During a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Information Ata Tarar criticized the behavior of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, likening it to squabbling children and calling for a shift in focus towards economic stability rather than internal politics. Tarar’s remarks came as he addressed various issues, including PTI’s tendency to address the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the European Union regarding election investigations instead of resorting to local electoral institutions like the Election Commission or Election Tribunals.
Tarar emphasized that while PTI holds national responsibilities, their actions often appear divisive and immature. He highlighted instances where party leaders addressed international bodies instead of addressing local concerns, suggesting a misplaced prioritization of external validation over domestic accountability. Tarar urged individuals with complaints to seek recourse through local institutions rather than resorting to international entities.
The federal minister further criticized PTI’s recruitment practices, referencing the controversial hiring of individuals like Donald Lu, who was alleged to have provided false information. He emphasized the importance of adhering to national roles and responsibilities, urging the party to focus on domestic issues rather than seeking external endorsements.
Regarding the recent attack on Gwadar Port Authority, Tarar condemned the assault, attributing responsibility to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), who claimed involvement. He expressed concern over the incident, particularly given that one of the attackers, Kareem Jan, was previously declared a missing person and was supposed to be on the Missing Persons list since August 2022.
Tarar highlighted the attack on Gwadar as an assault on the nation’s economy, stressing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security. He emphasized the need for a proactive government role in ensuring stability and safeguarding economic interests.
Touching upon the case of Ahmed Cheema, Tarar clarified that Cheema’s children had not been attending school for three years. He defended Cheema’s request to waive school fees, citing the legal framework that permits such requests when children are not receiving education. He criticized the portrayal of Cheema’s situation as incorrect, urging a thorough examination of the facts before drawing conclusions.
Federal Minister Ata Tarar’s statements shed light on PTI’s approach to governance, urging a shift towards addressing domestic issues and accountability through local institutions. He emphasized the need for responsible governance and proactive measures to ensure national security and economic stability.
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