Info Minister Tarar Calls PTI ‘Political Wing’ of TTP, Says It Refrains From Denouncing Terrorists

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is a “political wing” of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who stated on Friday that the party refrains from denouncing the outlawed militant group.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside PML-N leader Zahid Khan, Tarar attacked the PTI for its position on the TTP. He claimed that leaders of the Imran Khan-founded party “falter when speaking” about the group and exhibit “leniency towards terrorists.” His comments came a day after the PTI refuted allegations of “non-cooperation” regarding terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Tarar claimed that terrorism had been successfully eradicated from KP following the start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb; however, he argued the region has since suffered due to “poor governance.” He noted that the province’s governance had drastically declined during the PTI’s 12-year tenure. The information minister also dismissed what he called “false claims,” denouncing as bogus a PTI leader’s assertion of having constructed Lady Reading Hospital.

Furthermore, Tarar compared KP’s development to that of other provinces, claiming that while Sindh and Balochistan are undergoing development projects, Punjab’s improvement was “visible” to everyone. He asserted that KP, by contrast, “lagged behind.” According to him, the PTI-run province’s health and education systems are “in a state of decline due to negligence” by the provincial government.

Also speaking at the event, Zahid Khan stated that he had never witnessed a sitting chief minister personally leading a political movement, adding that political parties—not individuals—typically lead revolutions. He noted that after former Chief Minister Pervez Khattak “led attacks” on Islamabad, current CM Ali Amin Gandapur has now taken the same stance.

In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated on Thursday that the party has always viewed terrorism as a scourge that must be eliminated at all costs. Speaking to the media alongside party officials Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser, Barrister Gohar stated, “Claims that PTI is not cooperating in KP are inappropriate and contrary to reality… it is a lie.” The PTI leader emphasized, “Terrorists have no political party or religion.”