PTI’s Gohar seeks apology after minister links party to terrorism claims

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali criticised Information Minister Atta Tarar for alleging that PTI was behind a renewed wave of terrorism, calling the remarks divisive and inappropriate during a period of national mourning. Gohar said the minister should apologise and warned that such accusations could deepen political polarization when unity is needed.

The dispute followed Tarar’s comments at a press conference in Lahore held after the deadly suicide attack at an Islamabad imambargah. Tarar linked the alleged resurgence of militancy to past policy debates and suggested PTI bore responsibility, a claim PTI rejected.

Gohar said PTI condemns violence and terrorism and urged political leaders to focus on collective condemnation rather than trading blame. He framed the moment as one requiring national solidarity, particularly as funerals and grieving continued.

Separately, authorities said investigations into the Islamabad attack were ongoing, and officials provided updates about arrests and raids connected to the incident in the aftermath of the blast.