KOHAT: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has questioned the utilization of funds allocated for law and order and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asking the provincial government to explain where the money has been spent.
Speaking to the media in Kohat after visiting injured security personnel and meeting the families of those killed in a recent terrorist incident, Tarar said the provincial government should provide answers regarding the use of resources allocated for maintaining security and carrying out development projects.
The minister also criticized the provincial government’s performance in sectors including education, health and public welfare. He said the federal government would continue to play its role in addressing issues related to electricity and gas in the province.
Tarar also raised questions about mining contracts awarded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for details of the beneficiaries, the procedures followed and the purpose for which the contracts were issued.
He said matters involving gold, minerals, timber and tobacco would be examined and argued that the province’s natural resources should generate revenue for the benefit of its people. He also alleged that illegal mining and tax evasion were causing significant revenue losses, while calling for greater transparency in the awarding of contracts.
The minister further questioned the alleged revenue losses in the tobacco sector and said the government would examine the flow of timber and other natural resources from the province.
Tarar’s remarks came amid continued political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
He criticized Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over his response to the recent security situation and questioned his absence from Kohat during the incident. Tarar also challenged the provincial government’s performance in education, health, policing and other public services.
He said the federal government had repeatedly offered dialogue and claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called for talks on several occasions. At the same time, Tarar warned that violent protests or attempts to block roads would not be allowed and said the government would maintain law and order in Islamabad.
Tribute Paid to Security Personnel
During his visit to Kohat, Tarar met injured personnel at CMH Kohat and expressed solidarity with the families of those killed in the terrorist incident. The minister praised the courage of police and security personnel and said the government remained committed to combating terrorism.
Tarar also visited the family of police official Faheemullah, who was killed in the incident, and offered condolences to his father. He said the sacrifices of security personnel would not be forgotten.
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The minister’s visit and statements have added another dimension to the ongoing debate over security, governance, development spending and the management of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural resources.
