ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday held Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) responsible for the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the party of facilitating terrorists, pursuing Taliban ideology and resettling terrorists in civilian areas despite years of counterterrorism operations by the security forces.
Addressing a press conference at PTV Headquarters alongside Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan and KP Assembly member Jalal Khan, Tarar alleged that PTI had ideological links with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and that its policies had contributed to the deteriorating security situation in the province.
“PTI is the B-team of the TTP,” the minister said, maintaining that the party’s ideological alignment with terrorist groups had undermined peace and stability in the province.
He accused the previous PTI government of facilitating the return and resettlement of terrorists in populated areas after the armed forces had cleared vast territories through major counterterrorism operations, including Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad.
Tarar questioned how long the armed forces would be expected to clear areas of terrorists and restore peace, only for terrorists to be allowed to return.
The minister also questioned the utilisation of Rs700 billion allegedly provided to the KP government under the National Finance Commission (NFC) arrangements for counterterrorism, demanding accountability over the expenditure.
He claimed that despite receiving substantial resources, the provincial government had failed to adequately strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), establish forensic laboratories, modernise the police force or install Safe City surveillance systems.
Tarar alleged that resources intended for public welfare and counterterrorism had instead been diverted towards political protests and agitation.
Criticising KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the minister said the provincial leadership had failed to demonstrate seriousness in confronting terrorism or condemning attacks that claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel.
Referring to recent terrorist incidents in Kohat, Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan, he questioned the provincial government’s response to the killings and accused it of prioritising political interests over public safety.
Recalling his visit to the family of martyred police constable Faheemullah in Kohat, Tarar said the sacrifices of security personnel demanded a responsible and coordinated response to terrorism.
He contrasted KP’s approach with that of Balochistan, saying Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial administration, police and military leadership were working together under a coordinated counterterrorism strategy.
Turning to governance, Tarar accused PTI of pushing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into severe administrative and developmental decline during its more than 13 years in power.
He said the province, once known for its peaceful environment and thriving tourism industry, was now struggling with terrorism, poverty, inadequate healthcare facilities and limited educational opportunities.
The minister questioned why the provincial government had failed to establish major IT parks, upgrade universities, improve hospitals and develop modern infrastructure in districts including Lakki Marwat, Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi.
He challenged the chief minister to identify a major hospital, university, highway or digital skills initiative completed under the provincial government’s leadership.
Highlighting the federal government’s performance, Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was focused on governance, economic development and public welfare.
He cited the inauguration of an IT park equipped with incubation centres and modern training facilities, saying the initiative would support technological development, create opportunities for students and contribute to IT exports.
He also said the federal government’s Fuel Relief Scheme had benefited more than 10 million people nationwide, adding that changes had been introduced in response to public feedback, including the removal of the five-litre restriction and the extension of eligibility to motorcycles up to 20 years old.
Criticising PTI’s protest politics, Tarar said continuous demonstrations, sit-ins and political confrontation would not secure the release of the party’s imprisoned founder, Imran Khan.
“Protests and sit-ins will not secure a prisoner’s release,” he said, adding that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needed peace, development and effective governance rather than political agitation.
The minister also accused PTI of promoting violent protests, damaging public infrastructure and disrupting citizens’ daily lives.
Responding to a question about Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Tarar described him as a respected senior politician and expressed hope that he would play a constructive role in the prevailing political situation.
He reiterated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could no longer afford political instability, weak governance and an ineffective response to terrorism, stressing that restoring peace and protecting citizens must take precedence over partisan political objectives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026