Islamabad (The COW News Digital)Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of avoiding action against militants, claiming its policies have contributed to the province’s deteriorating security situation.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said the provincial government had failed to protect the lives and property of citizens. He alleged that the PTI administration was unwilling to take effective action against terrorists despite receiving substantial funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) for counterterrorism efforts.
Tarar claimed that more than Rs700 billion had been allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the NFC under the counterterrorism head since the PTI came into power in the province. He questioned why the provincial government had not been holding meetings of the Provincial Apex Committee to address the worsening security situation.
The federal minister alleged that the PTI had adopted what he described as a “double standard” on terrorism and security. He said the party frequently participated in political discussions and negotiations but was unwilling to abandon what he called contradictory policies.
According to Tarar, protecting citizens from terrorism is a fundamental responsibility of the provincial government. He accused the KP administration of failing to use resources allocated for counterterrorism and alleged that some provincial ministers had issued statements favourable to militant elements.
He further claimed that the provincial government’s approach amounted to providing protection to terrorists. Tarar said the federal government would not allow anyone to undermine law and order or compromise the security of citizens.
The minister also criticised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, alleging that the provincial leadership was focused on political activities while security concerns continued to affect ordinary people. He claimed that civilians, children and rescue personnel were among those losing their lives in terrorist incidents across the province.
Tarar also challenged the PTI leadership to clarify whether it stood with Pakistan or Afghanistan. He alleged that the provincial government benefited from resources provided by Pakistan while adopting positions that, in his view, favoured Afghanistan.
The federal minister said the government’s priority was to ensure the safety and security of citizens. He maintained that no political party or provincial administration should be allowed to compromise public safety.
Tarar’s remarks come amid continued political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security and counterterrorism policies have remained a major point of disagreement between the two sides, with both political camps frequently exchanging allegations over responsibility for the province’s security challenges.
The minister rejected the PTI’s position on changing existing security policies, arguing that any policy shift that reduced pressure on militant groups would be harmful to the province. He maintained that effective measures against terrorism required cooperation between federal and provincial institutions.
He also accused the KP government of failing to fully utilise funds intended for counterterrorism activities. According to Tarar, the provincial administration should demonstrate its commitment to public safety by using available resources and strengthening coordination with security institutions.
The federal minister’s allegations are part of an increasingly heated political debate over terrorism and governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While the federal government has repeatedly called for stronger action against militant groups, the PTI leadership has criticised what it considers the federal government’s approach to security and political affairs.
Tarar concluded by reiterating that the protection of citizens remained a priority for the federal government and warned that no individual or political group would be allowed to disrupt peace and stability.
