Attaullah Tarar alleges inadequate development and counterterrorism measures in KP, while tensions between the federal and provincial governments continue over security policy.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticised the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over governance, development spending and counterterrorism, accusing the provincial administration of prioritising political protests over public services and security.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, October 10, Tarar claimed that the province had received Rs700 billion through the National Finance Commission (NFC) but had failed to make sufficient improvements to its counterterrorism infrastructure and public services.
He alleged that the provincial government had not adequately upgraded its Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), established forensic laboratories or installed Safe City surveillance systems at key locations and entry and exit points.
The allegations were made by the federal minister and were not independently established in the report.
Tarar questions development spending in KP
Tarar accused the provincial government of failing to translate its financial resources into improvements in security, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He also alleged that PTI had focused on organising protests instead of giving sufficient attention to the province’s security challenges.
The minister criticised the party’s political activities, arguing that discussions about counterterrorism and governance should take priority amid continuing security concerns.
He further accused the provincial administration of failing to provide adequate healthcare and educational opportunities and questioned its record on major development projects.
Federal minister raises concerns over counterterrorism
Counterterrorism was a central theme of Tarar’s press conference.
He accused the PTI-led administration of failing to strengthen the institutions responsible for tackling militancy and alleged that the provincial government had facilitated the return of militants.
Tarar also made accusations linking PTI to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These were political allegations and should not be treated as established findings of criminal responsibility.
The minister argued that security forces should not have to repeatedly clear areas of militants while disagreements over policy undermine efforts to maintain peace.
The province has faced persistent security challenges, making the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial authorities a major point of political disagreement.
Ikhtiar Wali questions university finances and public services
Ikhtiar Wali Khan, the prime minister’s coordinator on information for KP affairs, also criticised the provincial government during the press conference.
He claimed that 18 of the province’s 34 universities were approaching financial collapse and raised concerns about vacancies in university leadership.
Wali also criticised the condition of public infrastructure and healthcare services, calling on residents and journalists to highlight conditions on the ground.
The figures and claims about the universities require independent verification before they can be treated as confirmed financial findings.
PTI and federal government remain at odds over security policy
The latest criticism comes amid an ongoing dispute between the federal government and PTI over counterterrorism policy, political negotiations and the handling of security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In earlier comments reported by Dawn, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram rejected attempts to place responsibility for terrorism in the province on the PTI-led administration. He argued that the federal government was using the provincial government as a scapegoat for the consequences of its policies.
The two sides have also disagreed over the terms of negotiations, including the approach to counterterrorism and the role of the provincial government in security decisions.
Talks between the federal government and PTI broke down earlier in October, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress.
Governor’s rule remains a point of political tension
Tarar was also asked about the possibility of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said it would be premature to respond definitively.
The question has gained prominence amid worsening political tensions and disagreements over security policy.
On Friday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government had completed deliberations on imposing an emergency and warned that it could use the option if the KP government did not cooperate on counterterrorism.
The latest statements underline the continuing divide between Islamabad and the provincial administration. Any further developments concerning emergency measures or governor’s rule will depend on official decisions and the applicable constitutional process.
