Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar Emphasizes Broader Political Consensus Amidst PTI Accusations
In a statement made on Saturday, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar addressed the media, underscoring the coalition government’s ongoing efforts to create a broader political consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments. Despite having the numbers necessary to pass the amendment, Tarar emphasized that the government remained committed to including all political stakeholders in the process.
Consultations for Constitutional Package Continue
Tarar, alongside senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Haneef Abbasi, spoke to the media outside Parliament House, highlighting the democratic nature of the coalition’s approach. He noted that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had already held meetings with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the constitutional amendments.
“We are democratic people, and we strive to create a consensus among all political stakeholders,” Tarar said. “In democratic societies, efforts are made for consensus building through consultations.”
This ongoing dialogue is aimed at ensuring that the amendments are widely accepted across the political spectrum, rather than being imposed unilaterally, which Tarar noted was a critical aspect of democratic governance.
KP Police Transfers and PTI’s Political Agenda
In his address, Tarar also pointed out the changes within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, specifically highlighting the transfer of powers related to the posting and transfer of police officers from the Inspector General of Police (IG) to the Chief Minister. He accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of manipulating the police to achieve political objectives, criticizing the KP government for attempting to politically control the province’s law enforcement apparatus.
“The PTI aims to obtain political objectives from the police,” Tarar alleged, stressing that the provincial government’s actions were an attempt to shift blame onto national institutions for issues arising in KP. He claimed that the PTI’s leadership was more interested in political maneuvering than in addressing the real needs of the people.
NA Set to Pass 26th Constitutional Amendment
Tarar further revealed that the National Assembly is expected to pass the 26th Constitutional Amendment soon. The minister said that although the coalition government had secured the required numbers for the amendment, they were still focused on building consensus with other political parties.
“The PTI has the habit of blaming others, but they do not look at their own behavior,” Tarar remarked, adding that the PTI leadership’s approach had consistently been one of deflection rather than self-reflection.
He also accused the PTI of inciting violence against dissenters within their own ranks. According to Tarar, the PTI leadership had threatened to set fire to the homes and businesses of members who disagreed with their party line, further intensifying the party’s internal rifts.
Efforts for Judicial Reforms and Constitutional Amendments
In the context of judicial reforms, Tarar reiterated the government’s desire for consensus in the national interest. However, he acknowledged that if such an agreement could not be reached, the ruling alliance would explore other options within the constitution to push ahead with reforms.
“While we prefer consensus, other options within the constitution are available,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to constitutional and legal avenues.
Fake News Scandal and Accountability
Shifting focus to the issue of fake news, Tarar disclosed that the government had traced the individual responsible for spreading false information about a recent rape case. “A woman from Karachi who posted fake news on social media yesterday has been identified,” Tarar confirmed.
He condemned the orchestrated disinformation campaign and the involvement of political actors behind recent student protests, accusing PTI leaders of orchestrating the protests to destabilize the government. He mentioned that the names of the PTI leaders involved would soon be revealed and that a First Information Report (FIR) had already been registered against those responsible.
No Leniency in High-Profile Corruption Cases
The minister also addressed questions regarding several high-profile corruption cases, including the £190 million Toshakhana case, one of the largest scandals in Pakistan’s history. Tarar affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, making it clear that no National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) or amnesty would be extended to individuals implicated in the case.
“The £190 million scandal is a mega corruption case, and we have a zero-tolerance policy in this regard. No NRO will be given to criminals,” he emphasized.
Tarar also pressed for a swift conclusion to the May 9 cases, where PTI leaders and activists are accused of inciting riots and damaging public property during protests. He demanded that the culprits be brought to justice without delay, ensuring that the law is applied equally to all.
Further Consultations for Broader Consensus
Tarar confirmed that the National Assembly session had been adjourned to allow for further consultations with key political figures, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, as the government worked to broaden political consensus on the constitutional package.
He also shared that PML-N leaders Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Hamza Shahbaz Sharif were expected to arrive in Islamabad for further discussions. Their presence, according to Tarar, signals the seriousness of the coalition government’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and consensus building.
Commitment to Media Freedom
Addressing concerns raised by journalists, Tarar maintained that there was no animosity between the government and the media. He emphasized that the government remained committed to safeguarding press freedom and supporting the welfare of the media community.
“I have always worked for the welfare of the media and remain available to support freedom of expression 24 hours a day,” Tarar concluded.
With political tensions rising, particularly between the ruling alliance and PTI, the coming weeks are likely to see more intense discussions surrounding the proposed constitutional amendments and the broader political landscape of Pakistan. The government’s focus on consensus-building and legal accountability marks a critical phase in the country’s democratic process, especially as high-profile cases and constitutional reforms come to the forefront.
