ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of fracturing national unity behind the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on the television program Aaj with host Shahzeb Khanzada, Chaudhry claimed the “biggest difference” is being created by the PTI. He alleged that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandhy only engages with the federal government for financial resources, such as attending National Finance Commission meetings, but deliberately avoids critical anti-terrorism huddles chaired by the Prime Minister.
“Before speaking publicly, a lot of effort was made behind the scenes to create a consensus on the war against terrorism,” Chaudhry stated, implying failed outreach to the PTI-led province.
The minister levelled a serious charge, claiming the KP Chief Minister directed the province’s Inspector General of Police and Chief Secretary not to actively combat terrorism, fearing political alienation. “The Chief Minister told the IG and the Chief Secretary that we will not fight, otherwise we will also become ANP, PPP, PML-N and JUI-F,” Chaudhry quoted.
He framed this stance as a deliberate political strategy. “This is their narrative, behind which are the founders of PTI, who believe that the more the state remains under pressure and fragmented, the more they will gain politically,” Chaudhry concluded, suggesting PTI prioritizes political gain over national security cohesion.
Meanwhile Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has declared his firm opposition to any negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing the party’s internal contradictions and questioning its commitment to the state.
Speaking on ARY News’ program Aabit Hai, Asif stated that sincerity was a prerequisite for dialogue, a quality he finds absent in the PTI. “For some time now, PTI has been showing different colors,” he said, noting that some members advocate for talks while others push for confrontation. He centered his criticism on the imprisoned PTI founder, Imran Khan, asserting he has “no agenda except his own” and is unwilling to provide any guarantees.
