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Tarar Blames PTI for Terror Resurgence; Party Hits Back Over ‘Hateful Rhyme’
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar blamed PTI for the return of terrorism after the Islamabad imambargah blast, prompting a fierce backlash from the party, which accused him of mocking a national tragedy.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-07
Tarar Blames PTI for Terror Resurgence; Party Hits Back Over ‘Hateful Rhyme’

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday held Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) responsible for what he described as the resurgence of terrorism in the country, triggering a strong response from the opposition party, which accused the minister of making light of a national tragedy.

Tarar made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Lahore alongside religious scholars, aimed at projecting unity and solidarity following Friday’s suicide attack at an imambargah on the outskirts of Islamabad.

Responding to a question on whether the deadly blast represented a failure of the country’s security agencies, the information minister categorically rejected the notion.

“No, not at all,” Tarar said, adding that Pakistan’s security institutions were regarded as exemplary at the international level.

He cited the recent Jaffar Express attack, saying abducted passengers were recovered “with minimal damages”, and also referenced the Pak-India conflict in May 2025, claiming that “the enemy was brought to its knees, sought mediation and said ‘I’m sorry’”.

While acknowledging that a suicide attack near the federal capital despite the presence of the Safe City surveillance system and extensive security apparatus was “definitely tragic”, Tarar maintained it did not amount to a failure of security agencies.

The minister recalled past military operations, including Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasaad, stating that these efforts had eliminated suicide bombings and restored peace, particularly in Karachi.

“Then, a government came,” Tarar said, adding that although he did not intend to make political remarks, the question had prompted him to do so.

He indirectly referred to former prime minister Imran Khan’s policy of engaging and resettling fighters of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying that some had been described as “peaceful people” and “our brothers” and were allowed to settle in previously cleared areas.

“That same thinking of Taliban Khan; we are paying for that same thinking,” Tarar said.

He asserted that the state had previously expelled and eliminated terrorists and successfully ended terrorism, but alleged that the recent resurgence was linked to PTI’s policies.

“Abb yeh jo dehshatgardi waapis ayi hai, iss kay peechay PTI hai (This return of terrorism is because of PTI),” Tarar remarked, smiling as he made the comment.

The PTI strongly condemned the minister’s statement. In a post on X, the party’s official account said that instead of showing seriousness a day after a deadly attack, the information minister chose to “joke, recite a hateful rhyme, and smile” at a press conference.

“It’s yet another reminder of how little regard they have for the people of Pakistan,” the post said.

In a separate statement from another official PTI account, the party rejected the allegations and lashed out at the minister’s conduct.

“They are in the government for four years, but the way this joker is smiling while blaming the PTI proves what kind of people the government has been handed over to,” the statement read.

The exchange underscores rising political tensions as the country grapples with renewed security challenges following one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in recent years.
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