PTI must return to parliamentary platform for dialogue: Talal

FAISALABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has asserted that if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) wants to engage in dialogue, it must return to the parliamentary platform.

Speaking to media after offering condolences to the family of Sheikh Muhammad Majid, a security official martyred in a recent terrorist attack in Zhob, Balochistan, Talal Chaudhry accused PTI members of double standards.

“They deliver fiery speeches during the day and beg through the backdoor at night. There can be no discussion on an NRO,” he said.

Talal Chaudhry further said Pakistan’s establishment does not wish to involve itself in politics.

He stressed that all political parties must set aside their differences and stand united alongside the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.

He called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to establish security institutions similar to those in Punjab, saying that 90 per cent of terrorist incidents can be prevented through such coordinated operations.

“Previously, terrorists targeted police stations and checkpoints now they are attacking hospitals and unarmed civilians,” he said.

Criticising KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other lawmakers for not visiting the homes of martyrs, he questioned whether their soft stance on terrorism was preventing them from showing solidarity with the families of those martyred.

Talal Chaudhry accused India-backed proxies of carrying out terrorist attacks in Balochistan and said the federal government is working closely with the provincial authorities to counter the threat. “The people being killed are not just Punjabis -- they are Pakistanis. And those killing them are terrorists fuelled by the mischief of Hindustan,” he stated.

He added that the roots of terrorism in Pakistan link back to foreign conspiracies aimed at sowing division between Punjabis and Baloch people. “Our enemy wants to pit communities against each other, but we must stand united.”

The minister also highlighted the daily sacrifices of security personnel, saying, “Every day, at least three personnel from law enforcement agencies lay down their lives for the nation.”

Addressing concerns over provincial resource sharing, Talal Chaudhry pointed out that Punjab voluntarily gave Balochistan its fair share in the NFC Award. “Balochistan uses 70 per cent of the gas it produces, and Punjab has provided both water and financial support to the province,” he said, adding that Pakistan is fully capable of defeating those who seek to destabilise it.