PTI Should Learn from Ban on PTM: Information Minister Tarar
PTI must learn from PTM's ban, says Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, pointing out PTM's terrorist ties and urging political responsibility.
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PTI must learn from PTM's ban, says Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, pointing out PTM's terrorist ties and urging political responsibility. |
Islamabad – Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar emphasized that the ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) was imposed due to concrete evidence of its links with terrorist organizations and its anti-state campaign. Speaking to the media, Tarar dismissed rumors regarding the ban, confirming that the Federal Cabinet had officially declared PTM a proscribed organization.
Tarar outlined PTM’s controversial actions, including the burning of Pakistan’s national flag, attacks on Pakistani embassies, and the promotion of a false narrative under the guise of protecting Pashtuns. The minister revealed that investigations into an embassy attack uncovered PTM's involvement, along with Afghan citizens, underscoring its ties with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khawarij).
He reiterated that while peaceful protest and criticism are rights, actions like burning national symbols and associating with terrorist groups will not be tolerated. Any political party found aiding or financing PTM will face strict legal action.
Recognizing the historic role of Pashtuns in Pakistan's independence, Tarar lamented that a small group was tarnishing their name by undermining the country's security. He added that the PTM's ban should serve as a lesson for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which, according to him, falsely believes “there is no Pakistan without Khan.”
Tarar criticized PTI's recent campaign surrounding the disappearance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who later admitted he had gone into hiding and traveled across 12 districts to reach Peshawar.
He also took the opportunity to condemn PTI’s absence from a recent All Parties Conference (APC) on Palestine, despite the fact that other political parties pledged support for Palestinians. Tarar sarcastically noted that while PTI could campaign for a mayoral candidate in London, it ignored a critical issue like Palestine.
In closing, Tarar affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to prosperity, security, and its close relationship with China. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee to oversee aid to Lebanon and Palestine and that Pakistan’s economy is steadily improving, with inflation reduced from 32% to 6.9%.
