Barrister Saif Defends KP, Questions Punjab’s Flood Response Amid Political Blame Game
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, has lashed out at Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, accusing him and the PML-N of politicizing natural disasters to score points against the PTI-led government in KP.
Saif’s remarks come after Tarar linked the tragic Swat floods to alleged corruption by the provincial administration. In a fiery rebuttal, Barrister Saif not only defended the KP government’s actions but also turned the spotlight on Punjab and Islamabad’s disastrous flood management.
“Swat Tragedy Used As Political Tool”
Barrister Saif said the PML-N had made it a habit to exploit national tragedies for political gain, especially when they happen in PTI-led regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“This is not the time for petty politics. While the KP government is focused on saving lives, federal ministers are more interested in pointing fingers,” he said.
He commended KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for demonstrating statesmanship by offering help to Punjab, despite the political hostility from the center.
“Lahore Was Supposed to Be Paris — It Turned Into Venice”
In a scathing critique of Punjab’s infrastructure, Barrister Saif highlighted the massive urban flooding in Lahore and Islamabad, saying that just a few hours of rainfall had exposed the incompetence of PML-N governance.
“Roads in Lahore and Islamabad have turned into lakes. Even the promises of turning Lahore into Paris have drowned in the floodwaters,” he remarked sarcastically.
He questioned why Atta Tarar had no explanation for the failures in the federal capital and Punjab, asking whether he held anyone accountable for the recurring urban flooding.
KP’s Response to Swat Tragedy Under Fire
The Swat floods left a trail of devastation in KP, prompting criticism of the provincial administration. However, Barrister Saif maintained that the government had responded promptly and effectively, coordinating relief efforts through the PDMA and other disaster response teams.
He also noted that it was irresponsible and insensitive to politicize such incidents instead of encouraging national unity in times of crisis.
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Senate Tensions: Saif Threatens Resignation Over Ticket Delay
Adding fuel to the political fire, Barrister Saif recently threatened to resign from his role as KP’s Information Advisor due to internal PTI rifts over Senate ticket allocations ahead of the July 21 election.
According to party sources, PTI founder Imran Khan instructed Saif to announce the names of six PTI nominees. However, Chief Minister Gandapur allegedly attempted to delay the process, reportedly under pressure from Aleema Khanum.
“I will resign before I betray the founder’s trust,” Saif reportedly stated during internal meetings.
Political Temperature Rises in KP
This dual crisis—first the Swat flood tragedy and now the Senate ticket infighting—has put Barrister Saif in the national spotlight. While some view his defiance as loyalty to party leadership, others believe it reflects deeper cracks within the PTI’s provincial leadership.
As both federal and provincial governments trade accusations, the people continue to suffer from monsoon disasters, fragile infrastructure, and political instability.
Barrister Saif, already at the center of PTI’s internal crisis, earlier threatened to resign over Senate ticket delays, adding to the tension within KP’s political ranks.
