Lahore: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for its inadequate prosecution efforts against terrorists, labeling it a significant failure in the province’s legal system. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Tarar highlighted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has ruled the province for the past twelve years, has not managed to strengthen its prosecution system sufficiently to hold criminals and terrorists accountable.

According to Radio Pakistan, Tarar noted that over four thousand terrorism cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have yet to reach the indictment stage. He revealed that thousands of cases have remained pending for the last three years, pointing to the province’s weak legal framework. Tarar condemned PTI’s role, stating that its political-terror-crime nexus is designed to spread uncertainty and divert the nation’s focus from combating terrorism.

The Minister further criticized the PTI government for allowing non-custom-paid vehicles to operate freely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing significant revenue losses. He claimed that this situation, unique to the province, is depriving the national treasury of billions of rupees. Tarar suggested that registering these vehicles and taxing the tobacco mafia could generate substantial revenue.

On the issue of smuggling, Tarar accused provincial government officials of involvement in drug trafficking and illicit trade. He expressed concern over the apparent protection terrorists receive when they target the army, police, and schools, but not those involved in the lucrative drug trade.

Addressing infiltration attempts from Afghanistan, Tarar highlighted that Afghan soil is being used by terrorists to orchestrate attacks in Pakistan. He assured that Pakistan’s armed forces are vigilant and prepared to thwart any threats from the country’s enemies.