Tarar criticizes PTI over threats of armed protests and violent tactics
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has strongly condemned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its history of violent protests, particularly following recent remarks by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur threatening armed demonstrations.
Speaking at an event, Gandapur warned that PTI supporters would “take to the streets with weapons” in future protests, urging party founder Imran Khan to abandon calls for peace. He accused the current government of “fascism” and claimed that constitutional, moral, and human rights were being trampled.
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In response, Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI’s consistent use of harmful tactics, including armed groups and illegal Afghan nationals, to destabilize the state. He accused Gandapur’s security guards of opening fire during previous protests and labeled incidents like May 9 and November 26 as “dark chapters” in Pakistan’s history. Tarar further alleged that PTI’s leadership often prioritizes political gains over public safety, referencing a tragic stampede at a PTI rally in Multan where several people lost their lives.
Tarar emphasized that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increasingly rejected PTI’s approach, stating, “The masses have turned their backs on PTI and will continue to do so.” He also called on the party to abandon violent rhetoric, emphasizing that such actions undermine Pakistan’s stability and democracy.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has filed a petition with the Islamabad Judicial Magistrate against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, and other government officials over the alleged deaths of 12 PTI workers during the November 26 protests.
The petition accuses the respondents of conspiring to sabotage peaceful protests, using lethal force against unarmed demonstrators, and orchestrating attacks that violated constitutional and human rights. It lists 12 deaths, 38 injuries, and 139 missing PTI workers as a result of the November 26 incident. Gohar urged the court to summon the respondents through non-bailable arrest warrants and punish them in accordance with the law.
The PTI core committee has also pushed for unconditional negotiations with the government, with Gohar emphasizing the importance of resolving political issues through dialogue. He acknowledged prior failed attempts at talks but expressed hope for renewed engagement to stabilize the political climate.
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