Atta Tarar Accuses PTI of Resettling Militants, Undermining KP Security

Addressing a press conference, Atta Tarar said security forces had cleared militant strongholds through operations including Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad. However, he alleged that members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were subsequently allowed to return to the province, putting security gains at risk.

The minister accused PTI’s leadership of adopting an approach that, in his view, favoured militants and reflected elements of the Taliban’s ideology. He also criticised the party’s governance record, arguing that despite being in power in the province for around 13 and a half years, it had failed to deliver sufficient development.

Questioning the provincial government’s response to terrorism, Atta Tarar said the authorities needed to take a firm and unambiguous position against militant violence. He also criticised what he described as restrictive attitudes towards women’s participation in public life.

Referring to police constable Faheemullah, who was martyred in Kohat, the minister questioned whether the provincial administration was doing enough to protect police personnel and residents. He also linked the security situation in Kohat, Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan to what he described as the consequences of PTI’s policies. These allegations were not independently substantiated in the material provided.

Atta Tarar further claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had received approximately Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework for counterterrorism-related needs but had not taken adequate steps to improve security infrastructure.

He questioned the provincial government’s performance in strengthening the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), modernising the police force and expanding Safe City surveillance systems. According to the minister, better monitoring of sensitive locations and district entry and exit points was necessary to help prevent militant movement.

Turning to governance, Atta Tarar accused the provincial administration of giving political protests priority over public services and development. He said the government should focus on improving law and order and addressing residents’ daily problems instead of devoting excessive time to political activities.

The minister also challenged Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his cabinet to outline their achievements in healthcare, higher education, road construction and information technology. He called for greater investment in educational facilities, healthcare services, digital skills and modern equipment for young people.

Comparing the province with Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, Atta Tarar argued that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was falling behind in governance and development. He also highlighted federal initiatives launched under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in technology, information technology and youth training, along with a fuel relief scheme that the government says has benefited millions of people.

Concluding his remarks, the minister said poverty, limited public facilities and terrorism remained major challenges for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He urged the provincial government to prioritise public welfare, security and development over political confrontation.

The allegations concerning militant resettlement, counterterrorism spending and responsibility for specific security incidents reflect Atta Tarar’s statements at the press conference and have not been independently verified in the material available for this report.