Railways Minister criticizes Khawaja Asif’s speech in National Assembly, questions contradiction in his stance.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday issued a sharp rebuke to fellow cabinet member and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, without naming him directly, following the latter’s critical speech in the National Assembly a day earlier.
Addressing lawmakers, Abbasi said it was inappropriate for members of the treasury benches to speak in the tone of the opposition. Referring to Asif’s remarks about systemic failures and governance issues, Abbasi said, “You have been part of the system for the last 40 years — the same system you’re now criticising.”
“Resign if you have differences”
Abbasi suggested that if any minister has serious differences with government policy, the ethical path would be to resign. “There are precedents. Ministers have stepped down before, but remained part of the treasury,” he noted.
He further criticized Asif for allegedly trying to gain popularity at the expense of the government’s achievements. “If you can’t deliver in your constituency, take responsibility,” Abbasi said. “Don’t discredit the efforts of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister just for social media virality.”
He condemned the habit of criticising bureaucrats and the absence of a local government system while still being part of the ruling setup. “If you feel this is a hybrid system and you’re so disillusioned, then sit with the opposition,” Abbasi said. “Have some fear of God — you are part of this very government.”
Response to Asif’s Criticism of Political Elite
Abbasi’s comments came in response to a speech by Khawaja Asif, who had voiced concern about unchecked corruption and the degradation of governance. Asif had singled out a Senator from Sialkot, accusing him of selling plots on riverbeds and causing environmental destruction, implying misuse of power by the political elite.
“What example are we setting for the public, when this is the conduct of the ruling class?” Asif had asked during his address.
He also questioned the lack of progress in reclaiming encroached land and called for meaningful devolution of power to the local government level, stating that every government has used the system for political gain.
“Power remains concentrated in provincial capitals, particularly in Punjab. We need a strong, comprehensive local government system that delivers at the grassroots,” he had urged.
Abbasi responded to these remarks by defending the government’s performance in his own city, Rawalpindi, citing development projects and flood preparedness. “I won’t shift the blame for encroachments. Rawalpindi has improved significantly during the rains,” he asserted.
