Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar recently criticized former federal minister Murad Saeed for allegedly leading a violent protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claiming the aim was to sow chaos and unrest in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, Tarar accused Saeed of hiding in the Chief Minister’s House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to evade arrest. He expressed regret over the potential need to raid the CM House to detain him, saying, “It does not feel right to raid the CM House for his arrest." He also mentioned that there had been reports indicating that the protest was a cover for bloodshed, designed to provoke violence under the guise of a peaceful demonstration.
Tarar strongly criticized PTI’s motives, stating that the party was seeking to create disorder and threaten public safety, adding, “The purpose of their actions is to spread anarchy in the country by risking the lives of innocent people.”
Further addressing the situation, Tarar called for the establishment of a special task force within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to tackle the issue of misleading and harmful posts circulating on social media. He emphasized that those using such platforms to incite violence or promote false narratives would be held accountable.
"The politics of death must end," he declared, vowing that all those responsible for the violence and disturbances would face justice. He also pointed out that the people of KP are increasingly disillusioned with politics centered around violence and disorder.
Tarar revealed that weapons purchased with KP government funds were allegedly used during the protests, adding that some of the arrested protesters, including Afghan nationals, were part of the violent faction involved. He made it clear that the protest was illegal, as it had not received permission from the court.
Finally, Tarar questioned the timing of the protest, asking, “What was the reason for calling a protest during the visit of foreign delegations to Pakistan?” He implied that such actions were intended to disrupt important diplomatic engagements, further deepening the political crisis in the country.