Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on Thursday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of acting as a facilitator of terrorists, alleging that the nomination of Sohail Afridi for the Chief Minister’s post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was meant to “support terrorist networks.”

Speaking alongside Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali, Tarar said the move reflects PTI’s continued attempts to destabilize Pakistan’s peace and security.

'PTI a chaotic group facilitating terrorists'

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Atta Tarar said that the “chaotic group” led by the jailed PTI founder had undermined Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

Also Read: Gandapur announces resignation as KP chief minister

“During the tenure of the person sitting in jail, the National Action Plan was abolished and terrorists were brought back,” he said. “Now Sohail Afridi has been nominated as Chief Minister so that these elements can be openly facilitated.”

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He said that PTI’s past policies emboldened militants, recalling that during operations Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-ul-Azb, Pakistan had achieved major successes in driving terrorists back. “The terrorists were sent to hell, and peace was restored,” Tarar added, “but facilitation continues till today.”

The controversy emerged after Imran Khan directed that Sohail Afridi, a member of the KP Assembly from the Khyber district, be made the new Chief Minister, replacing Ali Amin Gandapur. Following this directive, Gandapur announced his resignation and sent it to the Governor.

Atta Tarar alleged that Gandapur was removed because he was “not meeting Imran Khan’s expectations” and “was unable to facilitate terrorists properly.” He added, “Imran Khan said to bring a person who is a close associate of Murad Saeed and has a soft spot for terrorists.”

Govt reaffirms Pakistan’s security policy

The Information Minister strongly criticised PTI’s stance on national security. “Pakistan’s security policy is and will continue to be made in Islamabad — not in Kabul,” Tarar asserted. “We will never allow terrorists to dominate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

He also claimed that terrorism had increased in KP despite PTI’s government for the past 12 years, saying that their approach toward extremists has “damaged national security.”

Atta Tarar further said that PTI’s “narrative has been shattered” following the London court’s decision against YouTuber Adil Raja, who was fined £50,000 for baseless allegations against Brigadier (retd) Rashid Naseer.
“With what face can these anarchists now speak against the state or the army?” Tarar questioned, calling the verdict a moral defeat for PTI and its affiliates abroad.

Ikhtiar Wali’s remarks on PTI’s internal rift

Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali said that Ali Amin Gandapur was removed “because of two women — Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan.” He alleged that internal disputes and personal loyalties have “crippled PTI from within,” adding that “the party will start from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and end there.”

Wali claimed that Imran Khan’s only goal is to “clash with the state” and “defame Pakistan and its army.”

Who Is Sohail Afridi?

Muhammad Sohail Afridi, a provincial minister from Khyber district, belongs to the Shalobar tribe and has a long association with PTI through its student wing, Insaf Student Federation (ISF), where he once served as provincial president.

Afridi first entered the KP Assembly in February 2024 as an independent candidate from PK-70 (Khyber-II) before joining PTI. He later became Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Communications and Works (C&W) and was promoted to Minister for Higher Education after a cabinet reshuffle.

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Known for his grassroots connections and reform-oriented stance, Afridi has gained prominence within PTI ranks. Despite reports of his nomination as Chief Minister, he has denied receiving any official notification from party leadership.

“Our government is committed to continuing progress and stability in the province,” he said recently, expressing loyalty to the party and respect for Ali Amin Gandapur.