Says those who espouse extremism will be dealt with iron hands, no more jail meetings or gatherings will be allowed
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
Information Minister Ata Tarar on Friday ruled out any negotiations 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 scope for 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 wish to talk in parliament, we can certainly hold discussions — but only after they apologise for their conduct and acknowledge the embarrassment caused by a leader who makes such irresponsible statements and harms the country. Otherwise, I believe they have missed their chance.”
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Endorsing the recent DG ISPR press conference, Tarar said, “We believe 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 hostile to the national interest.
Recalling the May 9 incident, Tarar said those involved, attacked military installations, set fire to MM Alam’s aircraft, burned Jinnah House, and desecrated the statue of Colonel Sher Khan. “Even enemies do not 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 truly believe he is a mentally sick man.”
Addressing jail visits, Tarar said meetings are strictly governed by law and procedure. “The jail manual states that political discussions or anti-state conversations cannot take place. Only the prisoner’s well-being and legal matters may be discussed. Uzma Khan has violated these rules, and her meetings have been suspended,” he stated.
He warned that anyone attempting to create law and order disruptions outside the jail would face FIRs and strict legal action. “The gloves are off,” he said, adding, “Anyone attempting to disrupt order will be dealt with iron hands. It is time to re-establish the writ of the state, and no jail meeting or public gathering will be allowed without strict legal procedures.”
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On potential future action against the PTI, Tarar said, “The noose will be tightened around those responsible. They will be taken to task for spreading hateful and toxic narratives.”
He also spoke on the constitutional option of governor’s rule, describing it as ‘a serious option available to every government’. He noted, “Fortunately, their chief minister is now behaving — he attended the NFC meeting and is taking part in discussions, which is positive. But if they fail to deliver, if governance gaps appear or law and order deteriorates, then governor’s rule is a serious and constitutional option. It will certainly be examined if needed.”
Responding to the delay in issuing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) notification, Tarar explained that structural changes required careful planning. “The office of the Joint Chiefs had ended, and a complete structure for the CDF needed to be put in place,” he said, adding, “Those who claimed at the time that differences had emerged… owe an apology to the nation. It would have been better, had they waited; the notification was always going to be issued.”
