Tarar slams PTI over UN speech, calls it 'attack on national dignity'

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday launched a strong attack on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing it of undermining Pakistan’s global standing under the guise of political dissent, following a speech at the United Nations by the son of jailed former premier Imran Khan.

The remarks came a day after Kasim Khan raised concerns about his father’s treatment at the United Nations Human Rights Council, alleging violations of international human rights norms and commitments under the GSP+ framework.

Addressing a press conference, Tarar said political criticism was a democratic right but warned that “no political leader is bigger than Pakistan,” terming the development in Geneva an “unfortunate incident”. He accused PTI of prioritising its leadership over national interest and engaging in what he described as “anti-state propaganda”.

The minister also recalled past instances where, according to him, PTI attempted to harm Pakistan’s economic interests, including alleged efforts to influence the International Monetary Fund against extending financial assistance in 2022 and raising doubts over Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status.

Responding to questions about Imran Khan’s sons, Tarar said the government was willing to welcome them to Pakistan but insisted they travel using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), arguing that they should enter as Pakistani citizens rather than on foreign passports.

Commenting on Kasim’s speech, Tarar downplayed it as not being spontaneous and suggested it had been prepared by others, adding that the government was aware of what he termed the opposition’s “designs”.

In a separate political assertion, Tarar claimed that PTI no longer exists as a parliamentary party under the Constitution, noting that its members currently sit as independents or under the Sunni Ittehad Council following the 2024 general elections.

At the outset of his press conference, the minister also pointed to what he described as “growing anxiety” in India over Pakistan’s rising diplomatic role in mediating tensions in the Middle East. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir for elevating Pakistan’s global relevance through active diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari also criticised Kasim’s remarks, likening them to the May 9 unrest in terms of their potential impact on Pakistan’s international standing, particularly its GSP+ status.

In response, the PTI strongly rejected the government’s criticism, terming it an attempt to politicise a “son’s appeal” to meet his father. The party defended its stance, asserting that Imran Khan had consistently upheld Pakistan’s dignity on the global stage and calling on authorities to grant him access to family members and medical care.

The exchange highlights deepening political tensions, with both sides trading accusations over national interest, human rights, and Pakistan’s international image amid an already charged political climate.