Islamabad (Staff Reporter):
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar strongly criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, alleging that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has taken a “non-attack exemption” from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He claimed that PTI fears the TTP, which is why the militant group does not target them.
Addressing a press conference, Attaullah Tarar said that a government with a narrow mindset and deplorable conduct has been imposed on a brave, dignified and honourable province. He stated that targeting women under the guise of political differences is not only shameful but also a clear sign of cowardice, and such behavior is unacceptable in any civilized society.
The federal minister said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa raises slogans of sacrificing his life for the PTI founder, yet none of the provincial ministers seek medical treatment in KP hospitals. He said that a visit to Rawalpindi Cardiology Hospital would show that most patients come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that in Tank district, humans and animals drink water from the same pond.
Attaullah Tarar further said that dozens of universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lack staff, and there are several districts without a single college for women. He referred to multi-billion-rupee corruption scandals emerging from Kohistan and questioned what reforms the KP government has made in the health and education sectors.
He alleged that terrorists are being patronised, claiming that they finance the ruling party and that terrorism is being promoted. He said the federal government will demand accountability over health and education budgets, adding that the KP government has no answers and remains focused on avoiding criticism of terrorists.
Calling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a beautiful province with courageous people, Attaullah Tarar said it is unfortunate that it is governed by a leadership with a hateful political approach. He stressed that Pakistan belongs to everyone and anyone can travel to Lahore or Karachi, but launching personal and derogatory attacks on women in Lahore is highly condemnable.
Expressing strong regret over the language used against Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Attaullah Tarar said no man should use humiliating language against women. He termed such behavior a reflection of misogyny, stating that targeting women is often the first tactic used in character assassination.
He said inappropriate remarks by the KP Information Minister against a female minister prove that such individuals do not respect even their own sisters and daughters. He added that those who attack women are hollow and cowardly from within.
The federal minister said that if anyone truly has courage, they should speak openly against terrorism. He clearly stated that the TTP is an enemy of Pakistan and that the state will pursue them until the end. He said this confidence comes from complete trust in the Pakistan Armed Forces and security institutions, whose personnel risk their lives daily to defend the country.
Attaullah Tarar also stated that despite calls by certain political circles to boycott remittances, overseas Pakistanis demonstrated their loyalty by sending record-breaking remittances, strengthening the national economy. He said Pakistan currently has import cover for several months, which reflects economic stability.
He urged critics of the Prime Minister’s foreign visits to understand their economic impact, stating that wherever the Prime Minister goes, Pakistan’s products, trade and investment are promoted. He cited Malaysia’s increase in halal meat and rice quotas for Pakistan as a result of diplomatic engagement.
The federal minister said that receiving official invitations, guards of honour and aerial escorts reflects global trust and respect for Pakistan, leading to enhanced cooperation in defence and trade. He criticised past policies driven by personal ego, which resulted in Pakistan’s international isolation.
He said that today Pakistan is being welcomed with red carpets at major global forums, calling it a matter of pride for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the entire nation. He questioned the critics’ foreign policy achievements, saying their performance stands at “zero out of zero,” while Pakistan is now signing significant defence and economic agreements.