If You Can’t Fight Terrorism, Sohail Afridi Should Go Home: Atta Tarar

KOHAT: (Special Reporter) – Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticised the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, saying the province’s problem in combating terrorism is not a shortage of funds but a lack of intent.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Kohat on Monday, Tarar questioned where the funds allocated for law and order and development projects in the province had been spent.

The federal minister alleged that PTI leaders should look into their own record before raising questions about financial resources. He claimed that contracts, including mining-related agreements, had been awarded to preferred individuals and alleged that the provincial government had failed to properly utilise public funds.

Tarar said the PTI-led provincial government would have to answer for its performance over the past 12-and-a-half years. He also questioned the performance of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying that if he was unable to deliver results, he should step down.

Criticising Afridi’s handling of the Kohat tragedy, Tarar said the chief minister should have remained with the victims and their families and provided support to those affected. He accused Afridi of spending more time on political activities in Lahore than addressing the security situation in his province.

Tarar also warned that the government would not allow anyone to block roads or disrupt public order during the PTI’s planned September 27 protest in Islamabad.

He accused PTI of repeatedly adopting confrontational methods during protests instead of peaceful demonstrations, while alleging that previous protests had resulted in attacks on police and damage to public property. Tarar said the government had repeatedly offered dialogue, but claimed the PTI had not shown seriousness about negotiations.

He questioned why traders, farmers and ordinary citizens should bear the consequences of political protests, stressing that public movement and daily life should not be disrupted.

Earlier, Tarar visited the family of police official Faheemullah, who was martyred in the Kohat Police Lines attack. He met the martyr’s father, Ikramullah, offered Fateha and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

The minister also visited injured personnel at a hospital and paid tribute to the security forces and police officers who took part in the operation following the attack.

Tarar said Kohat was mourning the loss of brave sons who sacrificed their lives for the country’s security. He praised the personnel who confronted the attackers and said the government would continue efforts to eliminate terrorism.

He said terrorists who attack from hiding would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s security and vowed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the threat was eliminated.