Tarar slams PTI founder’s sons for shunning Pakistan, links them to anti-state plot

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said that Kasim Khan’s “dictated” speech at the UNHCR in Geneva was part of an anti-state plot facilitated by Zulfi Bukhari and tied to Arif Ajakia and Naseem Baloch to undermine Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status.

He also accused Imran Khan’s sons of not coming to Pakistan on NICOP and vowing such conspiracies would not derail the country’s progress.

Talking to media, he alleged they were linked to conspiracies against Pakistan despite the government’s goodwill in facilitating their telephonic contact with their father.

Linking Zulfi Bukhari to Arif Ajakia – whom he branded an “Indian agent” – Tarar alleged a conspiracy against Pakistan’s economy, while also criticizing PTI’s record in government and insisting such attempts will not derail the country’s progress.

He alleged close ties between Zulfi Bukhari and Arif Ajakia, citing photographs of their interactions, and claimed Zulfi acted as a facilitator in shaping Khan’s statement.

Tarar described Arif Ajakia as a“known traitor,” alleging he is campaigning internationally against Pakistan alongside Baloch nationalist Naseem Baloch. He said Ajakia’s nexus with Zulfi Bukhari was part of a conspiracy to strip Pakistan of its GSP Plus trade status and damage the economy.

Tarar added that despite such efforts, Pakistan will continue to prosper. He questioned PTI’s record in government, noting its failure to deliver on promises of five million houses and ten million jobs, while embroiling itself in scandals involving Farah Gogi and the £190 million case. He accused PTI of conspiring against the country but insisted their attempts would not succeed.

Tarar alleged that the PTI founder never condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza, urging correction if he was wrong. He claimed a conspiracy against Pakistan was hatched by Arif Ajakia and Naseem Baloch, linking them to unrest in Balochistan.

Tarar said no political party would endorse such conspiracies except “a group of sycophants,” and insisted Pakistan’s national interest must remain above individual agendas.

He lamented that Imran’s sons avoid returning to Pakistan on NICOP, saying their father’s political career is no more.”

Attaullah Tarar said PTI no longer exists as a parliamentary party and its political model is not sustainable. He added that despite conspiracies, Pakistan will continue to prosper, stressing that the country’s interests will never be compromised.

He accused PTI of prioritizing personal agendas over national interest while insisting Pakistan will continue to move forward.

Tarar recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as opposition leader, attended key meetings on Kashmir and Palestine, but then-prime minister Imran Khan chose not to participate due to Shehbaz’s presence.

He emphasized that no political party is above Pakistan, stressing that the nation has given its people everything — positions, parties, and opportunities. National interest must remain the top priority, while political rivalry is natural, subordinating the country’s interests to personal agendas is unacceptable, he added.

Tarar criticized PTI, saying Pakistan’s major politicians have offered unprecedented sacrifices for the country, while PTI’s record is marred by scandals such as the watch theft case, foreign funding fraud, and the £190 million corruption issue.

He argued that true leaders put Pakistan above personal interests, recalling the “Pakistan Khapay” slogan as an example of national unity. In contrast, he described PTI as a personality cult plagued by internal divisions, unable to mobilize supporters or set national policy. “They are fighting among themselves, even within families, and should be ashamed,” he remarked.

Tarar said the government showed goodwill by allowing the sons of PTI’s founder a telephonic conversation with their father. He added they would be welcomed in Pakistan on NICOP and should not feel ashamed of their national identity.

He remarked that the government is unconcerned about their stay at Zac Goldsmith’s residence, noting Goldsmith’s past contest against Sadiq Khan in London mayoral elections. He emphasized that Pakistanis take pride in traveling on the green passport and dismissed claims of “nefarious designs” against the country.

Tarar alleged that PTI wrote letters to the IMF urging it to block Pakistan’s bailout package, saying default suited its politics. He stressed that default would not only harm PML-N but also devastate workers, farmers, and industries across the country.

The minister said PTI’s founder placed himself above the country, even expressing a desire for default. He credited the government’s “prudent policies” for averting crisis, noting Pakistan’s economic turnaround has been acknowledged globally. He added that the World Bank recently praised Pakistan’s recovery model as a success story, the transformation model of FBR.

Tarar alleged that PTI attempted to undermine Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status, warning the move would devastate exporters and cost jobs. He highlighted Pakistan’s strong global reputation for sports goods — including footballs used in the FIFA World Cup — as well as garments, mangoes, rice, and banaspati products recognized worldwide for their quality.

He credited the partnership between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s growing international acknowledgment.

Tarar noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have enhanced its role as a mediator, a development that has unsettled India. He pointed to Indian media criticism of its own government as evidence of anxiety over Pakistan’s rising influence in international affairs.

Tarar said that following the success of Marka-e-Haq and recent diplomatic achievements, Pakistan is now widely regarded as a relevant and responsible nation, earning international praise.

He contrasted this with what he described as “blind loyalty” to certain political parties at home, where dissent is discouraged and propaganda against the country is promoted instead of constructive debate.

The minister stated that amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Pakistan has emerged as a responsible and relevant nation on the global stage.

Tarar, commenting on Kasim Khan’s remarks at the UNHCR in Geneva, said the government encourages criticism of political leadership, noting that politicians must be “thick-skinned.” He added that while in opposition, they too criticized their rivals.