Talal Chaudhry launches scathing attack on PTI after Peshawar rally

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry launched a sharp critique of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following its recent rally in Peshawar, stating that the event was marked solely by criticism, with no mention of any developmental agenda.

According to Chaudhry, the rally failed to present any plans or projects for the future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province grappling with pressing issues such as terrorism, economic instability, and infrastructure challenges.

Chaudhry expressed his dismay at the rally’s content, saying, “There was nothing but rhetoric and criticism. There was no talk about the problems the province is facing, like terrorism or the need for development.” He pointed out that the rally, rather than providing solutions, simply aimed at attacking state institutions.

He went on to accuse PTI’s leadership of targeting the army, which he said had valiantly fought for justice and national security. “The army that defeated the enemy was instead blamed,” he added, highlighting what he perceived as the party’s continuous undermining of state institutions.

The Interior Minister also made pointed remarks about PTI’s founder Imran Khan, accusing him of never speaking out in support of national martyrs, the army, or the country’s key security interests. “The founder of PTI never talked about the martyrs or the struggles of the military,” Chaudhry said. He also criticized Khan for not addressing key international concerns like India and Israel, while the PTI itself had regularly lashed out at state institutions.

Chaudhry raised further concerns over the leadership’s rhetoric, calling it harmful and counterproductive. “These people have no respect for women, nor do they raise their voices for crucial issues like education,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment over PTI’s failure to address core societal challenges, such as the country’s educational deficit, while continuing to launch personal attacks against political opponents.

Reflecting on the current state of PTI, Chaudhry suggested that the party’s continued reliance on criticism instead of constructive policy dialogue was damaging its credibility. “How long will these attacks on state institutions continue to be ignored?” he asked, emphasizing that PTI’s leaders seemed intent on stoking division rather than offering solutions.

In a final jab at PTI’s leadership, Chaudhry remarked on Imran Khan’s political trajectory, saying, “If it were not for the support of others, the founder of PTI would never have become the Prime Minister.”

He concluded by stating that the party’s internal dynamics and scandals left it unfit to lead the country or face the challenges ahead, particularly in important constituencies like Lahore and Faisalabad. “How can those who lost Haripur ever hope to win in major cities like Lahore?” Chaudhry questioned, casting doubt on PTI’s electoral prospects.