ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital ) Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that terrorists cannot be allowed to operate freely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), accusing the provincial government of failing to take effective measures against terrorism over the past 13 years.
Addressing an event on the evolving security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and counterterrorism efforts, Tarar said weaknesses in law enforcement, security infrastructure and counterterrorism capabilities had made it difficult to maintain peace and stability in the province.
The minister questioned why the province’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had not been made fully effective. He also pointed to the absence of Safe City surveillance cameras in several districts and alleged that police personnel had not been adequately equipped with modern weapons.
Tarar said protecting citizens’ lives and property was a fundamental responsibility of the provincial government. He added that people had continued to lose their lives in terrorist attacks while effective measures to address the threat remained insufficient.
According to the minister, emergency measures, including the reported consideration of emergency rule and governor’s rule in the province, were intended to protect the public amid growing security concerns.
He also raised questions about the utilisation of funds allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, arguing that provincial resources should be used effectively to strengthen security institutions and improve law enforcement capabilities.
Tarar said Pakistan had paid a substantial price in its fight against terrorism and extremism, sacrificing thousands of lives and suffering economic losses exceeding $100 billion.
He maintained that Pakistan had played an important role in promoting international peace and security through its counterterrorism efforts, adding that the sacrifices made by the country had contributed to regional and global security.
The minister also raised concerns about the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan. He claimed that more than 20,000 militants were present there, including over 6,000 members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Tarar, these militants operate from safe havens on Afghan soil and receive training there. He said Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghan authorities through various forums to take action against militant groups responsible for cross-border security threats.
However, he stressed that Pakistan wanted a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, saying stability in the neighbouring country would benefit Pakistan and the wider region.
Tarar also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees, stating that the country had accommodated around four million Afghan refugees over the past four decades.
The information minister further referred to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional stability, including initiatives aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in supporting peace efforts.
Commenting on talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Tarar said the government had indicated that the issue of meetings with the party’s founder could be addressed. However, he argued that discussions should also include a strategy for combating terrorism.
He emphasised that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were patriotic citizens whose safety and security must remain a priority.
Tarar’s remarks placed renewed focus on the province’s security challenges, the performance of law enforcement institutions and the use of public funds for counterterrorism. His criticism also highlighted continuing political disagreements over responsibility for tackling militancy in one of Pakistan’s most security-sensitive regions.
