ISLAMABAD: Federal ministers have criticised PTI over its response to terrorism and security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry addressed the issue during a joint press conference.
Tarar alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had taken a soft approach towards militant groups.
He described the party as the “B-team” of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. This was an allegation made by the minister, not an independently established finding.
Tarar has made similar accusations against the party and the KP government in recent days.
He has accused the provincial administration of failing to take effective action against terrorism.
Tarar Questions Use of KP Resources
Tarar also questioned how the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was using available financial resources.
He argued that provincial funds should be spent on healthcare, security and other public services.
The minister has previously questioned how money allocated for law and order was being spent.
He said KP had continued receiving its share under the NFC Award during the counter-terrorism period.
Tarar also referred to an event attended by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
He alleged that two Afghan delegates did not stand during Pakistan’s national anthem.
According to the reference account, Tarar said he would have ordered their expulsion if he had been present.
Talal Chaudhry Raises Questions Over Security Response
Talal Chaudhry also criticised PTI over its approach to national security and counter-terrorism efforts.
According to the reference account, he questioned the party’s participation in meetings concerning national security.
He also raised concerns about resources available to the Counter Terrorism Department and KP Police.
Chaudhry has separately criticised the provincial government for not providing police with modern equipment.
He recently argued that the proposed KP Police Act could affect the police command structure.
The ministers also compared security infrastructure in KP with systems operating in Punjab.
They called for stronger resources and modern technology to support law-enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The remarks come amid continuing political disagreements between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration.
The dispute includes questions over counter-terrorism policy, policing, provincial resources and responsibility for maintaining law and order.
In other news read more about PTI Announces Key Meeting Ahead of Long March
The claims against PTI represent the federal ministers’ political position. The cited reports do not independently establish those allegations as fact.
