Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticizes PTI’s 13-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns about poverty, terrorism and the lack of IT parks.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the party of leaving the province struggling with poverty, terrorism and a lack of development.

Speaking at a news conference, Tarar said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had once been a source of pride and a region associated with peace, but alleged that PTI’s 13 years in power had severely affected the province.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa used to be a cradle of peace,” Tarar said, adding that the province had been pushed back to the Middle Ages under PTI’s rule.

The minister said residents were looking for opportunities to improve their lives and access development. He alleged that the provincial population had been trapped in poverty and was facing the consequences of persistent terrorism.

Tarar Questions Lack of IT Infrastructure

Tarar questioned why information technology parks had not been established between Lakki Marwat and Swabi, raising concerns about the province’s development priorities and the availability of opportunities in the technology sector.

His remarks highlighted the importance of IT infrastructure in expanding economic opportunities and supporting development, although he did not provide specific figures on investment, employment or the number of projects that could have been established.

The minister also said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s residents had become caught in a web of terrorism, making security a central concern in his criticism of the provincial government.

Tarar Contrasts Federal and PTI Governments

Tarar praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying he was working day and night to serve the public. He cited the federal government’s petrol subsidy for eligible individuals as an example of measures intended to provide relief to people in need.

The minister also criticized the working routine of PTI founder Imran Khan during his time in government. Tarar claimed that Khan would arrive at his office by helicopter at noon and return at 5 p.m.

“The PTI government’s tenure is before everyone,” Tarar said, arguing that its performance should be judged by its record in office.

The news conference focused on the provincial government’s performance, security challenges, economic conditions and the development of technology infrastructure.