Government Accuses PTI of Spreading False Narratives Amid Economic Progress
ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP) — In a recent press conference, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, condemned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for allegedly propagating a misleading narrative over recent protests. Tarar claimed that PTI is attempting to mislead the public with false claims and accusations, particularly surrounding allegations of law enforcement officers firing on protesters. He challenged the PTI to furnish any evidence to substantiate their claims, asserting there exists no video footage or verifiable evidence showing law enforcement personnel engaging in such violent acts.
Further addressing the situation, Tarar highlighted the contradictions within PTI’s narrative regarding fatalities allegedly resulting from police actions. He referenced senior PTI leaders, such as Lateef Khosa, who cited numbers vastly differing from PTI Chairman Gohar’s claims, sparking confusion in the party’s reported figures. Tarar characterized these divergent accounts as fabrications, asserting that if the PTI had any deceased individuals, they should present tangible evidence to the media rather than rely on what he termed “social media fantasies.” He criticized PTI for exploiting the situation to undermine state integrity, while failing to show compassion for the security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The minister went further to discredit the PTI’s claims about individual casualties, providing an example of a boy purportedly killed by law enforcement during protests who, as per his father’s recent clarification, is alive and safe at home. As Tarar underscored the need for responsible political behavior, he reflected on international standards, comparing the situation to the stringent measures that countries like the United States and the United Kingdom maintain regarding armed protests outside key government buildings.
Turning towards economic issues, Tarar heralded the government’s economic management, stating that inflation has notably decreased to a 70-month low—a reflection of effective governance. He outlined key indicators of economic success, such as a rise in foreign exchange reserves above the $11 billion mark, a caution in consumer prices, and significant improvements in the stock market which recently surpassed the 100,000 points threshold. Additionally, he noted that interest rates have been lowered to 15%, encouraging further investments in the nation and stimulating economic growth.
Tarar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decisive actions in steering Pakistan away from a potential default, illustrating the significant social and economic reforms undertaken by the current administration. He cited the International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director as recognizing the gravity of the situation and the effectiveness of Sharif’s policies in maintaining economic stability in the country. He also recalled a time when a political party was allegedly lobbying against IMF assistance, underscoring the severity of the financial crisis that the government has now largely navigated.
In conclusion, Tarar expressed optimism regarding Pakistan’s economic future, projecting additional improvements in development and stability in the upcoming months. Through a combination of policy shifts and diligent governance, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a more resilient economy while addressing the challenges posed by opposition parties that he claims prioritize political gain over national interest.
