Attaullah Tarar accuses PTI of neglecting governance in KP

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over what he described as poor governance, inadequate development and a failure to address security challenges. He accused the provincial administration of prioritising political protests over public welfare and counterterrorism measures.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, Tarar claimed that the provincial government had received Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) but had failed to make sufficient investments in essential infrastructure and public services.

He alleged that the government had not adequately upgraded the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). He also criticised the lack of forensic laboratories and Safe City surveillance cameras. According to the minister, these facilities were necessary in the merged districts and at entry and exit points across the province to improve security and prevent militant activity.

Tarar accused the PTI leadership of focusing on protests instead of addressing the province’s security crisis. He claimed that party leaders held lengthy meetings to plan political demonstrations but did not devote comparable attention to discussing terrorism and developing strategies to counter it.

The minister also alleged that the provincial government had failed to improve healthcare, education and basic infrastructure. He said residents continued to face poverty, inadequate medical facilities and limited educational opportunities. He accused the PTI leadership of concentrating on securing the release of its founder, Imran Khan, rather than resolving the problems faced by the people.

Tarar further raised concerns about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He alleged that militants had been allowed to return to Pakistan and questioned the effectiveness of the provincial government’s counterterrorism policies.

He argued that security forces repeatedly conducted operations to eliminate militant threats and restore peace. However, he claimed that the return of militants undermined these efforts and created further security challenges.

In a sharp attack on the opposition, Tarar described PTI as a “B-team” of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He accused the party of facilitating militants and placing political interests above national security. These were allegations made by the minister against the PTI-led provincial government.

Tarar also criticised the party’s performance during its extended tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that the province had experienced inadequate development during PTI’s 13-and-a-half years in power.

Comparing the federal and provincial governments, the minister referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts to address governance issues and introduce relief and reform measures. He questioned how much time Chief Minister Sohail Afridi devoted to administrative responsibilities and resolving public problems.

The information minister challenged the provincial government to identify major achievements in healthcare, higher education, road construction and information technology. He also questioned whether the administration had provided sufficient digital facilities, laptops and technological opportunities to young people.

He maintained that the province needed effective administration and long-term development plans. He said the government should prioritise public services, employment opportunities and security instead of becoming involved in continuous political confrontations.

Tarar further alleged that the PTI-led administration was placing personal interests above national priorities. He warned that continued political instability could undermine efforts to restore peace and improve living conditions across the province.