PTI had no preparation for long march, claims Atta Tarar

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claiming that the party backed away from holding a sit-in because it was not adequately prepared for the planned protest.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claiming that the party backed away from holding a sit-in because it was not adequately prepared for the planned protest.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar said PTI had made no proper preparations for its long march. He also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the province’s security situation and questioned its response to ongoing terrorism.

Tarar alleged that the provincial government was not only unaware of the security situation but was also reluctant to take effective measures to maintain law and order. He accused the provincial government of facilitating militants, allegations that PTI and its representatives have disputed.

The minister further alleged that terrorist groups had targeted political parties across the country but claimed that PTI had remained comparatively favorable toward militant groups. He accused the party of avoiding condemnation of terrorism and action against militants.

Tarar also made allegations concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying that Afridi appeared more like a militant commander than a chief minister. He alleged that the provincial government, cabinet and PTI leadership were facilitating militants.

The information minister further accused PTI of having links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), describing the party in highly critical terms. Such allegations are political claims by the federal minister and should not be treated as independently established facts.

Tarar said maintaining law and order was primarily the responsibility of the provincial government and argued that PTI, which governs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should take responsibility for improving the security situation there.

According to figures cited by the minister, Pakistan experienced 2,456 terrorist attacks during 2026. He said 472 personnel from the Rangers, police and armed forces had been killed in these attacks, while more than 1,500 people were injured.

The comments come amid heightened political tensions over PTI’s planned long march toward Islamabad. The federal government has warned against actions that could disrupt public movement or law and order. Radio Pakistan reported earlier that Tarar had said no violent group would be allowed to march on Islamabad.

PTI leadership, meanwhile, has maintained that its planned march is a political and peaceful protest. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also called for dialogue with the government to prevent confrontation between protesters and law-enforcement personnel.

The dispute highlights continuing tensions between the federal government and PTI, particularly over political protests, governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the province’s worsening security challenges.