Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had links with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying the government would present evidence to support the allegation soon.
Addressing a briefing for foreign media representatives in Islamabad alongside Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the information minister said a country could not pursue two foreign policies while combating terrorism.
He said the federal government wanted to establish a unified national approach to counterterrorism, arguing that Islamabad could not ask Afghanistan to prevent militant activity against Pakistan while the provincial government followed what he described as a conflicting policy.
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions following the federal government’s imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The federal government has accused the PTI-led provincial administration of failing to adequately support counterterrorism efforts, while PTI has denied links to militancy and criticised the federal action.
Tarar alleges nexus between politics, terrorism and crime
Atta Tarar alleged that a nexus existed between politics, terrorism and crime in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pointing to complaints about the cross-border smuggling of minerals, timber, tobacco, gold and precious stones.
He questioned why authorities had not taken stronger action against illegal trade and said the situation raised concerns about governance in the province.
The minister also alleged that the provincial government had failed to convene meetings of the relevant Apex Committees and had rejected a consensus on counterterrorism policy.
He said the federal government had made repeated attempts to reach an understanding with the provincial leadership and had not opposed PTI’s political marches or other political demands.
Tarar maintained that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted an end to terrorism and that militant groups sought to impose extremist ideologies opposed to women’s education and economic activity.
Minister questions use of Rs800 billion in NFC funds
The information minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had received approximately Rs800 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and questioned whether sufficient resources had been allocated to strengthen the province’s security infrastructure.
He cited the need for improved Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) capabilities, Safe City surveillance cameras, forensic laboratories, modern police equipment and measures to counter violent extremism.
Tarar praised provincial police personnel for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism but said they needed adequate training, resources and equipment.
He referred to attacks on police personnel, including DSP Shinwari, as examples of the continuing security challenges facing the province.
The minister also alleged that terrorist activity had increased in the province and that militant influence remained a concern in southern districts.
Council proposed for 12 districts
Tarar said an Area Representative and Development Council would be established for 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the minister, the proposed body would include a chairman, vice-chairman, members and a spokesperson, with regional and tribal representation taken into account.
He said the council would focus on addressing law-and-order concerns and advancing development activities in the districts concerned.
Law minister defends emergency under Constitution
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the Constitution provided mechanisms for dealing with extraordinary circumstances.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari had acted on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.
The law minister said the decision followed reports from government agencies about the deteriorating security situation and the rising number of terrorist incidents in the province.
He stressed that Pakistan had been confronting terrorism for decades and that protecting citizens’ lives remained a fundamental responsibility of the state.
Azam Nazeer Tarar also called for stronger coordination among provincial police, the armed forces, federal agencies and customs officials, saying security personnel, religious scholars and ordinary citizens had all faced attacks.
Law minister cites rise in terrorist incidents
The law minister said 2,911 terrorist incidents had been recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2021 and 2024, adding that the figure had subsequently risen to approximately 8,600.
He described the increase as nearly 200 per cent and said data from government agencies had been shared with the federal government and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The minister said the federal and provincial governments operated within their respective constitutional jurisdictions but argued that cooperation was essential to address terrorism.
