PTI sheltered terrorists, TTP is enemy of state: Tarar

Expressing confidence in the armed forces for safeguarding the country, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday categorically declared Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) an enemy of Pakistan and vowed that the state would pursue the group until the very end. 

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that the party had obtained “exemption” from TTP from being targeted by the militant group due to fear.

Criticising the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, Tarar said a leadership with narrow thinking had been imposed on a brave and dignified people. He condemned the targeting of women under the pretext of political disagreement, calling it shameful, cowardly and unacceptable in any civilized society.

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The minister highlighted governance failures in K-P, stating that dozens of universities lacked staff, several districts had no colleges for women, and residents were forced to seek medical treatment outside the province. 

He also referred to multi-billion-rupee corruption scandals from Kohistan and accused the provincial leadership of neglecting reforms in health and education.

Tarar further alleged that the K-P leadership patronised terrorists and financially benefited from them, while deliberately avoiding condemnation of terrorism.

On economic matters, the federal minister praised overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances despite boycott calls by certain political circles, calling it a sign of confidence in the government’s economic direction. 

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He said Pakistan now possesses sufficient import cover for several months, reflecting economic stability.

Defending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s foreign visits, Tarar said such trips had directly boosted trade and investment, citing Malaysia’s increase in quotas for Pakistani halal meat and rice as a result of diplomatic engagement.

He said the international respect shown to Pakistan through official invitations, guards of honour and aerial escorts reflects renewed global trust, adding that Pakistan’s rising stature at international forums is a collective achievement of the government, armed forces and the nation.