ISLAMABAD: The opposition PTI, which rules Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, blamed the federal government for the deteriorating security situation in KP and Balochistan, with its spokesperson saying that the recent Senate debate laid bare the disconnect between the power corridors and the ground realities.

“While innocent citizens and security personnel continue to pay the ultimate price in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and across Balochistan and KP, the self-appointed guardians of the state remain obsessively busy…(in) drafting fresh formulas to cling to power,” alleged information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram.

He claimed the government was busier victimising political opponents than in protecting citizens or reviving the economy. Mr Akram stressed that the people of KP and Balochistan deserved far more than platitudes.

“They deserve peace, security, dignity, and a state that treats their lives as a priority, not an afterthought.”

Salman Akram Raja laments flouting of court orders on Imran’s meetings

He called upon the authorities to ensure resolute counter-terrorism measures, meaningful economic relief for the masses, restoration of democratic norms, and institutional accountability.

In another statement, he condemned the alarming surge in food adulteration and the deepening agriculture and food security crisis, terming it a complete failure of state.

He also lambasted the government’s disastrous handling of the wheat sector, pointing out that withdrawing procurement and support mechanisms without any viable alternative inflicted massive losses on farmers while triggering sharp flour price hikes for consumers.

It may be noted that under the 2026 strategy, the government aimed to procure 3 million tonnes of wheat through 11 private companies, shifting away from its state-led buying model.

Media talk outside SC

Meanwhile, during a media talk outside the Supreme Court, the PTI leaders raised concerns over the treatment meted out to PTI chief Imran Khan and spouse Bushra Bibi in jail, as well as legal proceedings in their cases. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that Imran Khan was in jail for “over one thousand days”, adding that the PTI chief was losing vision in one eye but he was still not allowed to be examined by his doctors.

He said that court orders regarding meetings were not being implemented. The PTI leader claimed that multiple cases, including the Toshakhana case, were “fabricated” and based on statements of government witnesses. Lawyer Hamid Khan said that petitions were being filed in the Supreme Court seeking permission for meetings with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, along with requests regarding jail facilities and prisoners’ rights.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026