By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has challenged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to proceed with its planned long march and sit-in in Islamabad, alleging that the party lacks preparations for the September 27 protest.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Tarar claimed that PTI was retreating from its announced protest and long march. PTI, however, has maintained that it will hold a peaceful demonstration on September 27.
The federal minister also criticised the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying political parties had come under attack in the province. He alleged that the provincial government had failed to adequately condemn terrorist incidents.
Tarar accused KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of facilitating militants and alleged that PTI had links with militant groups, referring to the party as the “C-team” of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). PTI has rejected government claims that its planned protest is intended to be violent and has instructed its supporters not to carry weapons.
Tarar said the government would not permit any violent activity in Islamabad, adding that terrorism would ultimately be eliminated from the country.
Meanwhile, Afridi said PTI intended to exercise what it considers its constitutional right to peaceful protest on September 27. He also directed the KP police to resist unlawful orders and focus on their professional responsibilities amid the ongoing dispute between the federal and provincial governments.
