ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jeopardising peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by allegedly resettling militants in the province and failing to take effective measures against terrorism.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Tarar criticised PTI-led provincial governments, claiming that security forces had cleared areas and restored peace through military operations, including Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, but militants were subsequently brought back and resettled in the province.
He alleged that PTI leadership had become a major facilitator of terrorists and claimed that its ideology was aligned with that of the Taliban. He further criticised the provincial government’s approach towards counterterrorism, saying it had failed to adopt a clear and effective stance against militant groups.
Tarar questioned how an ideology that restricts women’s freedom and does not allow women to participate in activities such as cricket could be imposed on the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the province continued to witness bloodshed while the provincial government remained reluctant to take a firm position against terrorism.
Referring to the killing of police constable Faheemullah in Kohat, the minister said he had no answer for the martyred officer’s father when the provincial government was unwilling to clearly oppose terrorists. He also linked terrorist incidents in Kohat, Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan to PTI’s policies, while alleging that the provincial administration was more focused on political activities than maintaining law and order.
The information minister claimed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had received around Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework for counterterrorism but had failed to take adequate steps to strengthen the province’s security infrastructure.
He questioned what measures had been taken to enhance the capacity of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), modernise the police force and establish a network of Safe City surveillance cameras. He said an effective monitoring system at district entry and exit points and in sensitive areas was necessary to track militant movements and prevent attacks.
Tarar also accused the provincial government of spending its time and resources on protest politics instead of development projects and public welfare. He said the government held lengthy meetings for political activities but failed to devote sufficient attention to governance and administrative matters.
“If the provincial government is campaigning for the release of its imprisoned leader, that does not mean the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be held hostage to political confrontation,” he said.
Questioning the performance of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his cabinet, Tarar challenged the provincial government to present its achievements in healthcare, education, infrastructure and technology. He called for greater investment in hospitals, universities, highways, modern IT initiatives, educational facilities, laptops for students and other development projects.
Comparing the province with Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, the minister said their chief ministers were visibly working on administrative and development matters, whereas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government was neglecting governance.
He also referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s initiatives in technology, information technology and youth training, claiming that more than 10 million people had benefited from the fuel relief scheme launched nationwide.
Tarar said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were facing poverty, inadequate public services and persistent security challenges. He urged the provincial government to prioritise public welfare, development and law and order over political confrontation, alleging that PTI was placing its political interests above national interests and putting the province’s peace and future at risk.
