ISLAMABAD (Staff Reporter)
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Tuesday launched a sharp critique against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, accusing it of failing to take effective measures against terrorism and warned that any loss of life resulting from this “childish” approach would be the responsibility of the provincial authorities.
While speaking to the media, Chaudhry expressed the federal government’s frustration, stating that despite acting in “good faith” by providing bulletproof vehicles to the provincial police, the issue was unnecessarily politicized. He alleged that certain elements are opposed to taking strong action against terrorists.
“The KP government appears to be failing in its duty to take effective action against terrorism,” Chaudhry said. “Constitutionally, the option of Governor’s rule in KP exists, but the federal government will not take such a step.”
The minister defended the appointment of Sahil Buzdar as a focal person, stating it was a thoughtful decision. He challenged the KP leadership, saying, “If the bulletproof vehicles are not acceptable, then the Chief Minister should hand over his personal vehicles to the police.”
Chaudhry emphasized that under Article 148 of the Constitution, provincial governments are not entirely autonomous in their decisions, and the war on terror is a national battle. He asserted that a change in the chief minister would not alter the nature of this fight.
He revealed that, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, modern vehicles were provided to KP police, and federal aid continued despite financial constraints. The minister warned that the provincial government’s failure to provide effective protection to its police force could have dire consequences.
Shifting focus to other matters, the State Minister disclosed that the investigation into Saad Rizvi, the head of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), led to the recovery of 69 branded watches. He claimed Rizvi had used 100 bank accounts through which “millions of rupees were being received in interest from banks.”
Chaudhry labeled the TLP as a party with an “extremist mindset,” stating that Pakistan cannot tolerate the politics of chaos and violence. He concluded by reiterating that while the constitutional authority exists, the federal government would not impose Governor’s rule in KP, but demanded the provincial government ensure the protection of its citizens’ lives and property.