Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday declared the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) an enemy of the state, vowing that the government would continue its efforts until the banned group is completely eliminated.
Speaking at a press conference, Tarar alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had facilitated and harboured terrorists, claiming that PTI leaders had referred to militants as “martyrs” while failing to express solidarity with Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives.
He said PTI leaders often avoid speaking out against the banned TTP, questioning the party’s reluctance to condemn the group. “The political wing of the agitation movement is responsible for the terrorism the nation is facing today,” he added.
Economic performance
Highlighting economic indicators, Tarar said the country was pulled back from the brink of default, warning that default would have led to catastrophic consequences. He said Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are rising and the stock exchange is posting record gains, reflecting growing investor confidence.
The minister noted that remittances worth $3.6 billion were recorded in December alone.
Tarar said the prime minister’s foreign visits have translated into tangible economic gains, including Malaysia’s expressed interest in importing halal meat and rice from Pakistan. He added that international flights have resumed and multiple countries have shown interest in cooperation with Pakistan in trade and defence.
He cited defence agreements with Saudi Arabia, a policy framework in place, and trade progress with Malaysia as major achievements, adding that Pakistan’s passport is now being respected internationally.
Diplomatic and security outlook
The information minister said Pakistan had faced diplomatic isolation during PTI’s tenure but is now registering diplomatic successes. Overseas Pakistanis, he added, are increasingly proud to invest in the country, in contrast to PTI’s earlier calls discouraging remittances.
Tarar also credited the Pakistan Armed Forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, with achieving decisive success against a larger enemy and safeguarding national interests.
Provincial governance
Turning to provincial governance, Tarar said claims of development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) were misleading, stating that the province’s 12-year-old government has failed to deliver. He alleged that both the health and education sectors in the province are in a state of decline.
He said development in Punjab is evident, while projects are ongoing in Sindh and Balochistan, adding that progress is visible across the country except in K-P.
Source: Express Tribune
