Govt Criticises PTI Over KP Governance and Security Failures

The federal government sharply criticised the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, accusing it of poor governance, weak counterterrorism preparedness and misplaced political priorities at a time when the province is facing serious security challenges.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar made the remarks during a press conference in Islamabad, where he alleged that the provincial government had failed to use available resources for public welfare and security reforms. He said the province had received Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission for development projects.

Tarar accused the provincial administration of neglecting core security needs, including upgrades to the Counter Terrorism Department, forensic laboratories and safe city camera systems. He said such systems should have been installed in merged districts and at entry and exit points across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The minister alleged that funds and political attention were instead being directed toward protest activity. He criticised the provincial leadership for holding lengthy meetings for agitation while, according to him, not giving enough time to discuss terrorism and governance problems affecting the province.

He also accused the provincial government of failing to provide adequate health, education and infrastructure facilities. He said people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been pushed into poverty, disease and underdevelopment, and questioned whether the province had delivered major hospitals, universities, highways or technology projects for its youth.

Tarar further alleged that the province had been left vulnerable to militant influence and claimed that the PTI had facilitated conditions that allowed terrorists to regain space. He said security forces clear areas of militants, but questioned how long such gains could hold if political governance did not support lasting stability.

Asked about the possibility of emergency rule or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar said it would be premature to respond directly. However, his comments came amid an escalating dispute between the federal government and the provincial administration over counterterrorism policy, political protests and governance priorities.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Information for KP Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan also addressed the press conference and questioned the province’s development record. He claimed universities were facing administrative and financial stress and alleged that the provincial police had been left without adequate support.

The latest criticism reflects the deepening political confrontation between the federal government and the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The dispute has intensified as the province faces militant violence, a PTI protest campaign and federal warnings that cooperation on counterterrorism remains essential for national security.