Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had links with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He said the government would present evidence supporting the allegation soon. PTI has denied links to militancy and criticised the federal government’s actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking at a briefing for foreign media representatives in Islamabad, Tarar called for a unified national counterterrorism policy. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also attended the briefing. The information minister argued that Pakistan could not ask Afghanistan to prevent militant attacks while pursuing conflicting policies at home.
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Tarar alleged that politics, terrorism and crime were interconnected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He referred to complaints about the cross-border smuggling of minerals, timber, tobacco, gold and precious stones. The minister also questioned why authorities had not taken stronger action against illegal trade. He claimed the provincial government had failed to convene relevant Apex Committee meetings.
The information minister questioned how the province had used approximately Rs800 billion received under the National Finance Commission award. He called for greater investment in security infrastructure, including Counter Terrorism Department capabilities, surveillance cameras, forensic laboratories and modern police equipment. Tarar praised police personnel for their sacrifices but said they needed adequate resources and training.
He also announced plans to establish an Area Representative and Development Council for 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Tarar, the proposed body would include regional and tribal representation. It would focus on security concerns and development activities in the selected districts.
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Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures in the province. He said President Asif Ali Zardari acted on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The law minister said government agencies had reported worsening security conditions and increasing militant attacks.
The law minister cited 2,911 terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2021 and 2024. He said the figure subsequently increased to approximately 8,600, describing the rise as nearly 200 per cent. Both ministers called for stronger coordination among provincial police, federal agencies, the armed forces and customs officials to address terrorism.