Information Minister Pledges Action Against Banned Group, Highlights Economic Recovery, Foreign Policy Victories
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addresses a press conference on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday declared the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) an enemy of the state and promised that the government would pursue the banned organization until its complete elimination.
Addressing a press conference, Tarar alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had brought in and harbored terrorists, saying PTI leaders had called the militants “martyrs”, without ever expressing support for the fallen Pakistani soldiers.
He said PTI leaders hesitate when asked to speak out against the banned TTP, wondering why the party avoids condemning the Taliban. “The political wing of the agitation movement is behind the terrorism the nation is suffering from today,” he said.
Economic performance
Highlighting economic indicators, Tarar said the country had been brought back from the brink of default, warning that default would have led to catastrophic consequences. He said Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are increasing and the stock market is registering record gains, reflecting growing investor confidence.
Read: Ideal ties between government and army, says Tarar
The minister noted that remittances worth $3.6 billion were recorded in December alone.
Tarar said the Prime Minister’s foreign visits resulted in tangible economic gains, including Malaysia’s expressed interest in importing halal meat and rice from Pakistan. He added that international flights have resumed and several countries have expressed interest in cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of trade and defense.
He cited defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, existing policy framework and trade progress with Malaysia as major achievements, adding that Pakistan’s passport is now respected internationally.
Diplomatic and security perspectives
The information minister said Pakistan had faced diplomatic isolation during PTI’s tenure but was now registering diplomatic successes. Overseas Pakistanis, he added, are increasingly proud to invest in the country, contrary to PTI’s earlier calls discouraging remittances.
Learn more: Tarar demands apology for global reporting linking Pakistan to Bondi Beach shooting
Tarar also credited Pakistan Armed Forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for achieving decisive success against a larger enemy and safeguarding national interests.
Provincial governance
On provincial governance, Tarar said claims regarding the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were misleading, saying the provincial government, in place for 12 years, had failed to deliver on its promises. He alleged that the health and education sectors in the province are in decline.
He said development in Punjab is evident, while projects are underway in Sindh and Balochistan, adding that progress is visible across the country except KP.
