The federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) traded accusations over governance and rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday.
Federal ministers accused the PTI-led provincial government of failing to address security challenges while focusing on its long march towards Islamabad. PTI, meanwhile, accused the Centre of shifting blame for the consequences of what it called flawed federal policies.
The dispute also threatened efforts to resolve the ongoing political impasse. PTI called on the federal government to restrain its ministers if it wanted meaningful negotiations.
PTI Says Government Statements Undermine Dialogue
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said daily press conferences and provocative statements were creating an atmosphere of confrontation.
He argued that the government could not call for negotiations while allowing ministers to repeatedly criticise PTI leaders and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
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Akram urged the Centre to demonstrate its commitment to dialogue by accepting the party’s demands.
He also rejected attempts to hold the provincial government or Chief Minister Sohail Afridi responsible for widespread terrorism in the province.
Federal Minister Raises Security Concerns
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani expressed concern over the rise in terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He accused the provincial government of neglecting its counterterrorism responsibilities while preparing for the march towards Islamabad.
Kayani also argued that the province had become increasingly insecure. He called for stronger action against terrorism and said the government would not tolerate attacks on state institutions or military installations.
Muqam Criticises PTI’s Long March
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam urged the provincial government to prioritise public issues instead of political protests.
He said terrorist attacks continued while the provincial leadership concentrated on the long march.
Muqam also criticised changes to the march’s route. He said road closures were disrupting daily life and making travel difficult for residents.
The minister accused the provincial government of neglecting public welfare and business activity during the protest.
Political Deadlock Continues
The exchange comes amid a wider standoff between the government and PTI over negotiations and the party’s protest movement.
The march began in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is seeking the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Earlier negotiations failed to resolve the dispute, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown.
The latest statements highlight continuing disagreements over security policy, provincial responsibilities and the conditions for political dialogue.
