Federal and PTI clash over security and governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

During a heated exchange on Thursday, federal officials blamed the PTI-run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for not adequately confronting a surge in terrorist attacks, describing the province as turning into a war zone. PTI responded by accusing the centre of scapegoating the province for the fallout of “flawed federal policies” and demanded that the government stop daily media attacks that undermine dialogue. PTI information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the government cannot claim to seek negotiations while allowing its allies to repeatedly vilify PTI leaders and the provincial administration.

Finance minister Bilal Azhar Kayani reiterated concerns over the sharp rise in terrorism, and Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam urged the provincial leadership to focus on public problems rather than a shifting protest march that disrupts travel. Both sides called for the other to demonstrate seriousness about a political settlement.