Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar launched a sharp attack on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, accusing them of political hypocrisy, foreign-backed propaganda, and a deep nexus with drug cartels, illegal mining networks, and non-customs-paid vehicles operating throughout the province.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said that despite KP facing a heightened terror threat, the provincial government had failed to curb any of the illegal structures thriving under its watch. He claimed that thousands of non-customs-paid vehicles were freely operating in KP, the provincial government had been unable to control them, and its overall performance was zero. He added that KP was home to a powerful drug cartel, illegal mining was ongoing with mountains being cut, and unlawful leases were operating unchecked. He said officials in power were filling their own pockets, and if the tobacco mafia alone paid its due taxes, the government could collect up to five hundred billion rupees.
Tarar alleged that the KP chief minister had links with drug traffickers and accused the provincial government of promoting drug smuggling rather than controlling it. He noted that no terrorist ever attacks those involved in the drug trade, implying a convenient relationship between criminal networks and certain political actors in the province.
Focusing on the deteriorating security situation, the minister said Pakistan remained committed to peace and would pursue every terrorist, with decisions being taken under the Constitution rather than personal preferences. Highlighting the recent incident at Wana Cadet College, he said it could have become a tragedy larger than the Army Public School attack in Peshawar. According to him, the Pakistan Army conducted a successful operation, rescuing more than five hundred students, demonstrating the skill and bravery of the armed forces.
He further stated that when Pakistan faced cross-border aggression from Afghanistan, the armed forces responded with full strength, yet the PTI expressed sorrow and discomfort instead of supporting the country. Criticising Mehmood Khan Achakzai for only speaking about Kabul in Parliament, Tarar said the national security establishment was safeguarding both borders with full capability, and any attempt to weaken internal cohesion had failed.
The minister described PTI’s demand for talks as unlawful, calling it the demand of a small group that sought to create law and order issues daily. He said no meeting could take place under such circumstances and alleged that PTI’s social media accounts were being run from India and Afghanistan. According to him, PTI was exposing itself by running campaigns from abroad and colluding with adversarial forces. He added that propaganda, abusive trends, and allegations made no difference to the government’s resolve.
Tarar accused PTI founder Imran Khan of basing his politics on hypocrisy, lies, and slander. He claimed that all major economic and political decisions during the PTI government were made by Khan’s spouse, who projected a spiritual image while influencing governance. He said international publications had confirmed that the PTI chief’s decisions were rooted in an entire system of deception.
Referring to the 2017 protests, Tarar said the PTI founder had again made false accusations and repeatedly levelled baseless charges on various forums, including against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the government lawyer had answered all questions in court, exposing the falsehood of these allegations.
The minister accused Khan’s sisters of defaming the country by appearing on Indian television channels. He said the three sisters had been present at the Corps Commander House on May nine, leading groups, and that evidence existed. He questioned why they did not speak about Kashmir on Indian media and said they should feel ashamed for giving interviews to outlets hostile to Pakistan. He noted that propaganda was also being run on Afghan media, while wishing if Khan’s sisters would criticise Narendra Modi on Indian media.
Tarar said the PTI leadership felt disappointed after Pakistan’s military emerged victorious in Maraka-e-Haq. He reiterated that PTI only wished to weaken the armed forces from within, but its plan had failed. He said the events of May Nine were orchestrated to undermine the military, though the plot collapsed and the conspirators faced humiliation. He added that PTI wanted Pakistan’s eastern and western borders weakened so the security environment would deteriorate, and that its leaders continued to campaign against the army, but Pakistan’s armed forces have the capability to defeat the enemy on every front.
