Tarar Accuses PTI of Soft Stance on TTP, Blames Party for Militancy and Governance Failures

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday strongly criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of deliberately avoiding condemnation of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and maintaining what he described as a soft corner for militants.

Addressing a media gathering, Tarar said the TTP was an enemy of Pakistan and challenged PTI to openly declare it a terrorist organisation. He alleged that PTI leaders and spokespersons, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, consistently refrain from speaking against the banned group, claiming the party feared militant elements.

The information minister said Pakistani security forces continued to sacrifice lives in counterterrorism operations, while PTI leaders remained silent. He alleged that some PTI figures had previously referred to terrorists as “martyrs” and failed to condemn attacks that claimed the lives of Pakistan Army personnel. Tarar further accused PTI of effectively acting as a political wing of the banned outfit, claiming its policies and rhetoric had contributed to the resurgence of militancy in certain areas.

Turning to economic matters, Tarar said 2025 marked significant military and economic achievements for Pakistan. He blamed the previous PTI-led government for pushing the country close to default, claiming international flights had stopped coming to Pakistan during that period. He said the current government had stabilised the economy, boosted foreign exchange reserves, restored investor confidence, and guided Pakistan toward the ranks of emerging economies, citing record performance in the stock market and improved diplomatic standing.

Praising the armed forces, Tarar said Pakistan had achieved major military successes under decisive leadership and that these achievements had gained international recognition. He claimed Pakistan had prevailed against a much larger adversary through effective strategy during what he termed the “Battle for Truth.”

Criticising governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar alleged that the provincial administration had failed on all fronts, stating that governance in the province had collapsed. He said the leadership’s mindset was narrow and ineffective, though he stressed that the people of KP were brave and honourable.

The minister also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Awami National Party in the fight against terrorism, noting that its leaders had paid a heavy price, including the loss of family members.

Reiterating criticism of PTI’s governance, Tarar said the party had failed to introduce meaningful reforms in health and education. He questioned PTI’s performance in both sectors, claiming that even KP ministers sought medical treatment outside the province. He alleged that a large number of patients at Rawalpindi’s cardiology hospital were from KP, reflecting weaknesses in provincial healthcare.

On education, Tarar claimed that several universities in KP lacked faculty and that multiple districts did not have a single women’s college. He dismissed PTI’s claims of progress, saying slogans had replaced substantive development.

Speaking alongside the information minister, PML-N leader Zahid Khan launched a scathing attack on PTI, accusing it of systematically neglecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while targeting Punjab. He criticised former KP leadership for launching political movements against other provinces and alleged misuse of provincial resources.

Zahid Khan claimed that during PTI’s 12-year rule in KP, development had stalled and security had deteriorated. He alleged that not a single rupee was spent on meaningful development projects and said the province had been devastated over more than a decade. He also criticised the law and order situation, claiming crime continued to rise under PTI’s watch.

Both leaders concluded that PTI’s policies had failed to deliver governance, development, or security, while placing the country and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at continued risk.