LAHORE, Nov 30 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of colluding with anti-state elements in what he described as a failed attempt to undermine national security.
Speaking to the media, he said those involved in maligning state institutions and all individuals responsible for the May 9 incidents would be brought to justice.
Tarar said the administrative and governance failures of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government had contributed to a surge in terrorism, alleging that drug smuggling was taking place under its supervision.
He reiterated that the Pakistan Army possessed full capability to respond to any aggression and continued to play a decisive role in securing peace. “No one will be allowed to destroy the peace of the country,” he asserted.
He said the Pakistan Army had made decades-long sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, adding that infiltration attempts from Afghanistan were being effectively countered.
However, he said weak administrative systems and a collapsed prosecution structure in KP were allowing terrorists to reorganize.
He pointed out that the province had failed to establish an efficient prosecution system in more than 12 years, noting that over 4,000 cases were registered in the last three years, yet conviction rates remained extremely low.
He criticised the KP Chief Minister for prioritising political theatrics over strengthening law enforcement institutions.
Tarar also referred to the DG ISPR’s recent concern regarding thousands of terrorism-related cases awaiting trial due to lack of provincial follow-up, calling it a major setback to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
He accused the KP government of colluding with criminal networks by allowing thousands of non-custom-paid vehicles to operate openly, costing the national exchequer billions and reportedly being used in some past terror attacks, including the Bisham incident.
He further alleged that illegal mining and drug trafficking in the province were financially benefiting extremist groups.
He expressed regret that PTI leadership continued to defend Afghanistan despite attacks on Pakistan linked to Afghan soil, noting that KP’s leadership did not condemn the Islamabad court attack, which was 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, claiming that the PTI founder’s three sisters were present inside the Corps Commander House and were directly involved in the events.
He said accountability had been delayed only to prevent PTI from alleging political victimisation.
He also criticised the PTI founder’s sister, Noreen Khan, for giving interviews to Indian and Afghan media, alleging that her remarks exposed PTI’s alignment with hostile foreign agendas.
Tarar said PTI’s social media network was continuing anti-army propaganda in coordination with foreign elements, but insisted such campaigns had repeatedly failed.
He accused a small PTI group of attempting to incite unrest under the pretext of meeting a prisoner, warning that no attempts to disturb peace would be tolerated. He further blamed PTI for economic instability during its four-year tenure.
Tarar said that under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan had begun to recover economically, citing improved foreign exchange reserves, declining inflation, rising exports and investment, and growing business confidence.
He concluded that external and internal propagandists would not be allowed to harm the country.
