He says those who embrace extremism will be dealt with with an iron fist and no more gatherings or gatherings will be allowed in prison.
Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar. Photo: Archive
Information Minister Ata Tarar on Friday ruled out any negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying there could be no dialogue with “those who espouse divisive, violent and extremist views.”
Speaking to a private news channel, Tarar said anyone seeking to weaken the military, undermine state institutions or push the country into chaos “has no room to compromise.” He said: “They have missed the bus,” when asked if reconciliation with the PTI was possible.
However, he left a conditional opening for dialogue, saying: “Without Imran Khan, if they wish to speak in parliament, we can certainly have discussions, but only after they apologize for their conduct and acknowledge the embarrassment caused by a leader who makes such irresponsible statements and harms the country. Otherwise, I think they have missed their chance.”
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Endorsing the recent press conference of DG ISPR, Tarar said, “We believe that Imran Khan is a threat to this country and wants to harm it.” He condemned the actions of PTI leaders, including calls to deny international aid to Pakistan, as hostile to the national interest.
Recalling the May 9 incident, Tarar said those involved attacked military installations, set MM Alam’s plane on fire, burnt Jinnah House and desecrated Colonel Sher Khan’s statue. “Not even the enemies do what they did,” he said.
“They refuse to back down. Imran Khan is a threat to national security, to Pakistan, to the integrity of the state. The narrative they are constructing is false, born of frustration. Imran Khan and his party are frustrated, and we truly believe that he is a mentally ill man.”
Addressing prison visits, Tarar said the meetings are strictly governed by law and procedures. “The jail manual states that no political discussions or anti-state conversations can take place. Only the prisoner’s well-being and legal matters can be discussed. Uzma Khan has violated these rules and his meetings have been suspended,” he said.
He warned that anyone trying to disrupt law and order outside the jail would face FIR and strict legal action. “The gloves have been taken off,” he said, adding: “Anyone who attempts to disrupt order will be dealt with with iron hands. It is time to restore the state’s mandate, and no prison gatherings or public gatherings will be allowed without strict legal procedures.”
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On possible future action against the PTI, Tarar said: “The noose around those responsible will be tightened. They will be reprimanded for spreading toxic and hateful narratives.”
He also spoke about the constitutional option of the governor’s government, describing it as “a serious option available to all governments.” He noted: “Fortunately, your prime minister is now behaving well: he attended the NFC meeting and is participating in the discussions, which is positive. But if they fail to deliver, if governance gaps appear or law and order deteriorates, then the governor’s government is a serious and constitutional option. It will certainly be examined if necessary.”
Responding to the delay in issuance of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) notification, Tarar explained that the structural changes required careful planning. “The Joint Chiefs of Staff office had ended and a complete structure for the CDF needed to be put in place,” he said, adding: “Those who claimed at the time that differences had arisen… owe an apology to the nation. It would have been better if they had waited; the notification was always going to be issued.”
