Here is a very old news "culled" from Daily Dawn 1996 about Abdul Sattar Edhi: The last of these rings a bell. It was a proposed pressure group that made Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi see red a little over a year ago, leading him briefly to abandon the leadership of his mammoth humanitarian operation in Karachi. He revealed little beyond that his life was in danger after he had turned down an offer to join a subversive lot to destabilise the Benazir Bhutto government, and that Imran Khan was somehow involved in it a charge which, despite its vagueness, the former fast bowler has never satisfactorily been able to explain away. At the time, Imran Khan association with retired General Hamid Gul prompted speculation that the ex-military intelligence chief, notorious for his Afghan exploits and an inveterate foe of Ms Bhuttos regime, was up to no good. The stigma has not disappeared, and it will be interesting to see whether Hamid Gul has an upfront role in the forthcoming organisation. Imrans twists and turns By Mahir Ali DAWN WIRE SERVICE Week Ending : 25 April 1996 Issue : 02/17 http://www.lib.virginia.edu/area-studies/SouthAsia/SAserials/Dawn/1996/25Ap96.html#imra
Q. Have you ever been approached by political or other groups for support?
A. Once, I was approached by General Hamid Gul, Imran Khan and few others, mostly military and intelligence officials, who were conspiring to overthrow Benazir Bhutto`s second government and wanted me to get involved. I declined because I am a social worker and not a politician. I also did not want to tarnish the credibility of my organisation by getting embroiled in something that obviously seemed quite disturbing. Eventually, I was made to feel threatened enough to temporarily leave the country. REFERENCE: “Pakistan is at a critical make-or-break stage” By Qurat ul ain Siddiqui March 15, 2010 http://archives.dawn.com/archives/66970
LONDON: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was recently introduced to Cameron Munter, American Ambassador to Pakistan, in the presence of General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, the ISI chief, according to sources, The Sunday Times reported. Imran Khan is said to have gained the backing of the country’s powerful security establishment, which has grown tired of the corruption pervading the two traditional political groupings, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by President Asif Ali Zardari, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif, a former prime minister. Although they do not publicly admit to favouring any party, it is an open secret that the military leadership, and the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are backing Imran Khan’s campaign, said The Sunday Times report. Imran Khan is reluctant to criticise the military establishment publicly, but he emphasises that he will not be a puppet of the generals. “Obviously you have to work with them but it doesn’t mean you have to work under them,” he told The Times. REFERENCE: Imran met Munter in ISI chief’s presence News Desk Monday, November 21, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=10432&Cat=13 ISPR denies Pasha meeting Munter, Khan http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=26935&title=ISPR-denies-Pasha-meeting-Munter,-Khan ISPR denies report of Imran-Munter-Pasha meeting Published: November 21, 2011 http://tribune.com.pk/story/295234/ispr-denies-report-of-imran-munter-pasha-meeting/
Ijaz is the same person who called for declaring the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) a terrorist organisation, Haqqani was quoted as telling the president. A few days later, the same person then reportedly met the head of ISI Lt. General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, Haqqani reportedly added. “What does this indicate?” he was quoted as rhetorically asking the president. Haqqani, sources added, also referred to a statement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan on October 30, where he was implicated in the scandal for the first time. “I was summoned on November 15 … how could Imran know about it on October 30,” Haqqani was quoted as saying. REFERENCE: Memogate: Adamant ambassador set to face troika By Kamran Yousaf Published: November 21, 2011 http://tribune.com.pk/story/295132/memogate-adamant-ambassador-set-to-face-troika/
It's State's Responsibility to provide foolproof security to its citizens (without any discrimination) and Mr. Imran Khan, his party, it's members also have this right, please explain this letter of US Congressman written for Imran Khan's Security?
Braley signed Hoyer-Cantor letter to Secy. Clinton from 327 House members - Dear Secretary Clinton: We are writing to reaffirm our commitment to the unbreakable bond that exists between our country and the State of Israel and to express to you our deep concern over recent tension. In every important relationship, there will be occasional misunderstandings and conflicts. Our valuable bilateral relationship with Israel needs and deserves constant reinforcement. As the Vice-President said during his recent visit to Israel: "Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to security, none. No space." Steadfast American backing has helped lead to Israeli peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. And American involvement continues to be critical to the effort to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians. We recognize that, despite the extraordinary closeness between our country and Israel, there will be differences over issues both large and small. Our view is that such differences are best resolved quietly, in trust and confidence, as befits longstanding strategic allies. We hope and expect that, with mutual effort and good faith, the United States and Israel will move beyond this disruption quickly, to the lasting benefit of both nations. REFERENCE: Commitment to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond. Commitment to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond. http://www.issues2000.org/House/Bruce_Braley_Foreign_Policy.htm
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Establishment Supports Imran Khan (GEO TV/Apas Ki Baat 12 April 2011)
A senior official confirmed that he had the support of the army, but said his rise would cause more political damage to Sharif, the opposition leader and an outspoken military critic, than to the ruling PPP. Others view Imran Khan as a third force to break the dominance of Pakistan’s two largest parties. “Perhaps they think he will bring about cleaner and better-quality politics and put fresh life into the country,” said Talat Masood, a retired general. “The military are perturbed by the economy because that affects defence spending.” Imran Khan is reluctant to criticise the military establishment publicly, but he emphasises that he will not be a puppet of the generals. “Obviously you have to work with them but it doesn’t mean you have to work under them,” he told The Times. Nawaz Sharif’s PML claimed last week that “hidden hands” were propping Imran Khan up and threatened to trigger early elections by provoking mass resignations from the parliament. The perils of upsetting the army were made clear this week when Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Washington, was forced to offer his resignation after the leak of a memo allegedly sent by the civilian government in May to American officials, asking for help to prevent a coup. Many analysts believe Haqqani, who is unpopular with the military, was made a scapegoat. Reports that several generals had snubbed a state banquet before tense meetings with Zardari added to speculation that the PPP has fallen from favour with the military. Despite his popularity, many Pakistanis remain unconvinced that Imran Khan has the political experience to win an election. Several newspapers have also questioned his ability to lead the country, with some describing his policies as naive. REFERENCE: Imran met Munter in ISI chief’s presence News Desk Monday, November 21, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=10432&Cat=13
“I think it’s more a vote of no confidence (in the government) than of confidence in Khan,” said General Mahmud Ali Durrani, a former national security adviser.Imran Khan himself attributes his rising fortunes to the public’s frustration with their dishonest leaders. “In recent years, never have the people of Pakistan faced such corruption, lawlessness, lack of governance — it’s total chaos,” he said in an interview last week. “In the beginning people could not connect corruption at the highest levels with poverty and their own situation. Today people have connected it. People realise that unemployment, poverty, inflation are all because of the corruption of the ruling elite.” The PTI chief has pledged that if he wins power, he will make all politicians declare their assets and start paying taxes. “The reason why Pakistan is bankrupt today is because we have the lowest ratio of tax to gross domestic product and we have the highest amount of corruption,” he said. A combination of his charisma and the public’s frustration with both mainstream parties drew a crowd estimated at up to 200,000 to a rally in Lahore last month, one of the largest Pakistan has seen. Describing the event as a “mini-revolution” and the start of a political “tsunami”, Imran Khan said he was confident that the crowds would be even larger at his next rally in Karachi. “People are looking for change,” he said. REFERENCE: Imran met Munter in ISI chief’s presence News Desk Monday, November 21, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=10432&Cat=13
Imran Khan Expoed By Abdul Sattar Edhi In EXPRESS NEWS
1. (C) Summary: On January 29, a congressional delegation led by Representative Stephen Lynch met with Imran Khan, a former professional cricket player who heads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ("Law and Justice") party, at Khan's residence in the hills overlooking Rawal Lake on the outskirts of Islamabad. The meeting's picturesque setting belied Khan's often pointed and critical statements on U.S. policy, which he characterized as dangerous and in need of change. His litany of criticisms ranged from accusations of U.S. failure to support democracy in Pakistan to drone operations being a driving force of militancy and radicalization. Khan urged the U.S. to seek out "alternative points of views" because the GOP can not be trusted to give it an accurate assessment of the real terrorist threat in Pakistan. He also called on the U.S. to engage local tribes to deal with the Taliban and other militant forces, and argued that the U.S. will have to scale back its operations in Afghanistan in order to make way for talks. End Summary. 2. (C) A congressional delegation led by Representative Stephen Lynch met with Imran Khan, a former professional cricket player who heads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, on January 29. Khan welcomed the delegation to his home located on the outskirts of Islamabad in the hills overlooking Rawal Lake. The meeting was held outside on the immaculate lawn of Khan's sizeable home against the backdrop of the foothills of the Himalayas. The picturesque setting, however, lay in stark contrast to the often pointed and critical statements that were later to come from Khan. What was initially scheduled to be a 30-minute courtesy call stretched into an hour-long, largely one-sided, and somewhat uncomfortable conversation, with Khan delivering blunt views on what he considers to be failings of U.S. policy in Pakistan and, by extension, in Afghanistan.
3. (C) Representative Lynch opened the meeting noting that with the Obama administration had come a new opportunity for change in U.S. policy toward Pakistan and for "resetting" the relationship between the two allies. Lynch stated that both of our countries are facing "real challenges" that have been exacerbated by the poor global economy. He acknowledged facing questions from his constituents about why the U.S. sends economic assistance to Pakistan ("With no returns," quipped Khan). However, Lynch said he understood that, though it would take much work and patience, it was important "to help Pakistan stabilize itself." He highlighted the need to build trust between the two countries and to have more dialogue. 4. (C) Lynch then yielded the floor to Khan, who took the opening to begin his litany of objections to the conduct of U.S. policy in Pakistan, which he characterized as being dangerous and in need of change. Khan noted that he had been in opposition to former President Pervez Musharraf's government and that he was now also in opposition to President Asif Ali Zardari's government. He stated that he had initially supported Musharraf because Musharraf had promised to bring "real democracy" to Pakistan. However, in the end, "Musharraf took us all for a ride." He stated that Musharraf was initially popular with the people because they were fed up with former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, but he lamented that Musharraf ended up bringing back into his government the same individuals who had served under Benazir and Nawaz.
5. (C) Khan charged that former Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher endorsed the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) (reftels) specifically in order to pave the way for Bhutto's return to Pakistan. Khan further argued that there is a common perception that Bhutto decided to run for office under U.S. pressure. Now, "thanks to the NRO, the biggest criminal in the country (i.e., Zardari) has been brought to power," Khan stated. Khan added that U.S. assistance was going to "a known crook" and said the U.S. should not stand with Zardari because "you need a credible partner to deal with our Taliban." 6. (C) Khan went on to chastise the U.S. for repeating with Zardari a key mistake that, he claimed, it had made during Musharraf's government, which was that "it supported the man and not the democratic process." Khan cautioned the U.S. against giving the impression that it is supporting a puppet government in Pakistan, which will only further alienate the people, he added. Khan claimed that evidence of this alienation can be found in the fact that after eight years of U.S. support to Pakistan, 80 percent of Pakistanis believe the U.S. is a greater threat to Pakistan than India is. He insisted the U.S. should always bank on supporting democracy in Pakistan because, ultimately, whatever government comes to power will "want to play ball with the U.S.," as long as it is "sovereign and trustworthy."
7. (C) Lynch told Khan that leadership in Pakistan has been a "moving target," and acknowledged that a lot of hope had been riding on Bhutto's return to power. However, Lynch emphasized that there was never a calculation on the USG's part to support any one leader over another. He added that U.S. policy toward Pakistan, overall, has consistently been driven by the view of Pakistan as a strategic partner. 8. (C) On the current security situation in Pakistan, Khan advised that the USG should use local tribes to deal with Taliban and other militant forces. He said that, in order to be able to work with tribesmen, we have to understand the "tribal character," which, he said, is primarily marked by hospitality and revenge. He denounced the use of aerial bombings and drone operations, arguing that they have created animosity and caused local tribesmen to join militant forces in order to seek revenge. (Note: Khan also pointedly stated that the GOP allows the "drone attacks" to occur, then lies to the Pakistani public that it has no control over them to deflect the public's anger. End Note.) Khan argued that such operations were radicalizing Pakistani youth, not just among the poor but also among the educated, middle classes. Dialogue, policing, and intelligence gathering should be the cornerstone of anti-militancy efforts in the tribal areas instead of the use of military force, Khan contended. Noting that he was recently in Swat, he went on to accuse the Pakistan Army of extrajudicial killings, summary executions, and "sexual humiliation" of residents in some villages.
9. (C) Khan urged the USG to seek "alternative points of views" about what is happening in the tribal areas of Pakistan, and he recommended speaking with General Orakzai, former NWFP Govenor, for starters. Khan charged that the GOP is "blinded by dollars," and consequently lacks an accurate view of what is happening on the ground. He further claimed that the GOP "whips up the threat of the Taliban" in order to get more money from the U.S. He claimed last year's Swat operation, which he termed a "debacle," was one such exaggeration that was "stage managed" in order to gain U.S. funds; there was no imminent threat of militants marching on Islamabad, he said. Khan also claimed that the Lal Masjid operation was similarly stage managed by Musharraf. He called for an end to Pakistan's "insane military action" in the tribal areas, adding that the Army has failed to secure any significant areas of South Waziristan despite GOP statements to the contrary. 10. (C) On current local politics, Khan predicted Pakistan was heading towards mid-term elections. He also claimed that Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was the most popular man in Pakistan at the moment because the people of Pakistan want NRO beneficiaries to be brought to justice. Regarding Afghanistan, Khan argued that a government of consensus is needed in that country, adding that Pakistan can play a credible role there. He asserted that the government in Afghanistan needs to be "perceived as sovereign." He said our mistake in Afghanistan was failing to isolate Al-Qaeda from the Taliban. Khan called on the U.S. to scale back its operations in Afghanistan to make way for talks. REFERENCE: US embassy cables: Imran Khan criticises 'dangerous' US policy Wednesday 1 December 2010 08.37 GMT http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247596
Those who say that this War in not ours should take a deep breath and go through the newspapers of 90s and they may find that much before 911 "The Sectarian Killings of Shia Community" were rampant in Pakistan throughout the Tenures of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif. That dunce Imran Khan and super genius Hamid Gul say time and again that this isn't our War and PML-N has also joined the Mantra conveniently forget these Harsh Facts which have been properly reported in the media: Wiki Leaks on Deobandis & Muʿammar al-Qaḏḏāfī. http://chagataikhan.blogspot.com/2011/05/wiki-leaks-on-deobandis-muammar-al.html This War was imposed on Pakistan not by USA but by Pakistani State right after the death of General Zia when Aslam Beg became COAS and it was he and his minions who Unleashed "Sectarian War dogs i.e. Non State Actors on Unsuspecting Pakistanis.
WASHINGTON: Pakistanis’ opinion about the US before and after Osama bin Laden has remained unchanged, according to the Pew Research Centre poll results. President Zardari’s popularity among Pakistani leaders plummeted the most and Imran Khan’s popularity shot up the most. President Zardari’s popularity, which was rated at 20 percent, has fallen to 11 percent, revealed the poll, while PM Gilani’s popularity has plunged to 37 percent from 59. Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif is in a better position, however, his popularity has also dropped down to 63 percent from 71. Most popular leader is Imran Khan, whose popularity has surged from mere 16 percent to 68 percent. Majority of the people have positive opinion about Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry although his rating has plummeted from 61 percent to 51 percent. US unilateral operation killing Osama bin Laden triggered some criticism on the army, but 79 percent think that the perception of army in the country is good. Army chief General Kayani is in a balance position and his rating before the operation was 57 percent which fell to 52 percent. Most of Pakistanis do not approve of the US operation killing OBL and it is considered as a bad omen, while only 14 percent thought it is good. 76 percent Pakistanis are of the opinion that media has been playing positive role, while 60 percent have similar opinion about the religious leaders. According to the poll most Pakistanis are dissatisfied with the prevalent situation in the country. Ninety two percent think that the direction to which the country is heading is not correct. 85 percent are of the view that economic condition is bad and 60 percent apprehend it further deteriorated in 12 months. Most people consider inflation, unemployment, increase in crimes, terrorism and political corruption key issues of the country. REFERENCE: Zardari’s popularity down to 11pc: Pew poll 76 percent support media; Imran liked by 68 percent, Thursday, June 23, 2011
Jang Group/The News International/GEO TV are quite fond of quoting PEW RESEARCH:)
The public is reacting to the killing of Osama bin Laden with relief, happiness and pride. And Americans overwhelmingly credit the U.S. military and the CIA for the success of the operation. An overnight survey of 654 adults, conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and The Washington Post finds that 72% say they feel "relieved" by Osama bin Laden's death, while 60% feel "proud" and 58% say they are "happy." Far fewer, just 16%, say the news of bin Laden's death makes them feel "afraid." The public has high praise for the U.S. military's role in the killing of bin Laden, with 86% saying they deserve a great deal of the credit. Two-thirds (66%) also give a great deal of credit to the CIA and other intelligence agencies who tracked the al Qaeda leader and located his hideout. Both the military and the intelligence agencies receive high marks across the political spectrum. Nearly all Republicans (96%), as well as 82% of Democrats and 88% of independents give the military a great deal of credit. Similarly, 75% of Republicans, 64% of Democrats and 68% of independents give the intelligence agencies a great deal of credit. Roughly a third (35%) say Obama deserves a great deal of credit and another 41% saying he deserves "some" credit. Just 21% say he deserves "not much" credit or none at all. About half of Democrats (52%) give Obama a great deal of credit, but only 17% of Republicans do so; 36% of independents give the president a great deal of credit. George W. Bush is given a great deal of credit for the killing of bin Laden by 15% of the public, and an additional 36% given him some credit. Nearly a third of Republicans (31%), 16% of independents and just 4% of Democrats give Bush a great deal of credit. REFERENCE: Public "Relieved" By bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises May 3, 2011 Pew Research Center for the People & the Press http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1978/poll-osama-bin-laden-death-reaction-obama-bush-military-cia-credit-first-heard-news
To a question about political settlements with militants, Imran asked that if the US was negotiating with the Taliban what was stopping us from entering into a dialogue with the militants. REFERENCE: Save country from corrupt govt, Imran asks judiciary Our Correspondent Friday, June 24, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=54183&Cat=5&dt=6/24/2011
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said the parleys between Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai were like a puppet-show, having no importance. Talking to media persons here, Imran alleged that the Pak-Afghan dialogue would have no tangible results. He advised Pakistani rulers again to hold talks with the Taliban, as the United States, which claimed to be the only superpower was already engaging the Taliban and even not putting a condition of laying down of arms. About the NRO, he said it was an attempt to grab power and in return subjugate Pakistan to the US and undermine ISI as well as the Army. Imran said PML-Quaid Nawaz Sharif was also unleashing criticism on the military to realise his foreign agenda. He also came down hard on Interior Minister Rehman Malik. When asked about the PTI election strategy, Imran said party tickets in the next elections would be given to only those who neither had their assets abroad nor were defaulters. Imran said in response to a question what would be PTI’s criterion of awarding party tickets that candidates with credible credentials would be given party tickets to take part in the electoral process if and when held.REFERENCE: Imran calls for talks with Taliban our correspondent Sunday, June 12, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=52147&Cat=2&dt=6/12/2011
He made it clear even if the PTI came to know about misinformation about any candidate before or even after the election, action would be taken there and then without any delay. The PTI maintained Pakistan would have to have an independent foreign policy but this could only be possible after having relied on the country’s own resources. “Independent foreign policy and a sound economy are interlinked,” he contended. Imran pointed out that over 80pc taxes were indirect, which clearly meant taking away money from the masses to meet expenses of the rich and elite ruling class. He lamented no firm economic policy was adopted in the last 63 years and the rulers relied on foreign lending for their lavish style and spent not even a penny on the common man and instead put a burden of dollar 68 billion on Pakistan. Imran said the so-called sympathisers of Pakistan and its people stood exposed, who had their accounts and assets, whereas they wanted to keep befooling the people by their rhetoric. REFERENCE: Imran calls for talks with Taliban our correspondent Sunday, June 12, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=52147&Cat=2&dt=6/12/2011
In one his above sermon "Imran 'Taliban' Khan" has narrated a Hadith (Traditions of Holy Prophet Mohammad - PBUH) about the importance of Seeking Knowledge even if one has to go to China but there is a one big problem that "Mufti Imran Taliban Khan" doesn't even bother to authenticate and confirm that whether this Hadith was Valid or Simply Concocted!
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This narrative does not appear in any reliable Hadith collection and finds mention only in some of the less authoritative works. Different scholars have recorded it from a very weak and unreliable chain of narrators. The Sanad (chain of narrators) and Matn (text) of the Ḥadīth, as quoted in Allamah Ibn Abdul Barr’s Jami‘ Bayaan al ‘ilm, follows:
اخبرنا احمد حدثنا مسلمة حدثنا يعقوب بن اسحاق بن ابراهيم العسقلاني حدثنا يوسف بن محمد الفريابي حدثنا سفيان بن عيينة عن الزهري عن انس بن مالك قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم:اطلبوا العلم و لو بالصين فان طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم
Ahmed narrates from Muslamah who narrates from Ya‘qub b. Ibrahim al Asqalani who narrates form Yusaf b. Muhammad al Faryaabi who narrates from Sufyaan b. ‘Uyayna who narrates form Al-Zuhri who narrates from Anas b. Malik that the Prophet (pbuh) said: Seek knowledge even [you have to go to] China, for seeking knowledge is a duty binding on every Muslim.
According to the authorities, the narrative is a fabrication. Ibn al Jawzi in his work al-Mawzu‘at, ‘Allamah Dhabi, in his work Tarteeb-al-Mawzu‘at and Allamah Nasir Uddin Albaani in his Silsilah Ahadith Zaheefah commented that the narrative is a fabrication and has no basis in the sources. REFERENCE: al-Mazoo‘aat vol. 1, page 215, Tarteeb-al-Mawzoo‘aat page 111 and Silsilah Ahadith Mawzoo‘ah narrative no: 906. Courtesy: Question and Answer Main >The Hadith >Explanation of Hadiths > http://www.al-mawrid.org/pages/questions_english_detail.php?qid=1084&cid=511
With regard to the hadeeth mentioned, “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China, for seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim,” Shaykh al-Albaani said in Da’eef al-Jaami’: “(It is) fabricated.” (no. 906).
The proven hadeeth is that which was narrated by Ibn Maajah from the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik, who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’” (220. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah. What is meant by knowledge here is knowledge of sharee’ah (Islamic knowledge). Al-Thawri said: “It is the knowledge for which no person has any excuse for not knowing.” And Allaah knows best. REFERENCE: “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China” is a false hadeeth http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/13637 COURTESY: Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
أما الحديث المذكور وهو حديث : ( اطلبوا العلم ولو بالصين ، فإن طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم )
قال الشيخ الألباني في ضعيف الجامع ( موضوع ) برقم (906) .
والحديث الثابت هو ما رواه ابن ماجة من حديث أنس بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ( طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ ) ( 220 ) وصححه الألباني في صحيح سنن ابن ماجة . والمقصود بالعلم هنا هو العلم الشرعي . قال الثوري : هو العلم الذي لا يُعذر العبد في الجهل به ، والله أعلم .
REFERENCE: “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China” is a false hadeeth http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/13637 COURTESY: Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
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Caliph Imran Taliban Khan is also very fond of Blackmailing, Strong arm tactics particularly when he is in company of General (R) Hamid Gul (The Former Infamous rather Notorious ISI Chief) and subject is an innocent and harmless "Social Worker" like Abdul Sattar Edhi.
Here is a very old news "culled" from Daily Dawn 1996 about Abdul Sattar Edhi: The last of these rings a bell. It was a proposed pressure group that made Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi see red a little over a year ago, leading him briefly to abandon the leadership of his mammoth humanitarian operation in Karachi. He revealed little beyond that his life was in danger after he had turned down an offer to join a subversive lot to destabilise the Benazir Bhutto government, and that Imran Khan was somehow involved in it a charge which, despite its vagueness, the former fast bowler has never satisfactorily been able to explain away. At the time, Imran Khan association with retired General Hamid Gul prompted speculation that the ex-military intelligence chief, notorious for his Afghan exploits and an inveterate foe of Ms Bhuttos regime, was up to no good. The stigma has not disappeared, and it will be interesting to see whether Hamid Gul has an upfront role in the forthcoming organisation. Imrans twists and turns By Mahir Ali DAWN WIRE SERVICE Week Ending : 25 April 1996 Issue : 02/17 http://www.lib.virginia.edu/area-studies/SouthAsia/SAserials/Dawn/1996/25Ap96.html#imra
Imran Khan Expoed By Abdul Sattar Edhi In EXPRESS NEWS/Daily Dawn
Q. Have you ever been approached by political or other groups for support?
A. Once, I was approached by General Hamid Gul, Imran Khan and few others, mostly military and intelligence officials, who were conspiring to overthrow Benazir Bhutto`s second government and wanted me to get involved. I declined because I am a social worker and not a politician. I also did not want to tarnish the credibility of my organisation by getting embroiled in something that obviously seemed quite disturbing. Eventually, I was made to feel threatened enough to temporarily leave the country.
Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder of the Edhi Foundation, is unarguably the most renowned philanthropist in Pakistan. - Eefa Khalid/Dawn.com
Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder of the Edhi Foundation, is unarguably the most renowned philanthropist in Pakistan. He began his work in 1951 with the opening of a free, one-room medical clinic in Karachi. Currently, his foundation runs 250 centres across the country and houses more than 2,000 children at any given time.
The centres also provide free burial of unclaimed bodies, free health care and dispensaries, rehabilitation of drug addicts, free assistance for the handicapped, and family planning counselling. Over 6,000 destitute, runaways, and mentally challenged individuals are also in the foundation`s care. The Edhi Foundation has also managed to raise the largest single fleet of ambulances in Pakistan, providing transportation to over one million persons annually. The foundation is also involved in relief efforts for victims of natural and other disasters on a national and international level.
Dawn.com speaks with Edhi to gauge how the foundation has been affected by the ongoing political and security situation.
Q. Your foundation is involved in a range of activities. How do you decide what projects to pursue?
A. My work involves supporting those who have no one to look after them. That also involves looking after the dead bodies and arranging a respectable burial for them. I cannot say no to anyone.
Q. Is there any part of the country where your organisation has encountered problems owing to the security situation?
A. We have never had any serious problems with anyone. There have been incidents reported by our workers and volunteers regarding hide-snatching [during Eid-ul-Azha] in the past, but we are operating as we always have. In fact, we are also planning to establish centres in Tank and Hangu. Even the Taliban haven`t made any trouble for us; they donated money to the foundation and said they did so because I was helping those who couldn`t help themselves.
Q. The foundation has accepted donations from the Taliban; does that mean that you agree with their ideology?
A. No, I do not. I also told them that I do not agree with all the violence and destruction and the effect it has on people`s lives. To that, they said they were not behind the attacks that targeted civilians and ordinary people.
Q. What is it that makes your angry?
A. I don`t get angry – it`s not in my nature. Sometimes [my wife] Bilquis and I have arguments, but that`s all.
Q. Do you think philanthropic organisations such as yours cause the state to further abscond from its civic responsibilities?
A. If the state can ensure that all who are subject to pay taxes do so, that would be a good enough start. If people were to honestly pay their taxes and also give charity, it would solve more than half of the country`s problems.
Q. In 2008, eight children were abandoned by three women at an Edhi Foundation centre. The foundation later paid the families Rs. 100,000 each to take the children back. Are pay-offs of this kind effective when the root causes for children being abandoned are not addressed?
A. Pay-offs are, of course, no solution, and we normally do not hand out money like that. Usually, we give shelter to children whose families abandon them, primarily for monetary reasons. The day people stop abandoning their children at our centres, I will believe that things are changing in Pakistan. But that does not seem to be happening. It is also quite clear that the government does not get actively involved, so I have no hope of people getting support from the state.
Q. No hope? Isn`t that a fatalistic position to take regarding the state machinery?
A. It is. But how can I have hope in a state that is being exploited by the current system – a system that is itself being manoeuvred by groups with no commitment to the people of this country. The whole political frame as it currently exists has to reinvent itself before we can even begin to hope for change in Pakistan.
Q. Have you ever been approached by political or other groups for support?
A. Once, I was approached by General Hamid Gul, Imran Khan and few others, mostly military and intelligence officials, who were conspiring to overthrow Benazir Bhutto`s second government and wanted me to get involved. I declined because I am a social worker and not a politician. I also did not want to tarnish the credibility of my organisation by getting embroiled in something that obviously seemed quite disturbing. Eventually, I was made to feel threatened enough to temporarily leave the country.
Q. How do you see the future of Pakistan?
A. I will continue to do my work and serve the people. However, Pakistan is now at a critical make-or-break stage, and if the system does not undergo a major overhaul, I am afraid that the country may even break up. Given the current conditions, it will take nothing short of a calculated, studied revolution to change things and save Pakistan.
