In a statement, Tarar rejected PTI’s demand for broader political consultations on security matters, arguing that the federal government had repeatedly sought cooperation from all political stakeholders over the past three years

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has strongly criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), accusing the party of adopting a contradictory approach towards terrorism and failing to effectively implement counterterrorism measures in the province.

In a statement, Tarar rejected PTI’s demand for broader political consultations on security matters, arguing that the federal government had repeatedly sought cooperation from all political stakeholders over the past three years. He claimed that PTI had largely ignored these proposals and was only now responding due to mounting political pressure in KP.

The minister alleged that PTI’s public narrative on terrorism was inconsistent with its claims of taking action against militancy. He accused the KP government of pursuing policies that, according to him, have contributed to the spread of terrorism in the province.

Raising a series of questions about the provincial government’s security policies, Tarar asked why the KP administration does not regularly attend federal Apex Committee meetings or hold its own provincial security review sessions. He also questioned the government’s stance on cross-border attacks and militant activities linked to Afghanistan, alleging that the provincial leadership has failed to clearly condemn such incidents.

Tarar further criticised the KP government for what he described as inadequate support for security forces and police personnel engaged in counterterrorism operations. He questioned whether the provincial leadership had sufficiently recognized the sacrifices made by law enforcement agencies and the armed forces in the fight against militancy.

The federal minister also accused the KP government of failing to fully implement the National Action Plan (NAP), particularly measures relating to illegal spectrum usage, undocumented Afghan immigrants, and capacity building of police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel.

He additionally questioned the provincial leadership’s engagement with families of fallen security personnel and its presence in former tribal districts, suggesting that the government had not paid adequate attention to governance and development issues in those areas.

According to Tarar, PTI has historically called for consultations and joint actions during times of political pressure while failing to match those commitments with practical measures on the ground. He asserted that the non-implementation of NAP had contributed to both security challenges and economic difficulties in KP.

Concluding his statement, Tarar dismissed calls for jirgas and further consultations as delaying tactics, saying the state would not allow what he termed “confusion and rhetoric” to undermine efforts against terrorism.