Atta Tarar challenges PTI to hold Islamabad sit-in, alleges support for militants

Tarar also criticised the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying attacks had targeted political parties in the province and alleging that the provincial government had failed to adequately condemn terrorist incidents. More to read: PTI warns of consequences over 'use of force' ahead of long march.

Targeting KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the federal minister alleged that the provincial government was facilitating militants. He also accused PTI of having links with militant groups, describing it as the “C-team” of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

These were Tarar's political allegations; PTI has rejected government characterisations of its planned protest as violent and has publicly instructed supporters not to carry weapons. Tarar said the government would not allow violent activity in Islamabad and maintained that terrorism would eventually be eliminated from the country.

Meanwhile, Afridi has said PTI intends to exercise what it considers its constitutional right to peaceful protest on September 27. He has also directed KP police to resist unlawful orders and focus on their professional responsibilities amid the continuing dispute between the federal and provincial governments.

The conflicting positions come ahead of the planned march, with the federal government emphasising security and public order while PTI maintains that its protest is political and peaceful.