Federal government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar expresses disappointment over Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent statements, insisting that the government’s priorities are security, development and eliminating terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar has criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent remarks concerning security forces and martyrs, urging the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief to prioritize national interests over political considerations.
Speaking in an interview with ARY News, Tarar said he held Fazlur Rehman in high regard but was disappointed by statements attributed to the veteran politician over the past one or two days.
“We hold Maulana Fazlur Rehman in great respect, but some of his recent statements have caused me considerable sadness and disappointment,” Tarar said.
He stressed that remarks concerning Pakistan’s security forces and martyrs must be considered in their proper context, adding that those who serve the country should be kept away from political disputes.
“We should keep our martyrs, veterans and security forces away from politics,” Tarar said, expressing particular disappointment because of Fazlur Rehman’s extensive political experience and longstanding role in national affairs.
Tarar also rejected allegations that the federal government was pursuing a hidden agenda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying its priorities were the province’s development, the protection of its people and the complete elimination of terrorism.
“As the spokesperson for the federal government, I want to make it absolutely clear that we have only one agenda: the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the protection of its people and the complete elimination of terrorism,” he said.
He added that the state had no other agenda in the province.
Defending the newly established advisory council in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar described its members as neutral, competent, capable and honest individuals. He argued that involving technocrats in political controversies and attributing hidden motives to them was neither appropriate nor justified.
Tarar reiterated that the government respected Fazlur Rehman but urged him to abandon what he described as a pattern of prioritizing political interests over national interests.
His remarks come amid a broader debate over the federal government’s approach to security and governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tarar’s comments focused on the need to avoid politicizing the sacrifices of security personnel and to concentrate on addressing the province’s security challenges.
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s stated commitment to eliminating terrorism in the province, Tarar said the government intended to continue its efforts until the campaign reached its conclusion.
“This is the time to heal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s wounds,” he said, expressing confidence that the government would take the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion.
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