Attaullah Tarar challenges PTI leaders to label TTP as terrorists

WEB DESK: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday strongly criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of consistently avoiding calling the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) a terrorist organisation and alleging that it maintains a soft corner for militants.

Addressing a media gathering, Tarar said the TTP was an enemy of Pakistan and challenged PTI to openly condemn the outfit if it had the courage to do so. He alleged that PTI leaders and spokespersons, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, deliberately refrain from speaking against the banned group.

‘PTI fears militants’

The information minister claimed that PTI leaders were afraid of the TTP and therefore avoided criticising it, even as Pakistani security forces continued to sacrifice lives in counterterrorism operations. He alleged that some PTI figures had previously referred to terrorists as “martyrs” and remained silent over the martyrdom of Pakistan Army personnel.

Tarar further accused PTI of effectively acting as the political wing of the banned outfit, claiming that its policies and rhetoric had contributed to the resurgence of militancy in parts of the country.

Economic recovery and political contrast

The minister said 2025 had been a year of significant achievements for Pakistan, both militarily and economically. He blamed the previous PTI-led government for pushing the country to the brink of default, claiming that international flights had stopped coming to Pakistan during that period.

According to Tarar, the current government had stabilised the economy, increased foreign exchange reserves and restored investor confidence, as reflected in record stock market performance. He said Pakistan had now joined the ranks of emerging economies and was also making diplomatic gains.

Praise for armed forces, criticism of KP governance

Highlighting what he termed Pakistan’s military successes, Tarar said the armed forces, under decisive leadership, had defeated a much larger enemy through effective strategy. He claimed there was international acknowledgment of Pakistan’s achievements during what he referred to as the “Battle for Truth.”

Turning to governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar said the provincial administration had failed to deliver, alleging that governance in the province had “collapsed.” He criticised the mindset of the ruling leadership, calling it narrow and ineffective, while stressing that the people of KP were brave and honourable.

ANP’s sacrifices recalled

Tarar also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Awami National Party (ANP) in the fight against terrorism, saying its leaders had paid a heavy price and carried the bodies of their loved ones.

Reiterating his criticism of PTI, he said the party had failed to deliver meaningful reforms in health and education and relied instead on slogans and rhetoric, while the country continued to face serious security challenges.

Health, education record in KP

tarar also sharply criticised the PTI’s performance, focusing on failures in health and education. He claimed that KP’s governance has “completely collapsed,” pointing to a lack of reforms in both sectors. “What reforms did PTI bring to the health and education sectors?” Tarar challenged, noting that even KP ministers seek medical treatment outside the province.

Systemic neglect and shortcomings

Tarar highlighted specific deficiencies, stating that most patients at Rawalpindi’s cardiology hospital are from KP, indicating a failure in provincial healthcare. In education, he alleged severe understaffing, claiming “dozens of universities in KP have no faculty,” and that “several districts do not have a single college for women.” Dismissing PTI’s credentials, he remarked, “Reciting poetry at a university is easy; let them build one and show us.”

PML-N’s Zahid Khan: PTI ruined KP, targetted Punjab

Flanked by the Information Minister, PML-N leader Zahid Khan launched a scathing critique against the PTI, alleging systematic neglect of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and hostile actions against Punjab. “I have never seen a Chief Minister of one province launch a movement against another,” Khan stated, directly targeting KP’s former PTI leadership.

He further accused the previous provincial government of misusing resources and failing on security. “During their 12-year rule in KP, they only orchestrated an attack in Islamabad,” Khan claimed, alleging that PTI workers “went to occupy Lahore.” He also implicated former KP minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the Islamabad attack.

Khan asserted that development in KP had ground to a halt under PTI. “Not a single rupee was spent on development projects in KP,” he alleged, adding that the province “has been devastated for 13 years.” He criticized the allocation of MPAs’ development funds, claiming they were given “50-50 rupee funds” in name only, and pointed to the Lady Reading Hospital, stating it “was built even before I was born,” implying a lack of new healthcare infrastructure.

The PML-N leader also lambasted the PTI’s law and order record in the province, claiming, “Crime is not being eradicated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” His remarks paint a picture of a province he alleges was left underdeveloped, insecure, and politically misdirected by its former rulers

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