ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has claimed that many leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are deliberately seeking arrest to avoid participating in the upcoming protest planned by the party.

According to Tarar, PTI’s leadership has no interest in securing the release of their leader, Imran Khan, from prison, and they are instead focused on other agendas. He shared reports from Punjab and Islamabad indicating that a large number of PTI leaders, both senior and junior, are voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement authorities.

This, he suggested, points to deepening rifts within the party, especially between Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Tarar further argued that the protests planned by PTI are part of a broader strategy to pressure the government into granting a concession similar to an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) for Khan’s release. Tarar made it clear that the government is unable to fulfill such demands as they are within the domain of the judiciary.

He stressed that PTI should present its case before the courts for Khan’s release, as the former Prime Minister faces several serious charges. “The government cannot interfere in the judicial process,” he added. The Information Minister also took the opportunity to criticize PTI’s history of creating political turmoil. He recalled the party’s 2014 sit-in, which had resulted in chaos and violence, including PTI supporters setting fire to Parliament and injuring numerous policemen. Tarar stated that any attempt by PTI to disrupt the nation’s economic progress, which has been improving steadily over the past eight months, would not be tolerated.

He pointed to recent positive developments, such as increased remittances, lower interest rates, and reduced inflation, and warned that any effort to derail the economy would face strict action. He further emphasized that the arrival of a high-level Belarusian delegation in Islamabad, aimed at boosting foreign investment in Pakistan, highlighted the importance of maintaining stability. Tarar mentioned that Belarus’s President would also be visiting soon to deepen economic ties. “We will not allow any disruption of Pakistan’s foreign relations or economic stability,” he said. In terms of security,

Tarar assured the public that the government would not allow any challenges to the state’s authority. He added that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared and deployed across Islamabad to prevent any unrest. While life in the capital remains normal, authorities have closed certain major roads to maintain law and order. He noted that PTI’s protests, particularly if they were to cause road closures, could damage local businesses and hurt the economy.

Moreover, Tarar blamed PTI for the financial losses incurred by traders and businesses due to the party’s protests and road blockages. He also reminded the public of PTI’s role in the violence that occurred on May 9, which involved attacks on sensitive military installations and the desecration of martyr memorials. “We will not allow any miscreants to challenge the state’s authority,” Tarar reiterated. In a related development,

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik also criticized PTI leadership, accusing them of having no real interest in Imran Khan’s release. Malik pointed out the discrepancy between the speeches of PTI leaders, who speak of violence and unrest, and their actions of hiding away in hotels while the party’s supporters are left to face the consequences. “They talk about bloodshed and fire but are nowhere to be found during the night,” he remarked. Malik further questioned the political involvement of Bushra Bibi, once considered apolitical.

He expressed concern over her increasing visibility in political matters and her role in leading PTI rallies, suggesting that she was no longer keeping to the apolitical stance she had once claimed. “What happened to your narrative of hereditary politics?” Malik asked. He also referred to the cipher issue, which was reportedly instigated by Bushra Bibi, and suggested that it had become a significant factor in PTI’s decision-making. “Now it all makes sense,” Malik added. He expressed concern about a recent statement made by Bushra Bibi regarding a foreign country, which he claimed had caused embarrassment internationally and harmed Pakistan’s foreign policy standing.