Tarar Criticizes KP Government Over Terrorism Policy

Islamabad: (Mudassar Iqbal) –  Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government of pursuing policies that, according to him, provide space and encouragement to terrorist elements.

Addressing a press conference, Tarar said maintaining law and order is primarily the responsibility of the provincial government. He alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e to demonstrate a clear and effective strategy against terrorism. He said that while Shafi Jan has talked about changing the province’s terrorism policy, any policy shift that facilitates in his view, remains focused on securing the release of a prisoner. He added that the federal government has repeatedly called on the KP administration to take practical measures-Insaf (PTI) frequently changes its position after making statements and later taking a U-turn.

The federal minister claimed that the KP government has failed to demonstrate a clear and effective strategy against terrorism. He said that while Shafi Jan has talked about changing the province’s terrorism policy, any policy shift that facilitates militant activity would amount to encouraging terrorism.

Tarar said terrorism continues to claim lives in KP, while the provincial leadership, in his view, remains focused on securing the release of a prisoner. He added that the federal government has repeatedly called on the KP administration to take practical measures against terrorist groups.

He questioned the absence of provincial leadership and PTI representatives from the funerals of terrorism victims and alleged that the KP government does not regularly convene Apex Committee meetings. He also criticized what he described as a lack of condemnation of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban.

The federal minister further alleged that the KP government has remained silent over alleged drone incursions from Afghanistan. He said the province has received more than Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award since the PTI came to power, but accused the provincial administration of failing to adequately protect its own citizens.

Tarar also criticized the KP government over its political activities and sit-ins, saying that the administration appears more focused on protests than governance. He challenged the provincial leadership to proceed with its planned demonstrations, saying the federal government would make the necessary security arrangements.

He concluded by alleging that the KP government’s alleged links with terrorist elements have been exposed and claimed that the provincial administration is seeking to create greater space for militants. These allegations represent the federal minister’s political assessment and were not independently established in his remarks.