He says those who support extremism will be dealt with with iron hands and no meetings or gatherings in prison will be allowed
Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
Information Minister Ata Tarar on Friday ruled out any negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying there could be no dialogue with “those who espouse divisive, violent and extremist views”.
Speaking to a private news channel, Tarar said that anyone who seeks to weaken the armed forces, undermine state institutions or push the country towards chaos “has no opportunity to engage.” He replied, “They 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 speak in Parliament, we can certainly hold discussions – but only after they apologize for their conduct and acknowledge the embarrassment caused by a leader making such irresponsible statements and harming the country. Otherwise, I think they have missed their chance.”
Read: DG ISPR slams Imran’s ‘anti-army’ speech, calling it ‘national threat’
Approving 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 the actions of PTI leaders, including calls to withhold international aid to Pakistan, as inimical to the national interest.
Recalling the May 9 incident, Tarar said those involved attacked military installations, torched MM Alam’s plane, set Jinnah House on fire and desecrated the statue of Colonel Sher Khan. “Even the 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 constructing is false, born of frustration. Imran Khan and his party are frustrated – and we sincerely believe he is a mentally ill man.”
Addressing prison visits, Tarar said meetings are strictly governed by law and procedure. “The prison manual states that political discussions or anti-state conversations cannot take place. Only the prisoner’s welfare and legal matters can be discussed. Uzma Khan violated these rules and her meetings were suspended,” he said.
He warned that anyone attempting to disturb law and order outside the jail would face FIRs and strict legal action. “Let’s take off the gloves,” he said, adding: “Anyone who attempts to disrupt order will be dealt with with iron hands. It is time to restore state order, and no prison meetings or public gatherings will be allowed without strict legal procedures.”
Read also: Provinces can help the Center collect more revenue if they are empowered to do so: Bilawal
Regarding possible 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 about the constitutional option of the governor’s government, describing it as “a serious option available to any government.” He noted: “Fortunately, their chief minister is now behaving well: he attended the NFC meeting and is taking part in the discussions, which is positive. But if they fail to deliver on their promises, if governance gaps emerge or law and order deteriorates, then governor’s rule is a serious and constitutional option. It will certainly be considered if necessary.”
Responding to the delay in notifying the Chief of Defense Force (CDF), Tarar explained that structural changes required careful planning. “The office of Chiefs of Staff had ended and a comprehensive structure for the CDF had to be put in place,” he said, adding: “Those who claimed at the time that discrepancies had arisen… must apologize to the nation. It would have been better to wait; the notice was always going to be issued.”
