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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of colluding with anti-state elements in a failed attempt to damage national security. Speaking to the media on Sunday, the minister said that individuals involved in maligning state institutions and those responsible for the May 9 incidents will be brought to justice.
Tarar said the administrative and governance failures of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government have led to a surge in terrorism, while drug smuggling is allegedly being carried out under its supervision. He added that the Pakistan Army has the full capability to respond to any act of aggression and continues to play a critical role in maintaining peace. “No one will be allowed to destroy the peace of the country,” he affirmed.
The minister highlighted the Pakistan Army’s long-standing sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, stating that infiltration attempts from Afghanistan are being effectively countered. However, due to KP’s failed administrative structure and collapsed prosecution system, terrorists are reorganizing and finding safe havens in the province.
Tarar revealed that over the past 12 years, KP has failed to establish an efficient prosecution system. More than 4,000 cases were registered in the last three years, yet the conviction rate remains extremely low. He criticized the KP Chief Minister, stating that while he is active in political theatrics, he lacks seriousness in strengthening law and order institutions.
He further cited the DG ISPR’s statement expressing concern over thousands of terrorism-related cases pending trial due to lack of follow-up by the provincial government, calling it a major setback to the national counterterrorism effort.
The minister also accused the KP government of collusion with criminal networks, noting that thousands of non-custom-paid vehicles operate openly in the province. He said these vehicles cost the national treasury billions and have previously been used in terrorist activities, referencing the Bisham attack as an example. He also alleged that illegal mining and drug trafficking in the province are financially benefiting extremist elements.
Tarar expressed regret that PTI leadership continues to act as a “spokesperson” for Afghanistan despite attacks on Pakistan allegedly linked to Afghan soil. He noted that KP’s leadership did not condemn the Islamabad court attack, whose origins were also traced to Afghanistan. “Our soldiers are laying down their lives while these people spew venom against the army,” he said.
The minister reiterated that the May 9 violence was a deliberate attempt to weaken the military, alleging that the PTI founder’s three sisters were present inside the Corps Commander House and were directly involved. He said their accountability has been delayed only to avoid PTI’s claims of victimization.
Tarar also criticized the PTI founder’s sister, Noreen Khan, for giving interviews to Indian and Afghan channels, claiming her statements exposed PTI’s “alignment with hostile foreign agendas.”
He alleged that PTI’s social media network continues to propagate anti-army narratives in coordination with foreign elements, but insisted such campaigns have repeatedly failed. “Their propaganda against the Pakistan Army has collapsed every time,” he added.
The minister said a small PTI group is attempting to incite unrest under the pretext of meeting a prisoner, warning that no one will be allowed to disturb peace. He blamed PTI for destroying the national economy during its four-year tenure.
Tarar said that under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the government has steered Pakistan out of economic turmoil. He noted improvements in foreign exchange reserves, a decline in inflation, rising exports, growing investment, and increased business confidence. “External and internal propagandists will not be allowed to harm the country,” he concluded.