Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar stated that the KP government is acting on policy to give protection to terrorists. Speaking to media persons, he criticised PTI’s position on talks with the federal government and its approach towards terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
He has challenged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to clarify whether it stands with Pakistan or Afghanistan. Tarar criticised PTI’s position on national security and alleged that the party was unwilling to abandon what he described as a “duplicitous policy.”
He said PTI leaders were known for making U-turns and had failed to maintain a consistent position on important national issues. Tarar alleged that while PTI benefits from facilities provided by Pakistan, some of its sympathies are directed towards terrorists. He questioned whether the party stands with Pakistan or Afghanistan.
“Everything PTI has been given has come from Pakistan, but its position appears to favour Afghanistan,” Tarar said, stressing that political parties should adopt an unequivocal stance on matters of national interest. The federal minister further alleged that the policy being advocated by PTI amounts to providing cover to terrorists.
Atta Tarar said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had been provided Rs700 billion for counter-terrorism efforts, but alleged that its apparent policy was instead to “nurture terrorists.”
Tarar said that while lives were being lost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the chief minister’s priority remained the release of a particular prisoner. He alleged that the provincial government was unwilling to take effective action against terrorism and was pursuing a policy of protecting terrorists.
According to the federal minister, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was not even convening meetings of the provincial Apex Committee. He further alleged that a policy of emboldening terrorists was effectively tantamount to providing them with cover. His remarks come amid continuing differences between the federal government and PTI over law and order, counter-terrorism efforts and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
