Information Minister Attaullah Tarar launched a blistering attack on the PTI on Saturday, accusing the party of misrule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and calling it “the B-team of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan”. The remarks came as the row over a proposed emergency in KP entered a decisive phase.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said: “From the very first day, this is my opinion that they [PTI] are the B-team of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.”
The minister accused the PTI’s provincial government of never implementing the National Action Plan, never convening apex committee meetings on security, and failing to strengthen the police, the Counter-Terrorism Department and forensic services. He alleged that illegal mining, trade and smuggling networks operated in the province under political protection.
Emergency in KP: the flashpoint
The war of words follows reports that the federal government is seriously considering imposing an emergency in KP, initially for two months, after which the situation would be reviewed. The PTI has termed the move a violation of the 18th Amendment, which devolves powers to the provinces.
The proposed emergency would cover 12 districts of the province. Federal officials argue that the security situation, combined with the PTI’s protest campaign, justifies extraordinary measures. The PTI calls it a constitutional assault designed to derail its street movement.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has already signalled that the centre is prepared to act, saying earlier that governor’s rule would be imposed “whenever the president and the prime minister deem appropriate”. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described the proposed KP emergency as a political “atomic bomb”, warning of its explosive consequences.
The confrontation is inseparable from the PTI’s long march, which has entered its seventh day. Party workers are gathering at the Swabi Interchange for a major show of strength planned for October 11, and the march could move beyond Swabi toward Islamabad.
“Full security arrangements” if the march reaches Islamabad
Tarar warned that the federal government would make “full security arrangements” if the PTI’s march reaches the federal capital. The statement signals that Islamabad is bracing for the march’s possible arrival.
The minister’s attack fits a pattern. Federal leaders have repeatedly linked the PTI’s politics to militancy, a charge the party rejects as a smear. PTI leaders say the real issue is the government’s refusal to accept the party’s mandate in KP, where it holds power under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The timing is delicate. Questions about the emergency’s link to the PTI march have already been raised in political circles, with critics arguing that constitutional provisions are being bent to settle a political score.
Meanwhile, the legal battles continue on other fronts. The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has been hearing the plea to drop terrorism charges against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, keeping the courts at the centre of the political storm.
Frequently asked questions
What did Attaullah Tarar say about the PTI?
The information minister called the PTI “the B-team of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan” and accused its KP government of failing to implement the National Action Plan, hold apex committee meetings, or strengthen police and counter-terrorism institutions.
What is the proposed emergency in KP about?
The federal government is considering imposing an emergency in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for an initial two months. The PTI says the move violates the 18th Amendment’s provincial autonomy guarantees.
When is the PTI’s Swabi gathering?
PTI workers are converging at the Swabi Interchange for a major rally on October 11, as the party’s long march enters its seventh day. The march may continue toward Islamabad.
What has the KP governor said?
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said governor’s rule would be imposed whenever the president and prime minister consider it appropriate, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the emergency plan a political “atomic bomb”.
