# Attaullah Tarar

Attaullah Tarar (Urdu/Punjabi: عطاء اللہ تارڑ) is a Pakistani politician who is the current Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, in office since 11 March 2024. He has been a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since February 2024.

## Allegations of violent crackdowns on PTI protestors

In November 2024, during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march towards Islamabad’s D Chowk, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, publicly stated that military force could be used to prevent the march, which aimed to demand the release of Imran Khan. His remarks were later acknowledged by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) figures, such as Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting their involvement in the response.
Reports from the event indicated the use of military-grade weapons, including American-made sniper rifles and automatic guns, leading to claims of approximately 14 civilian fatalities, as well as the deaths of 4 military security personnel. In addition to these casualties, there were allegations of numerous abductions, with a list of over a hundred missing individuals compiled by various sources. The crackdown, which took place in the early hours, was accompanied by the shutdown of internet and mobile services, and reports indicated that lights at D Chowk were turned off during the operation.
Government officials denied the use of live ammunition and maintained that order was restored, while PTI leaders condemned the response as excessive, describing it as a “massacre.” There were also claims of efforts to cover up evidence during the night, with some suggesting that authorities took steps to suppress documentation of the events. The exact number of casualties remains disputed, with the government challenging PTI’s claims and calling for proof.

## Early life and education

He received an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of London.

## Political career

In December 2021, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Tarar after he, along with a mob of armed individuals, forcibly entered the residence of Syed Mir Wasiq, a candidate of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during the by-election in Khanewal. Allegations were made that Tarar threatened, intimidated, and harassed women and family members of Wasiq.
He held the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and has previously served as an additional secretary.
On 24 May 2022, Chief Minister of Punjab Hamza Shahbaz appointed him as the spokesperson of the Government of Punjab, on an honorary and non-remunerative basis. On May 30, 2022, Tarar was appointed as the Home Minister in the shortlived cabinet of Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz.
In June 2022, he faced criticism on social media after a video of him went viral, wherein he was observed displaying the middle finger in the Punjab Assembly, while holding a copy of the Constitution. After facing criticism on social media for allegedly showing disrespect towards the Constitution and violating the decorum of the Assembly, Atta posted an "apology".
On July 28, 2022, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the status of a Federal Minister. On December 16, 2022, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Tarar as his special assistant on interior and legal affairs.
Following the May 9 riots, he held frequent media interactions, criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.
In 2022, Farah Khan, a friend of Bushra Bibi, issued a final legal notice to Tarar, asking him to stop making defamatory statements about her.
He was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency NA-127 Lahore-XI in 2024 Pakistani general election. He received 98,210 votes and defeated PTI-backed independent candidate Malik Zaheer Abbas who received 82,230 votes and also Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who received 15,005 votes. However, Malik Zaheer Abbas contested Tarar's election victory in court, accusing the Election Commission of Pakistan of manipulating and forging Forms 45 and 47 to declare Tarar the winning candidate.
On 11 March, he was inducted into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was appointed as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. On May 17, 2024 Tarar was assigned additional portfolio of National Heritage and Culture.
In May 2024, during Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Iran, Tarar, acted as his personal photographer upon landing at the airport, which prompted criticism from the public.