Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar on Sunday condemned a recent terrorist attack in Balochistan, attributing it to the group “Fitna-al-Hindustan,” while simultaneously issuing a stark warning to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, suggesting that governor”s rule remains a “constitutional option” if its performance does not improve.
Speaking to the media, he lauded the country’s security forces for their vigorous and successful operation to repel the assailants. Mr Tarar confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was fully aware of the security situation.
The minister claimed that India is “deeply distressed” following a “defeat in ‘Marka-e-Haq'” and accused the Indian media of spreading misinformation about Balochistan. He asserted the commitment of security forces to eliminating all proxies that threaten Pakistan.
Addressing the Bara Jirga on the Tirah situation, Mr Tarar questioned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government”s allocation of four billion rupees for regional development, highlighting concerns of mismanagement and corruption raised by a local political alliance.
He gave assurances that the Pakistan Army would respond decisively to protect the people of Tirah, who he stated were facing attacks from a group identified as Fitna-al-Khwarij.
The Information Minister censured the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for what he described as a failure to focus on essential sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
He suggested the provincial administration should learn from Punjab, where, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, large-scale projects have been initiated and successfully concluded. He contrasted the response to recent floods, noting the Punjab Chief Minister personally assisted victims while KP authorities failed to deliver aid.
Mr Tarar also directed criticism at the PTI, stating their only activity is protesting outside Adiala. While clarifying that efforts were being made to prevent such a step, he remarked that governor”s rule is a constitutional option in the event of a complete failure of a provincial government. He concluded with an appeal for the KP government to “wake up and take responsibility.”