Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, asserted on Tuesday that the recent by-elections had dealt a blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) narrative of hatred, hypocrisy, and falsehoods, with voters rejecting such rhetoric. In a press conference alongside Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, he emphasized that despite claims of rigging, the PTI leadership failed to present any evidence to support their allegations.
Tarar attributed the success of the by-elections to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), attributing it to the electorate’s affection for Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic reforms. He highlighted the rejection of PTI’s narrative based on violence and deceit, noting that even non-PML-N voters supported the party due to its pro-people policies and track record of public service.
Addressing speculations about Bushra Bibi’s health, Tarar dismissed them as unfounded, affirming that her medical tests were clear. He criticized PTI leaders for their apparent inclination to criticize national and defense institutions.
Tarar also underscored the government’s efforts towards progress and development, citing commitments from Iranian President and a high-level Saudi Arabian delegation for increased trade and investment in Pakistan. He highlighted achievements in the stock market, IT exports, and economic reforms under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif.
Regarding the missing persons issue, Tarar outlined the government’s initiatives to address concerns raised by the families of victims. He mentioned the formation of a cabinet committee to propose solutions and emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the matter.
In response to media queries, Tarar clarified procedures for adding and removing names from the Exit Control List (ECL) and highlighted measures to provide relief to consumers, such as reduced power tariffs during Eid-ul-Fitr. He also discussed efforts to streamline government expenditures, privatize loss-making entities, and introduce tax reforms through digitization of the Federal Bureau of Revenue.
