone else tired, confused, resigned to the chaos.
Zahid Hussain
Journalist
Terrorists once again managed to target high security zone; exposes ineptness of you security and intelligence agencies.
Raza Rumi
Columnist
Terrorists could have wreaked more havoc and their plans to hijack and/or destroy planes were foiled. Credit where it’s due. #Pakistan
Ejaz Haider
Anchor, Capital TV
#Finale: X no of terrorists killed; Y no of security personnel felled; Z no of aircraft damaged. Spectacle created. Mission accomplished.
Reaction to the TTP attack on Karachi International Airport
#TheBuzz
Breaking the Ice: Nawaz Heads to India
Imtiaz Gul
Security Analyst
Attending Modi oath taking marks a break from, and defeat of, cold-war era mindset that ails Pakistan. Hopefully we stay the course.
Munawar Bhatti
Former Ambassador to Brussels
BJP reaction to PM Nawaz Sharif visit terming it as the “beginning of a new relationship” bodes well for Pak-India relations #NS #Modi
Farooq Tariq
Awami Workers Party (AWP)
An extreme right wing wave brought Modi to power, no good news for Indian minorities. PM Nawaz’s visit will not make any fundamental difference.
Ahsan Iqbal
Minister, Planning & Development
PM Sharif’s decision to go to India for opening peace door in South Asia is being appreciated all over the world.
Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
PM’s visit to Modi inaugural not an issue, but he also has a 1-on-1 meeting which would have been good had PMLN worked out a cohesive India policy!
Mushahid Hussain
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q)
Rather than being hostage to Islamophobic RSS, Modi needs to learn from BJP’s PM Vajpayee, who had Nixonian vision in outreach to neighbours.
Jan Achakzai
Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F)
We hail NS to take up PM-designate Modi’s invite. He should urge India come out of its post-Mumbai diplomatic hangover.
Afrasiab Khattak
Awami National Party (ANP)
PM Nawaz Sharif has done the right thing by accepting Modi’s invitation. Both countries can’t afford perpetual confrontation.
Maryam N. Sharif
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N)
I read this out to PM 🙂 “@sherryrehman: PM Sharif should seriously consider accepting the Modi invite to SAARC leaders for his oath taking…
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
PM Sharif’s decision to attend the Modi inauguration is a very good one. Now let’s not burden this event with a rush of expectations just yet.
Reaction of PM Sharif's decision to go to Delhi
#TheBuzz
Breakthrough in Iran, P5+1 Geneva negotiations
Ayesha Aijaz
Lawyer
So Iran has given up the bomb and boosted its economy potentially by $7 Billion. Wise. Lesson for "ghairatmand" Pakistanis.
Farrukh Pitafi
TV Anchor
Okay take a deep breath, step back and think what the new development really means. Think of its impact on us. I implore u think things through.
Adil Najam
Professor of International Relations
High hopes for #Iran #Nuclear deal. Full text, of what agreed: http://bit.ly/17RV9Ib Good for world; good for region.
Amir Mateen
Reporter, The News
With US-Iran breakthrough, one wonders Nawaz/Imran understand the moments events taking placearound us-let alone charter us the right way.
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
Even Iran became Amreekan agent? Iran too is sold out for $$$$$ like those in Pakistan who are against peace deal with innocent Taliban.
Hasan Zaidi
Filmmaker & Journalist
Israel is not bound by this agreement,"says Netanyahu about int'l agreementover Iran nuclear prog.
Is he foaming at mouth too? #Rabid
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
Public diplomacy since this summer far and away, better than anything in memory, at least since Mumbai 08.
Omar Waraich
Journalist
Nuclear deal is good news for #Iran, but Iranians worry that Congress may resist a permanent agreement.
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Capital TV
Pakistan is well-placed on the pipeline prog; also has good relations with Iran-KSA and US, so potentially its win-win for PK.
Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
Iran nuclear agreement with P5+1! By believing in itself & its cause, Iran compelled US to come down from war threats 2 dialogue & agreement
Breakthrough in Iran, P5+ 1 Geneva negotiations
#TheBuzz
Doing More in Afghanistan
Syed Talat Hussain
Journalist and Commentator
Trump has okayed possible ‘inland attacks’ in case Pakistan doesnt dismantle alleged Haqqani set-up, claim diplomatic sources.
Bushra Gohar
Politician, ANP
Will the Parliament continue to remain a silent spectator? We have lost precious lives due to flawed foreign & security policies.
Abdul Basit
Former Ambassador
US is either clueless or deliberately complicating matters in Afghanistan..
Nasim Zehra
Journalist and Commentator
Trump’s shoutOut 2 Delhi 4 coop in Afghanistan/globally: let’s together ward off growing Rusia-China influence-ur kiling Kashmiris is kosher
Imtiaz Gul
Policy Analyst
Trump speech=old wine in new flashy bottle=precipitating existing geo-political divisions (Indo-US-Afgh) vs Pak-Sino-Russia= more escalation
Asad Umar
Member of National Assembly, PTI
There is no solution if afghanistan without bringing all segments of afghanistan onboard and addressing legitimate concerns of Pakistan
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
To date, US taxpayers have put over $714 billion in Afghanistan. Pakistan total GDP is about $300 billion. But yeah. All Pakistan’s fault.
Mushahid Husain
Senator, PML-Q
New US South Asian & Afghanistan strategy’ is confusing, convoluted & clueless: is purpose to take on the Taliban or talk to the Taliban?
Ali Dayan Hasan
Human Rights Campaigner
#India stabilizing #Afghanistan is about as likely as Pakistan liberating Kashmir or Trump emerging as a civil rights icon. Great plan!
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
I’m sorry, but others need to “do more ” in Afghanistan, not Pakistan. Guess we were ok as long as the supply lines were needed. Moving on
Reactions of President Trump's announcement of US policy towards Afghanistan and South Asia
#TheBuzz
Endangered Census
Jan Achakzai
Journalist
#LahoreBlast: precious lives lost. May Allah bless martyrs. Terrorism is a menace 2 be fought generationally w-out complacency.
Syed Talat Hussain
Journalist
#Lahore Terror strikes again. More lives lost. Targeting census team only shows the aim of terror is to disrupt national projects.
Reham Khan
Journalist
Deeply disturbing targeting of the only metropolis considered to be safe. Must defeat evil designs by staying united #LahoreBlast
Farrukh K. Pitafi
TV Anchor
Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. It is time to crush terrorism, totally & absolutely.
M. Jibran Nasir
Social Activist
A day after IG Punjab claimed that Punjab has been cleansed of all terror outfits & hideouts precious lives are lost in Lahore to terrorism
Gharidah Farooqi
Anchor, Express News
It’s an open secret, suburbs of Lhr incl Bedian Rd been the activities hub of banned outfits since ages. Sleeper cells still working.
Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Lahore sees another terror attack – this time against census team on Bedian road. Sad. Our urban centres remain vulnerable to terrorists.
AVM (r) Shahid Latif
Security and Defense Analyst
Salutes to soldiers who got martyrdom in the line of duty. Terrorism won’t end till #RaddUlFasaad doesn’t reach South Punjab.
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
Thoughts and prayers for brave #LahoreBlast victims. Hope more tragedy is not needed for denialism about violent extremism to end.
Reactions to the suicide blast in Lahore Targetting Census team on 25/04/2017
#TheBuzz
HakeemUllah Mehsud Dead
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
Drone-lovers having field day. But we don't HAVE to quietly endure. Glad Mehsud dead but drones DO kill innocent people & they ARE illegal.
Imtiaz Gul
Security Analyst
Hakimullah didn't spare even blind-folded 70 year old Col Imam, calling him a US agent before himself shooting him dead in 2011. Machoman!
Zahid Hussain
Journalist
I have not seen Imran Khan so angry and upset when the TTP was killing innocent people as he is now on the death of Hakimullah.
Ejaz Haider
Anchor, Capital TV
Ch N wants to review relations with the US; fine. Perhaps he should ask Sartaj Aziz who last Tuesday gave an ok report on US-Pak relations.
Mohammad Malick
Group Editor, Dunya Newsty
I hate drones but that does not mean I love terrorists. There's more to life than either or.
Rehman Malik
Former Interior Minister
Dear all, pl remember my statement on dialogue with Taliban that hostile/anti Pak elements will not allow this to happen. Nation needs unity.
Umar Cheema
Investigative Journalist, The News
Govt is playing smart: Running with the hare and hunting with the hound (on Hakimullah's killing).
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Capital TV
Hakeemullah Mehsud was a killer, a terrorist & v seem to be mourning his death. God Bless us and save us from ourselves
Talat Aslam
Senior Editor, The News
The perils of a weekly: The News on Sunday special report on drones went to press before Hakimullah's killing. Still very pertinent though
Quatrina Hosain
Anchor, AB Tuk
No tears shed for HuM but wish talks had been given chance to succeed or fail. Doubt is a terrible thing in times of war.
Reaction to the drone attack that killed Hakeemullah Mehsud
#TheBuzz
IMF Bailout
Madiha Afzal
Former Member of Parliament
Officials in Islamabad said approaching the IMF became inevitable when Saudi Arabia turned down a request to delay payments for oil imports last week.
Syed Ali Raza Abidi
Central Vice President, ANP
Pakistan‘s policies were doing just fine until 25/07/18, even during the caretaker setup. But as soon as youthiyas took over they created panic and uncertainty which has forced them to take unpopular steps. If IMF is now the only option why was PTI claiming they won’t go for it?
Omar R Quraishi
Journalist
The stock market fell over 7% in less than a week – mainly due to the Government’s indecision over the IMF bailout
Many Insafians are justifying this loss of billions in market capitalization (& losses for those investing in stocks) by saying it was invested by the corrupt…
Hammad Azhar
Minister of State for Revenue, Government of Pakistan
The challenge for the #PTI govt is to use the space offered by the bailout to undertake much delayed structural reforms so that we end the spiral of this debt dependancy.
Mushahid Hussain
Senator
‘Naya Pakistan’ 2 U-turns in succession: PTI regime talked of ‘breaking the begging bowl’, but now is rushing to get IMF bailout ; IG Police Punjab removed on eve of bye-elections, because incumbent was ‘too independent’/resisted political pressure. Goodbye to good governance!
Miftah Ismail
Former Federal Minister of Finance
2)Going to IMF was only wrong in Purana Pakistan and showed a lack of strategy and imagination. In Naya Pakistan it is kosher.
Nasim Zehra
Journalist & Author
Govt goes to the IMF. Govt increases water charges. Govt’s increases gas prices.Govt taken steps that have led to inflation. StockMarket tumbled down by 1300 points. Management of the economy is a colossal complex & sober task so tall claims & opposition-mode by govt unwarranted.
Khurram Husain
Business Editor at Dawn newspaper
Meanwhile foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank drop by $627 million between Sept 19 and 28 (latest data just released). I don’t recall the last time I saw a drop this steep. Anyone care for a policy direction soon? Or are we still at gnashing our teeth at each other?
Haris Gazdar
Senior Researcher, Collective for Social Science Research
Going to the IMF is not Imran Khan’s ‘fault’. Most sensible observers could have predicted this even 3 years ago when the PML-N’s narrative about CPEC led growth was in full swing. The ‘fault’ is not letting PML-N pay the political price of its disastrous economic management!
Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Executive Director SDPI
To me, it ll be much easier 4 GOP to achieve macro-fiscal stability through an IMF loan, without neglecting the alternative sources of funding & taking care of social protection.
Twitter reactions to the government's decision to seek an IMF bailout
#TheBuzz
India’s Saffron Sweep
Ahmer Naqvi
Analyst
Tempted to say goodbye to the idea of a syncretic South Asia this afternoon. Of course, it has resisted far worse, but still.
Mehreen Zahra Malik
TV Anchor
Also, never again will an Indian treat his chaiwala badly. I’m going to go give mine a hug. #IndiaDecides2014 #Modi
Hasan Zaidi
Columnist
The unspoken anxiety in Pak about Indian Hindutva landslide is whether we’ll understand even half of what’s being said there now. #Sanskriti
Wajahat S Khan
Correspondent, NBC News
Civ-mil tensions here. Hyper nationalist government there. A brand new president on the other side. I’m waiting for a nasty little war.
Moeed Pirzada
TV Anchor
#PM Nawaz did an excellent decision (perhaps the first such of his Reign of Errors) by quickly calling Narendra Modi & congratulating him!
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
Congratulations India, congratulations Mr. Modi. We in Pakistan hope the best for the region, peace & you MT @narendramodi: India has won!
Omar R. Quraishi
Editor, Express Tribune
With a right-wing prime minister who should be able to contain India’s hawks & establishment, will Modi be able to strike peace with Pak?
Raza Rumi
Columnist
So the rise and fall of @AamAadmiParty in #Delhi will be a subject of endless debates 🙂 Not a single seat after that teacup #Revolution
Mosharraf Zaidi
Development Consultant
Pakistanis should not be self-conscious in assessing what a Modi-led India may mean. We should also be seeking to understand this India.
Ayaz Amir
Columnist
A statesman’s rhetoric is always different than that in election campaign. #Modi will have to step forward for peace in the region.
Reaction to the BJP's landslide victory
#TheBuzz
Indian Aggression
Mosharraf Zaidi
Policy Analyst
Just to be clear: #Balakot is not in Azad Kashmir. If Indian Air Force planes dropped payload in Balakot, they crossed across the LOC, and then across the entirety of Azad Kashmir, and then into Khyber Pakhtukhwa. India didn’t “cross the LOC”. It has attacked Pakistan.
Asma Shirazi
Journalist
Indian jets violated our boundary, intruded inside Pakistan, came close to Balkot, KPK, crossing over Kashmir. My simple question is Why did we let them go?
Asad Hashim
Journalist
Local journalists tell @AJEnglish that location of Indian payload drop appears to be Jaba, an uninhabited forest area in Mansehra district located about 10km from border with Pakistan-administered Kashmir and 60km from LoC.
Moeed Pirzada
TV Anchor
Crucial thing to determine the nature of this incursion is if Indian Mirage planes stayed inside Pakistani territory for 3-4 minutes, as it looks from ISPR statement or for 21 minutes as Indian media claim. ISPR should share their trajectory with media to clarify this confusion
Khurram Dastigr Khan
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs
“Pak should strive diplomatically to get revoked OIC invitation to India~Or Pak should boycott the meeting. The “I” in OIC stands for Islamic. How can a country guilty of savage repression of IO Kashmiri Muslims be guest of honour?” ~Spoke in National Assembly on Indian incursion
Hamid Mir
TV Anchor
Indian Foreign Secretary never clarified which Balakot was attacked?In KPK or AJK?He never took any questions from media after reading a statement because he was aware media will ask for evidence
Dr. Yasmin Rashid
Provincial Minister For Primary & Secondary Healthcare
The only thing that India has dropped with its claimed attack into the sovereign territory of Pakistan, is its farce of being a peaceful neighbour. It may be election year for Modi but to endanger regional peace for vested interest is nothing short of insanity! #PakistanZindabad
Farrukh K. Pitafi
TV Anchor
Intel based strikes take place with some credible intel info. Unless you are attacking trees, you are supposed to know which high value target you are going for. If you know whom did you target you can pray tell so that we can start parading them on live television.
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
Make no mistake:in any hour of Indian aggression Pakistan unites to stand by our brave #PakForces .High time the govt woke up to its responsibilities and called a joint session of parliament to send a clear, powerful message to the world:we don’t want war but we r ready for it.
Imtiaz Gul
Policy Analyst
What a claim: 12 fighter aircraft, dropped a mere 1000 kg bombs, and before heading back from #Balakot they also counted 300 dead bodies in the dark of early morning. Quite a stunning script of a Bollywood film
Twitter Reactions to Alleged Indian Air Strikes in Pakistan
#TheBuzz
Iran Deal
Bina Shah
Writer
Never thought I would see a US-Iran nuclear deal in my lifetime. Repercussions for entire region huge. Fascinating times ahead.
Hasan Zaidi
Filmmaker & Journalist
Iran Foreign Minister says a breakthrough has been made in international nuclear talks. Israel in deep mourning.
Farrukh Pitafi
TV Anchor
Should we still not call @JohnKerry a miracle worker? Let’s see how he handles the Saudis & Israel after this development.
Wajahat Ali
Journalist
.@BarackObama quoting JFK: “let us never negotiate out of fear but never fear to negotiate” #IranTalks #IranDeal
Nuzhat S. Siddiqi
Writer
Great. Even the #US is talking somewhat pleasantly to #Iran. Will #India and #Pakistan grow up to be like that? (Minus the bombing threats).
Moeed Pirzada
TV Anchor
Earthquake in Middle East for Israel & Saudi Arabia: Iran & the US finally struck a deal! Region is turned upside down, Watch my words!!
Raza Rumi
Analyst
Wow. #history MT @WhiteHouse: “In return for Iran’s actions, international community has agreed to provide Iran w/ relief from certain sanctions”- Obama
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
Riyadh is going to need a long shower to wash off the glitter from the Iran/P5+1 party over in Tehran right now.
Talat Aslam
Senior Editor, The News
Is Iran finally coming in from the cold after decades of being a pariah? As a neighbour, Pakistan needs to have a long, hard policy rethink.
Abbas Nasir
Journalist
Pakistan’s new reality: soon a sanctions-free Iran for a neighbour. Hope we are ready.
Iran, US and EU reach historic agreement on key parameters for a nuclear deal
#TheBuzz
Journalists Under Fire
Ejaz Haider
Anchor, Capital TV
The attack on @HamidMirGEO is cowardly & condemnable but equally condemnable is the small-minded pathology of media houses & owners.
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Capital TV
Immediate & credible investigation of the deadly attack on Hamid Mir is a must to address all fears/suspicions.
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
These attacks are meant to shut down dissent. Long may you live & speak @razarumi @HamidMirGEO and all journos putting it all on the line.
Saima Mohsin
Correspondent, CNN
“The further a society drifts from truth the more it hates those who speak it” GeorgeOrwell #PressFreedom #Pakistan #JournalismUnderAttack
Babar Sattar
Lawyer
Had @Razarumi been anything but a journalist-politician/lawyer/doctor/maulvi-the attack would be breaking/front page news across channels/papers.
Adil Najam
Professor, International Relations
Saddened by attack on @HamidMirGEO following one on @Razarumi. Stay strong, friends. Your voice being attacked because your voice matters.
Huma Yusuf
Columnist, Dawn
Media vs. military — this is not what a democratic transition looks like. @HamidMirGEO #JournoSafety
Wasay Jalil
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
Its shocking news about an attack on @HamidMir Geo & on behalf of QT AltafHussain MQM condemn & demand for an inquiry & praying for his recovery.
Afrasiab Khattak
Awami National Party (ANP)
Murder attack on prominent journalist Hamid Mir is an attempt to silence independent voices. Sophisticated planning raises questions. Condemn.
Maulana Fazal Rahman
Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F)
Shocked of attack on @HamidMirGEO. It is an attack on free speech. I demand protection for media men. @geonews_urdu
Reaction to the targeting of mediapersons by terrorists
#TheBuzz
Kartarpur Corridor
Suhasini Haidar
Diplomatic Affairs Editor, The Hindu
Totally mixed and confusing messaging by the government on Kartarpur. Easier to say, “We won’t talk, respond, send ministers to Pakistan etc…. Until we will”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
India Politician, Former Cricketer
The Kartarpur Spirit can make pilgrims of us all, venturing out on a journey that breaks the barriers of history and opens the borders of the heart and the mind. A journey that our people can walk together towards, a future of shared peace and prosperity for India and Pakistan.
Khawaja M. Asif
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
Opening of Kartarpur corridor is a good gesture for peace in subcontinent & a message of amity for Sikhs.But India is downplaying the event & response is not encouraging..Such initiatives must bring dividends,I am afraid not in this case..
Hamid Mir
Journalist
Dear madam you said that govt of India will be represented by your two colleagues at Kartarpur sahib but today you said that two Indian ministers are going to Pakistan in their personal capacity anyhow we welcome two Indian ministers in their personal capacity
Hasan Zaidi
Minister of State for Revenue, Government of Pakistan
Indian govt increasingly comes across as that petulant kid who wants to play in the street cricket game everyone’s already enjoying but keeps nitpicking about playing conditions and pretending he’s too above it all to care much about.
Shireen Mazari
Federal Minister for Human Rights, Pakistan
Decision to open Kartarpura corridor esp for Sikh pilgrims from India is a principled position based on simply doing what is right. Not linked to demands 4 reciprocity from India, Pak govt has taken this step bec it is the right thing to do – allow ppl access to their holy places
Asma Shirazi
Journalist
Historical day today. Stone of love and peace laid down .Much appreciated effort by @ImranKhanPTI and COAS#GeneralBajwa @sherryontopp #Kartarpur. Congratulations #Pakistan #India
Dr. Mohammad Faisal
Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan
The journey begins. We move towards the peace which has remained elusive. A huge success for #Pakistan. A dream coming true for the Sikhs #Kartarpur #Islamabad #PakistanKartarpurSpirit
Murtaza Solangi
Journalist
Imran Khan would have made history, had he invited opposition leaders in the #Kartarpur ceremony today but I guess the establishment supported myopic Khan didn’t want to give national ownership to the initiative that has been supported across the board.
Mohammed Hanif
Author & Journalist
Everyone else was talking abt Baba Guru Nanak. Imran Khan is talking about Imran Khan.
Extending an Olive Branch Reactions to Opening of Kartarpur Border by Pakistan for Sikh Community in India
#TheBuzz
Martyr or not
Athar Minallah
Lawyer
I have always been a critic of Musharaf, struggled against his rule when he was strong. But after HM declared Shaheed, what harm in pardon
Jasmeen Manzoor
Anchor, SAMAA TV
My support is loud and clear to all those shaheed who gave their lives for Pakistan! The real fauj is the Jawan on the post not the general
Khalid Zaheer
Dean, Punjab University
Qur'an says "Let not enmity of a nation incline u to be unfair; be fair, that's closest to piety." Our leaders say US enmity makes u Shaheed
Sheryrar Taseer
Son of late Governor Taseer
Hakimulllah Mehsud is as much shaheed as Hitler is a saint, #Pakistan #Taliban
Mohammed Hanif
Novelist
Maulana F quotes Maulana A.Kalam Azad to explain his dog problem. Also refers to dogs own by Ashab-e-Kahaf. Think he is a closet dog lover.
Murtaza Solangi
Journalist
Munawar Hasan and other Jamaat leaders calling Hakeemullah Mehsud a martyr expose their contempt for the people of Pakistan!
Taha Siddiqui
Journalist
Ppl arguing who is a martyr& who isn't, have taken up the role of God, forgetting tht religion talks of judgment day to decide such matters
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
How unfair. Calling a Shaheed an agent? Lahaula wala quwwa @mughalbha: TTP is Funded by RAW CIA Zaid Hamid
Asim Bajwa
Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR)
Sacrifices of our shuhada & their families need no endorsement from Munawar Hassan. Such misguided statements deserve no comment
Tahir Ul Qadri
Minhaj-ul-Quran International
The word 'shaheed" is a blessed title and it is being misused #SaveTheState #Pakistan
Revisiting the martydom debate
#TheBuzz
Modi – Nawaz Meet In Russia
Zahid Hussain
Journalist
Welcome development. Indian PM Modi accepts invite for first Pakistan visit.
Murtaza Solangi
Journalist
Ultimately Modi and Nawaz both won the toss. Head said de-escalation and the tail said engagement.
Raza Rumi
Columnist
Official #Pakistan & #India joint statement: Good to see stuff #TrackII parleys recommend to respective governments.
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
PM Sharif has taken another large political leap to try to jumpstart regional normalisation. Hope Pakistani hawks will cut him some slack.
Moeed Pirzada
TV Anchor
PM Nawaz must follow his Foreign Office instincts in dealing with Modi; Indian Strategists are masters of empty postures of Aman & Shanti…
Adil Najam
Professor, International Relations
Lets not hype #NawazModi meeting. Not every meeting is a historic meeting. If it is, it reflects a sad sad history!
Ejaz Haider
Anchor, Capital TV
#Ufa joint statement has only one takeaway: Mumbai. everything else is already exists. #VoiceSamples for which there’s no #MLA framework.
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Channel 24
Modi govt takes a U-turn after 1 year of muscle flexing/Pak-bashing, decides to return to dialogue process. NSA talks on terrorism & ‘all issues’
Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Shameful how PM Sharif once again appeased India on terrorism while ignoring Indian state terrorism in Occupied Kashmir & in Pakistan.
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
We welcome Modi to the SAARC Summit, support Sharif in peace moves, but statement should reflect Pakistan’s concerns too. Right now it’s one-sided.
#TheBuzz
No More Do More
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
Trump or not, US neither generous, nor fair to Pakistan. Pakistan must stop reminding others about how many people we lost to terror. No one cares. The more urgent question is, do we? 3 years after APS, almost 7 years after Abbotabad – how have we prepared for this day?
Syed Talat Hussain
Journalist and Commentator
National Security Committee meeting to take place today. Underlines how seriously the govt and the Army is taking Trump’s tweet. No individual institutional reaction will suffice. Now it has to be a whole of nation response.
Adil Najam
Professor, International Relations
3/Get out of messed up US/PAK relationship now! Don’t drag it out.Don’t wait to be dragged out. 4/Say goodbye to all US aid.Everything. Nothing there is essential. Make accounts of all past aid spending public. 5/Up the fight against terrorism. Earnestly. Relentlessly.
Nasim Zehra
Anchor
A self- respecting Pak leadership must announce that it will take no aid, suspend all cooperation with the US and demand an explanation from Washington for this rude and belligerent statement. Anything less would be devoid of dignity and self- respect.
Hamid Mir
Anchor, Geo TV
Real pain behind @realDonaldTrump tweet against Pakistan may not be Afghanistan but Pakistan’s role on Palestine
Jalil Abbas Jilani
Former Foreign Secretary
2) Pakistan provided GLOCS/AIRLOCS facility free of charge to US/NATO forces in Afghanistan. The cost would have run into billions of dollars if charged. The US AID is an investment that the US makes in in its own national interests. USAID Administrator told Congress.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Chairman, Pakistan People’s Party
We will eradicate extremism because it’s in our interest not because of what @realDonaldTrump says. We will not allow the #US to scapegoat #Pakistan for its own failures in the region.
Shafqat Mahmood
Member National Assembly, PTI
The stark fact is that the worlds preeminent military power, the largest military force ever in the history of mankind, has to find a scapegoat for its failures in Afghanistan. The easy choice is Pakistan because we made the mistake of helping US at a massive cost to our people
Afrasiab Khattak
Senator, ANP
Most serious security threat for Pakistan is extremism/sectarianism & terrorism in the country. Pak could have taken a genuine strong stand had it implemented NAP. It cannot afford another Abbottabad. Let’s put our house in order before talking tough.
Minister of Defence
Ministry of Defence
Pak as anti-terror ally has given free to US: land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16yrs, but they have given us nothing but invective & mistrust. They overlook cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.
Reactions to President Trump's latest comments on Pakistan
#TheBuzz
Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Sharmeen Obaid
Film-maker
A thought for those 30,000 fathers who sent their sons off to war today, also for those children who sent their fathers off. #ZarbEAzb #Pakistan
Marvi Sirmed
Columnist
Yes to Mil Op, no to proxies. #ZarbEAzb The nation stands united to support our civil and military leadership to decimate terrorists. #LetsDoIt
Ali Dayan Hasan
Human Rights Activist
High time @PMNawazSharif showed leadership & took political ownership of anti-Taliban operation. Address nation, Parliament. #Pakistan
Raza Rumi
Columnist
Sleeper cells in the Punjab, Karachi & elsewhere need to be neutralized simultaneously. Also think beyond. Get a plan together dear government.
Cyril Almeida
Columnist, Dawn
Things Zarb-e-Azb has taught me so far. 1. War excites people, like really. 2. Media is full of liberal fascists who don’t know their swords.
Fahd Husain
Anchor, Express News
The defining hour shall Inshallah become our finest hour #ZarbEAzb
Umar Cheema
Journalist
May #ZarbeAzb be the final & fateful op. May it herald a new era of peace. Don’t forget the soldiers who’re there to help answer our prayers.
Hamid Mir
Journalist
If operation in NWA is need of the time then there should be a Swat-like targeted ground operation to minimize civilian causalities.
Ayaz Amir
Columnist
Military operation will be meaningless if civilians don’t do their job of policing, law & order, crack-down of #LEJ & civil admin.#ZarbEAzb
Babar Sattar
Lawyer
With #ZarbEAzb finally underway can spoilers please hold their peace? Time to stand behind our troops & with our government/state unequivocally.
Reactions to the launch of a ground offensive in North Waziristan
#TheBuzz
Pakistan’s Pride: Malala Yousafzai
Nuzhat Siddiqi
Writer
#Malala continues to love a country she has every reason to hate, unlike haters rallying against her. She deserves, at least, our gratitude.
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Filmmaker
Maybe #Malala can come home now?! Sad that she has to live in exile. #Pakistan
Simbal Khan
Analyst
Great, great happiness for all Pakistanis, but especially the Pakistani women on #MalalaYousafzai #NobelPeacePrize
Fifi Haroon
BBC
Met #Malala Yusufzai a year ago and knew this little girl had the light of a thousand fireflies. Proud to be a fellow Pakistani. She shines.
Mehreen Zahra Malik
Correspondent, Reuters
Who the hell cares what the extremists and the nutjobs feel about #Malala. She's won over the universe! #NobelPeacePrize
Omar Quraishi
Editor, Express Tribune
Usually have to do a late editorial when there's breaking news and in Pakistan that's often a bomb blast –so glad that this time was a Nobel Prize.
Omar Wariach
Journalist
The Nobel's always tough on Pakistan's mullahs, first an Ahmedi and now a girl.
Asim Bajwa
Inter-Services Public Relations
Congrats; #Malala becomes second Pakistani to win coveted Nobel prize. Except for terrorists, all Pakistanis want their children in school.
17-year-old Malala Yousafzai becomes youngest ever Nobel Peace Price winner
#TheBuzz
Pompeo Visit
Bushra Gohar
Central Vice President, ANP
#SMQ very unconvincing press briefing, playing with words…Seems the meeting didn’t go too well.
Meher Bokhari
Journalist & Anchor
3/so the stalemate has been broken claims FM @SMQureshiPTI but wout much fanfare or mutual agreement? No joint presser or declaration. However one that followed SMQs independent one, press statement from DC ends in NEED 4 PK 2 take “sustained & decisive measures against terrorists”
Farhatullah Babar
Former Senator
Pompeo met army chief separately even after joint meeting with PM. Gen Dunford, not Pompeo, should have separately met army chief. Tradition of foreign civilian leaders making beeline to GHQ continues. So does the back seat driving and ‘same page’ mantra # Naya Pakistan.
Gharidah Farooqi
Journalist
In his meeting with COAS Bajwa, Secy Pompeo “conveyed” the “need” for Pakistan to take “sustained” & “decisive” measures against “terrorists and militants threatening regional peace & stability”
Isn’t this “Do More?” We need @ForeignOfficePk @SMQureshiPTI to clarify pls #NoMore
Mariana Baabar
Journalist
2) So @ImranKhanPTI meets @SecPompeo in presence of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Good decision as late Ghulam Ishaq Khan would say.Late president would even have meeting with Americans in President House with PM and COAS to send message that all on one page.
Baqir Sajjad
Foreign Affairs / National Security Correspondent at Dawn
Another important reason for being skeptical is the US shortsighted policy of viewing the mil-to-mil ties has the basis for any forward movement. This was emphasized both by @SecPompeo & @thejointstaff in their press talk. Relations need a wider basis for them to grow.
Nasim Zehra
Journalist & Author
Stalemate continues – conversation continues in circles- Pakistan clearly and firmly expressed its concerns. Washington ‘s demands remained intact. Pakistan should be in no hurry to ‘fix matters.’ Washington needs to revisit its simplistic approach to the region.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Met with @SecPompeo at Islamabad earlier today. Today’s meeting was the beginning of a new dawn after a spell of darkness. The atmosphere was cordial, and one of mutual respect and understanding. And we think that’s a great start for a reset.
Syed Talat Hussain
Journalist
Pompeo, Dunford get cold, minimal reception upon arrival. Islamabad is seething with anger over Trump Admn harshness.
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
America will continue to see push-back from Afghanistan, regardless of the 2+2 process it’s investing in. Unfortunately Pompeo’s visit to Islamabad will only underscore the disconnect on the ground if the US team decides to position all Taliban discontent as made-in-Pakistan. US Readout from the #PompeoVisit. See last few lines. Expects “decisive” action from Islamabad. Nothing new at all. Yet don’t understand why there was no joint press conference if a real re-set in bilate
Reset or Preset? Reactions to Pak-US ties under Pakistan's new government
#TheBuzz
Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2014
Taha Siddiqui
Journalist
Army was already abducting civilians, but 1st this law & now PPO will give them legal cover for human rights abuse. #SayNoToExtraJudicialActs
Fifi Haroon
BBC
Highly dubious this #PPO - this govt is closing in on everything that suggests critique or debate. Be it digital rights or political dissent.
Cyril Almeida
Columnist, DAWN
Also, enjoying the quintessentially Pakistani twist that alleged author of army-dictated PPO Amendment is the same guy prosecuting Mush.
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
Waiting for my arrest. RT @MaverickIR: Now those who will talk against #PMLN talks with TTP or its misgovernance will be booked under #PPO.
Arif Alvi
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
Disgusting black day in NA. Protested against the PPO. Was ready to move my (31) amendments which the Speaker disallowed. Bill Bulldozed Brutally.
Nabil Gabol
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
Hypocrisy, isnt it? Zahid Hamid, once Musharaf's Minister for Law; today the same Zahid Hamid is made minister by MNS as he presented the PPO bill in the NA.
Naz Baloch
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
PPO 2014 is irrational & a violation of the sanctity of citizens, as it authorises LEAs to break into any house without a search warrant.
Nafisa Shah
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
All political parties in the Parliament - PPP, PTI, MQM, JI and govt allies JUI-F - had severe objection at undemocratic way in which the PPO was passed.
Syed Raza Ali Abidi
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
Do you know, that by this PPO of PML-N, each one of you is vulnerable to be shot at sight or held captive for 90 days' detention by LEAs.
Afrasiab Khattak
Awami National Party (ANP)
The Senate of Pakistan will resist laws violative of human rights given in the Constitution.
What will the PPOs passage mean for civil liberties?
#TheBuzz
Pulwama Attack
Ahsan Iqbal
Former Minister for Interior & Planning, Dev & Reform
India should be under no delusion if it tried any misadventure against Pakistan, it will find a united and a resolute nation to confront. Pakistan believes in peace but has strongest resolve to defend itself.
Syed Talat Hussain
Anchor and Journalist
From raids across the border to missile launches to waves of terrorism, say officials, Pakistan is intently watching a full range of eventualities. “We are not leaving anything to chance and hopefully the Indians know that”, said one official.
Aftab Ahmad Sherpao
Chairman Qaumi Watan Party
Imran Khan’s response to India’s aggressive attitude and warmongering came four days late. This serious situation should be discussed in the parliament and a unanimous response formulated without further delay
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
Unlike war-mongering lobbyists in the West & the Hindutva mainstream in India, Pakistan has spoken responsibly on Pulwama. Pakistan must neutralise groups like JeM. India must stop killing Kashmiris & address grievances in Occupied Kashmir. Sanity must prevail.
Mushahid Hussain
Senator
Key motivation of Indian strategy to demonise Pakistan after Pulwama, apart from diverting attention away from the popular resistance to repression/Modi’s upcoming polls, is India sulking from the sidelines while Pakistan is at centre stage: CPEC, Kartarpur, Afghan peace process
Fahd Husain
Executive Editor, Express Tribune & Executive Director News, Express News
Very good statement by PM IK. Perfect balance of reasonableness & firmess. Solid contrast to India’s war-mongering. Message from Pakistan is loud & clear: we have nothing to hide, nothing to justify & nothing to fear. India better think twice before acting crazy #Pulwama
Jalil Abbas Jilani
Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan to the US
Rather than creating war hysteria,prudent for india to heed to PM Imran Khan’s advice in televised adress; Avoid rhetoric and baseless accusations, share actionable intelligence to take action,revive Anti Terror dialogue, end state repression and resolve Kashmir through dialogue
Nasim Zehra
Journalist & Author
Acc to PM @ImranKhanPTI : From Pakistan #SaudiCrownPrince takes the message to Delhi, that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India in any kind of investigation on Pulwama killings.
Asad Umar
Federal Minister for Finance, Pakistan
India needs to listen to the people of kashmir. It must realize that the more they try and repress the people of kashmir through violence the more determined kashmiri’s become to break free from the subjugation by India. No amount of scapegoating Pakistan will change that reality
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
But is Delhi even listening to Kashmiri leaders, let alone insurgents?Without an investigation the alacrity with which public anger is being marshalled in India against Pakistan is bizarre. Threatening “complete isolation” among other actions is unhelpful and frankly, unrealistic
Pakistan's Twittershpere responds to war Hysteria in Delhi
#TheBuzz
Qatar in the Cross-hairs
Gen Ghulam Mustafa-R
Geo Political and Defense Analyst
KSA+8 vs Qatar. All not lost. Pak +Turkey, two Muslim world heavy weights should join hands, help initiate dialogue between 2 sides ASAP.
Zarrar Khuhro
Journalist
Make no mistake about it, the pain being applied to Qatar is a preview. Pakistan will also face immense pressure to openly ally w KSA agnst Iran and its allies.
Farrukh K. Pitafi
TV Anchor
This kind of parochialism is bound to further shrink your sphere of influence.
Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Situation gets murkier in GCC raising more question marks on KSA-led mly alliance – with GCC mbrs + Egypt turning on 1 of their own:Qatar
M. Raza Ahmad Rumi
Columnist
Will Qatar sacrifice Al Jazeera to mend regional ties? by @CRrileyCNN It would be a terrible choice, if ever made.
Adil Najam عادل نجم
Professor, International Relations
#Gulf #GCC always a deeply troubled & troubling place. Stay clear of #Saudi machinations, #Pakistan. You will be asked to take sides. Don’t.
Moeed Pirzada
TV Anchor
Arab Coalition’s treatment of tiny Qatar & the ridiculous accusations levelled are another low point in Muslim history; and it won’t work.
Mosharraf Zaidi
Columnist
How does the GCC vs GCC vs Iran strife affect Pakistan? We need balance in the GCC, thru equilibrium at home.
Sherry Rehman
President, Jinnah Institute
Dangerous faultlines in the Middle East metastasising fast. #Qatar now in the eye of a new storm over news leaks.
Reactions to the diplomatic crises over Qatar, and fresh tensions in the Middle East
#TheBuzz
SAARC Summit 2014
Benazir Shah
Reporter, Newsweek
In Nepal, Sharif feasted on fish, organic chicken, mutton. For dessert, he preferred saffron kheer.
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
Nawaz Sharif is at SAARC. Time for Pakistani media to think of negative headlines. Or maybe they'd receive editorial help from.... ahem the big Boss?
Mehr Tarar
Journalist
PM Modi not greeting PM Sharif doesn't make much sense, since neither of them was in power in 2008. How will the silence end the enmity ever?
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Capital TV
Nawaz-Modi will meet in Kathmandu but will Modi see wisdom in engaging on Kashmir?
Mehreen Zahra Malik
Correspondent, Reuters
At UNGA, Modi rebukes #Pakistan for Kashmir obsession. At #SAARC, Pakistan rebuffed by #India over bigger #China role in Saarc. What's next?
Raza Rumi
Political Analyst
The way forward for economic integration: RT @PTI_News: India will now give business visa for 3-5 years for SAARC countries: PM Modi.
Omar Quraishi
Editor, Express Tribune
SAARC Summit boils down to will they or won't they - shake hands that is - and they finally did it: PMs of India & Pakistan meet informally.
Munawar Bhatti
Former Ambassador
Perhaps to celebrate 18th SAARC Summit, Indian troops again resort to provocative firing on Pakistan territory in Sialkot sector.
Maleeha Lodhi
Former Ambassador
If Modi is setting new rules of engagement, that doesn’t mean Pakistan has to accept. PM Nawaz has made it clear Kashmir is central to Pak agenda
Afrasiab Khattak
Awami National Party (ANP)
Pakistani delegations had to travel Islamabad-Doha-Kathmandu to take part in People's SAARC. South Asian Disconnect!
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attends 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu
#TheBuzz
Talks, yet again!
Marvi Sirmed
Journalist
Kudos to #MQM for standing their ground in #NA today on Negotiations with Taliban. Rest have played a selfish politics. Progressive parties?
Huma Yusuf
Policy Analyst
Government has simultaneously announced peace talks with #TTP & imminent military operation in NWA. When will this drama end?
Adil Najam
Professor of International Relations
For those who are deafened by the echoes of our own silence: There is only one way to break the silence. It is, to speak up…
Mehreen Zahra-Malik
Pakistan Correspondent, Reuters
A reporter, a columnist, a retired army major and ex-envoy walk into peace talks with Taliban. They would’ve been better off going to a bar…
Murtaza Solangi
Journalist
No counter-terror expert, no senior govt functionary with any institutional memory, no religious expert & no politician. What a committee!
Raza Rumi
Anchor, Express News
After a clear-headed diagnosis, Nawaz Sharif back to square one: 4 member peace talks committee. Most sympathetic to ‘our own people’.
Nasim Zehra
Anchor, Capital TV
Yes to a time-bound dialogue seeking TTP’s voluntary disarming & its surrender to the writ of the State-all within Constitutional parameters.
Mohammad Malick
Group Editor, Dunya News
Expect terrorists to play dialogue to buy time but things are inevitably moving towards the inevitable. Finally, and hopefully!
Zahid Hussain
Journalist
Disgusting. Begging murderers for talks. Nothing shakes the rulers. Dialogue with Taliban top priority of govt: Nisar
Tahir-ul-Qadri
Minhaj-ul-Quran International
Those who want to negotiate with terrorists, are indirectly protecting terrorists and strengthening their wrong philosophy. #Pakistan
Reaction to PM Nawaz Sharifs speech on negotiating with the TTP
