ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of failing to address the province’s worsening security situation and said the party must clarify whether it stands with Pakistan or Afghanistan.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing a serious wave of terrorism while the provincial leadership remained focused on securing the release of a jailed PTI leader.
He criticised Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s administration, alleging that it had failed both politically and administratively. Tarar claimed that residents of the province were forced to travel to other parts of the country to access basic services.
He further alleged that the provincial government had failed to take adequate measures against terrorism and had not condemned firing from Afghanistan. “PTI will have to decide whether it wants to stand with Pakistan or Afghanistan,” he said.
Tarar questioned the use of funds allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, particularly money meant for counterterrorism measures. He also claimed that the federal Interior Ministry had offered modern vehicles for the KP Police but the provincial government declined them.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who also addressed the press conference, questioned what he described as the PTI government’s soft approach towards Afghanistan.
Chaudhry said the federal government had offered bulletproof vehicles to the KP Police, but the provincial government returned them.
The dispute over the vehicles has previously seen the KP government describe them as outdated, while federal authorities have maintained that they meet international standards and were provided for counterterrorism operations.
Chaudhry also criticised proposed changes to the KP Police Act, alleging that the legislation could increase the provincial government’s control over the police command structure.
He argued that any changes to the force’s command and administrative framework should be considered in light of the province’s ongoing counterterrorism challenges.
