Information Minister says attempt to undermine GSP Plus status, says government prevented payment default
Ataullah Tarar gives a press conference on Thursday March 26, 2026. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests, alleging efforts to harm the country’s standing and stability in the world.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar said many people in Pakistan had made sacrifices for the country but asserted that the PTI had failed to do so.
“What kind of sacrifice is stealing a watch? Taking foreign funds? Bribing £190 million? What kind of sacrifice is that?” he said.
“In this country, politicians have made sacrifices beyond their means. There were chants of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ to save the country,” he added. “No one wanted ruin to come to Pakistan because they themselves were ruined…shame on you.”
Tarar said the government had invited Imran Khan’s sons to return to Pakistan using the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), but claimed they had instead chosen other options.
“We asked the PTI founder’s sons to come to Pakistan under NICOP, but they remained focused on other options,” he said. “You made up stories that we were going to arrest you, but we said we would take you in.” »
The minister also criticized the PTI’s economic record, alleging that the party had pushed Pakistan to the brink of default during its tenure.
“The PTI has pushed Pakistan to the brink of default,” he said, adding that prayers or wishes for a sovereign default were unacceptable.
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“If the nation defaults, yes, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will suffer, but more so, it will be the common man who will suffer,” Tarar said. “White-collar workers, blue-collar workers, employees of the country, everyone would suffer.”
He said Pakistan had avoided default under the current PML-N-led government and the World Bank had praised the country’s economic model.
Tarar also criticized PTI’s housing promises, saying the party had pledged to build five million housing units but instead “caused serious damage to Pakistan” during its four years in power.
Referring to trade issues, he alleged that the PTI had attempted to undermine Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status in the European Union in 2024, terming it a deliberate effort to harm exporters and destabilize the economy. He said economic conditions had improved under the current government.
“Criticism is a right for everyone, but the dignity of the country must not be compromised,” Tarar said. “No leader or political party is bigger than Pakistan.”
The minister accused foreign activists and former PTI associates, including Arif Aajakia and Zulfi Bukhari, of engaging in conspiracies that damaged Pakistan’s image abroad.
“Arif Aajakia is running campaigns for India in the UK. Aajakia has always been seen spreading propaganda against Pakistan,” he said, adding that Zulfi Bukhari and his associates were involved in “conspiracies against Pakistan”.
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Tarar also criticized the PTI’s stance on international issues, saying, “In PTI’s narratives, we have never seen any condemnation of Israel,” and accused the party of not opposing developments threatening Pakistan’s sovereignty.
He concluded by affirming Pakistan’s resilience despite political challenges.
“The more conspiracies against Pakistan, the more Pakistan will rise,” Tarar said, adding that Pakistan’s diplomatic role in the Middle East was gaining global recognition.
He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Marshal Syed Asim Munir for strengthening Pakistan’s international position, and claimed Indian media seemed “troubled” by Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile.
