LAHORE: Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi has called dual nationals as half-cooked Pakistanis, urging them to better think good for Pakistan instead of becoming second or third class citizens in other countries.

“I request you (dual nationals) to give your time and expertise to Pakistan,” he said during a media talk here on Thursday.

According to the minister, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) must be dealt with like those involved in terrorism in the country.

“Is writing against Pakistan to the IMF, World Bank, US Congress etc by a political party not a crime? I think it’s a crime like terrorism. Therefore, I warn the politicians (PTI), who want to come into power with the help of Pakistan’s enemies, that your end would be the same like terrorists,” he warned.

The minister criticised those negatively talking about Gwadar Port and minerals in Balochistan and urged them to strengthen Pakistan instead of weakening it. He vows for end to corruption amid smuggling and other wrongdoings under the patronage of the Pakistan Railways Police, expecting that the new inspector general would end this by all means.

Talking about the railways, he pledged to equip the department’s workshops with the latest machines, instruments etc in a bid to repair/maintain locomotives, coaches and wagons.

“I was watching a foreigner (expert) revealing in a TV programme about the existence of $70bn minerals alone,” Mr Abbasi said.

“I want to say that the entire world knows that Gwadar is not a property of anyone’s father or grandfather. It was purchased by Pakistan from Oman in 1958 by paying money. So they should say Pakistan, and not Gwadar, as of their father and grandfather. They shouldn’t say that their father/grandfathers sowed and harvested wheat crops or discovered minerals there (Gwadar),” he said, urging people to start thinking about Pakistan.

The minister also criticised those talking and supporting those killing innocent people in Balochistan.

“I am really surprised to see some intellectuals portraying them as oppressed ones by saying they have some issues. So I want to question them (intellectuals) can their (those involved in destabilization in Balochistan) issues be resolved by killing innocent people,” he asked.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025