Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI’s policies on negotiations, security and terrorism, questioning the KP government’s approach to counterterrorism.
Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of maintaining what he described as “double standards” in political negotiations and security matters, while sharply criticizing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the province’s deteriorating security situation.
In a special conversation, Tarar said PTI representatives come to the negotiating table but remain unwilling to abandon what he called their contradictory policies and approach. He accused the party of repeatedly taking U-turns and said it had not shown a willingness to change its position.
The minister also linked PTI’s provincial policies to the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the provincial government’s failure to protect its people amounted to a failure of governance.
According to Tarar, the policy being pursued by PTI was contributing to the spread of terrorism in the province. He alleged that the party was focused on how terrorism could be expanded in KP rather than taking effective action against militants.
Tarar said PTI leaders would have to decide whether they stood with Pakistan or Afghanistan. He alleged that the resources and opportunities available to them had been provided by Pakistan, while accusing them of favoring Afghanistan.
The information minister further claimed that calls for a “policy change” amounted to providing protection to terrorists. He said the consequences of what he described as PTI’s contradictory policy were being reflected in the loss of lives in the province.
“Today, innocent children and rescue workers are losing their lives, while Sohail Afridi is busy seeking the release of a prisoner,” Tarar said, referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s political campaign for the release of its founder.
Tarar also questioned why the PTI-led provincial government had not held meetings of the provincial Apex Committee. He asked who had prevented the government from convening the committee to discuss security and counterterrorism matters.
The minister further claimed that since PTI came into power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province had received more than Rs700 billion through the National Finance Commission (NFC) allocation for counterterrorism-related purposes.
Despite the allocation, Tarar alleged that the provincial government was unwilling to take action against terrorists. He said the issue required the provincial government to prioritize public safety and counterterrorism efforts rather than political confrontation.
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