Says those who advocate extremism will be dealt with iron fists, no more prison rallies or gatherings will be allowed
Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
Information Minister Ata Tarar on Friday ruled out any talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that there could be no dialogue with “those who espouse divisive, violent and extremist views”.
Speaking to a private news channel, Tarar said anyone seeking to weaken the armed forces, undermine state institutions or push the country towards chaos ‘has no option of engagement’. He said, “They have missed the bus,” when asked if reconciliation with the PTI was possible.
However, he left a conditional opening for dialogue, saying: “Without Imran Khan, if they want to speak in parliament, we can certainly hold discussions – but only after they apologize for their behavior and acknowledge the embarrassment caused by a leader who makes such irresponsible statements and harms the country. Otherwise, I think they have missed their chance.”
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Supporting the recent press conference of DG ISPR, Tarar said, “We believe that Imran Khan is a threat to this country and wants to harm it.” He condemned actions by PTI leaders, including calls to deny Pakistan international aid, as inimical to the national interest.
Recalling the May 9 incident, Tarar said those involved attacked military installations, set fire to MM Alam’s plane, burnt Jinnah House and desecrated the statue of Colonel Sher Khan. “Even enemies don’t do what they did,” he said.
“They refuse to back down. Imran Khan is a threat to national security, to Pakistan, to the integrity of the state. The narrative they are building is false, born out of frustration. Imran Khan and his party are frustrated – and we really believe he is a mentally ill man.”
Regarding prison visits, Tarar said meetings are strictly governed by law and procedure. “The prison manual says that political discussions or anti-state talks cannot take place. Only the welfare and legal affairs of the prisoner may be discussed. Uzma Khan has violated these rules and her meetings have been suspended,” he said.
He warned that anyone trying to create disruption of law and order outside the jail would face FIRs and strict legal action. “The gloves are off,” he said, adding, “Anyone who tries to disturb order will be dealt with with iron hands. It is time to restore the writ of the state and no prison meeting or public assembly will be allowed without strict legal procedures.”
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On possible future action against PTI, Tarar said, “The noose will be tightened around those responsible. They will be taken to task for spreading hateful and poisonous narratives.”
He also spoke about the constitutional option of governor’s rule, describing it as “a serious option available to any government”. He noted: “Thankfully, their chief minister is behaving now – he attended the NFC meeting and is participating in discussions, which is positive. But if they don’t deliver, if there are gaps in governance or law and order deteriorates, then governor’s rule is a serious and constitutional option. It will certainly be looked into if necessary.”
Reacting to the delay in issuing the notification by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Tarar explained that structural changes required careful planning. “The office of the Joint Chief was terminated and a complete structure for the CDF was to be put in place,” he said, adding, “Those who claimed at the time that differences had arisen… owe an apology to the nation. It would have been better if they had waited; the notice was always going to be issued.”
