Tarar accuses PTI of securing exemption from TTP attacks

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar strongly criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, alleging that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had secured an “exemption” from attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Tarar claimed that PTI leaders feared the militant group, which is why they were not targeted. He said it was deeply unfortunate that a province known for its brave and dignified people was being governed by what he termed a narrow-minded and irresponsible leadership.

The information minister strongly condemned what he described as personal and derogatory attacks on women by PTI leaders, calling such conduct cowardly and unacceptable in a civilised society. He said targeting women under the guise of political disagreement reflected deep-rooted misogyny and moral weakness.

Tarar also criticised the KP government’s performance in health and education, claiming that even provincial ministers preferred treatment in hospitals outside the province. He highlighted shortages of staff in universities, lack of women’s colleges in several districts, and alleged massive corruption scandals, including in Kohistan.

On terrorism, Tarar reiterated that the TTP was an enemy of Pakistan and vowed that the state would pursue militants relentlessly. He credited the armed forces and security personnel for safeguarding the country despite ongoing threats.

The minister also praised overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances despite calls by some political groups to boycott them, saying the inflows had strengthened the national economy. He defended the prime minister’s foreign visits, noting that they had resulted in increased trade opportunities, including expanded halal meat and rice quotas in Malaysia.