ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday launched yet another attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, specifically naming Zulfi Bukhari and the sons of the PTI founder, accusing them of orchestrating a coordinated propaganda campaign against the country from international platforms.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister maintained that the current regional and economic situation of the country did not allow for any tolerance toward narratives that sought to undermine national interests, alleging that recent activities in Geneva and London were part of a larger conspiracy where individuals associated with the PTI were seen engaging with elements hostile to Pakistan.
The minister’s remarks appeared to be a direct reaction to Zulfi Bukhari’s recent appearance at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where discussions regarding Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status and internal political situation reportedly took place.
Tarar expressed his indignation over Mr Bukhari’s interactions abroad, alleging that the PTI leader had met with and exchanged contact details with known “enemies of Pakistan,” citing photographic evidence of these encounters as proof of a clear anti-state agenda. He suggested that the poses and body language in these images left little doubt about the nature of the coordination taking place on foreign soil.
Turning his attention toward the sons of the PTI founder, the federal minister took a personal swipe at their public addresses, suggesting that their speeches were scripted by their mother and delivered without any genuine connection to the country.
He questioned why the young men chose to reside in the Goldsmith residence and avoided using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis, challenging the narrative that they would face arrest upon arrival in Pakistan. Atta Mr Tarar emphasized that the government would welcome them to the country but criticized what he described as a sense of shame in embracing their Pakistani citizenship while simultaneously lobbying against the state’s economic and political stability.
He reiterated that such “conspiracies” would fail to cause any harm to the federation, insisting that that those speaking against the country from comfortable positions abroad should be ashamed of their conduct, particularly at a time when Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its international standing.
