ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has defended the federal government’s measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the steps were taken under the Constitution. Speaking at a press conference alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, he claimed that the provincial administration had failed to adequately address the worsening security situation.
Attaullah Tarar argued that no government should pursue policies that allow militant groups to continue their activities. He said the federal government had been discussing counterterrorism cooperation and a joint policy with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), questioning how different approaches to combating terrorism could operate within the same country.
The information minister maintained that the Constitution of 1973 provides mechanisms for dealing with extraordinary circumstances. He said governance in the province had become ineffective and law and order had deteriorated. He also alleged that political representatives faced restrictions in certain areas affected by militant activity, while questioning how a PTI-led march had passed through those areas safely.
Tarar further questioned the use of funds allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the National Finance Commission (NFC). He claimed that the province had received approximately Rs800 billion and asked why more resources had not been directed towards strengthening the Counter Terrorism Department, installing Safe City surveillance cameras, establishing forensic laboratories and equipping police with modern technology.
He said terrorism had severely affected residents’ lives and livelihoods. Tarar also defended the newly formed provincial administrative arrangement, describing its members as experienced and capable. He said the advisory council reflected tribal balance and gender representation, while alleging that the previous provincial administration had failed to break the links between politics, crime and terrorism. These assertions represent the minister’s position.
Citing figures presented at the press conference, Tarar said Pakistan recorded 3,774 terrorism incidents in 2025, while 2,857 incidents had reportedly occurred by September 2026. He also claimed that terrorism-related deaths increased from 267 in 2021 to 3,512 in 2025, with 2,775 deaths reported for 2026. The figures require independent verification and clarification regarding their definitions and reporting periods.
The minister also highlighted the risks faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, claiming attacks targeting police had increased by 168 percent. He cited 1,364 major terrorist attacks, 1,532 police personnel deaths and attacks on 18 police installations over the previous two years. Tarar said the federal measures were intended to improve public safety, protect livelihoods and strengthen the province’s response to terrorism.
