Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has said that the government will continue efforts to eradicate terrorism, reported 24NewsHD TV on Monday.
Addressing party workers in Kohat, he said the morale of injured soldiers receiving treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kohat was inspiring, while army and police personnel had participated in the operation against terrorists with great bravery.
Tarar said the martyrdom of soldier Fahim was a source of pride for his father, adding that terrorists could not diminish the spirit of the nation.
“Coward terrorists are launching attacks from hiding,” Tarar said, vowing that the government would not rest until terrorism was eliminated from its roots.
Tarar said a somber atmosphere prevailed in the city, adding that “brave sons of the soil have sacrificed their lives in defense of the country.”
The minister questioned the whereabouts of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at the time of the Kohat incident, alleging that he was in Lahore for political point-scoring.
“They have time for the politics of chaos but no time for the people of their own province,” Tarar commented, claiming that Afridi took a 15-minute helicopter ride and then left.
He claimed that the province did not even have a forensic laboratory to assist the police and alleged that contracts were being awarded to cronies to collect money.
The minister further alleged that new records of corruption were being set in the province and questioned the allocation of gold mining contracts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said no one knew where the province’s development funds were being spent, while also contending that forests were being cut down and factories producing counterfeit cigarettes had been uncovered.
Speaking about political protests, the minister said no one would be allowed to shut down Islamabad and that an armed mob would not be permitted to march towards the federal capital.
He accused PTI members of never been peaceful, saying “peaceful people do not leave their homes carrying nail-studded clubs.”
He added that PTI members would be held accountable and would not be allowed to hide behind excuses regarding funds.