Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has strongly rejected a comparison that described Pakistanis in an insulting manner, saying that the people of Pakistan should never be treated or spoken about as if they were unwanted pests.
His remarks came during a discussion about Pakistanis living, working and studying in other countries. The minister said that Pakistanis are hardworking, talented and respectable people who have made valuable contributions in many parts of the world. He stressed that the country’s citizens deserve respect regardless of where they live.
Iqbal’s comments have drawn attention because they touch on a sensitive issue for millions of Pakistanis. A large number of Pakistani citizens live abroad for jobs, education, business and family reasons. Their role in supporting their families and the national economy is also important.
A Strong Response to an Insulting Comparison
Ahsan Iqbal made it clear that he did not accept the use of language that compared Pakistanis with cockroaches. He said such words are not only offensive but also unfair to a nation whose people have worked hard to build better lives for themselves and their families.
The minister’s response reflects a wider concern about how Pakistani citizens are sometimes discussed in foreign countries. While Pakistanis living abroad may face challenges related to immigration, employment or social issues, Iqbal argued that these problems should not be used as an excuse to insult an entire nationality.
According to him, every Pakistani should be judged as an individual rather than being placed under a negative label because of nationality.
The message behind his statement was simple: Pakistanis are human beings with dignity, skills, hopes and dreams. They should be treated with the same respect given to people from other countries.
Millions of Pakistanis Live Abroad
Pakistan has one of the largest overseas communities in the world. Pakistani citizens can be found in the Gulf countries, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Australia and many other regions.
Many of these people leave Pakistan because they want better employment opportunities or a more stable future for their families. Some work in construction, transport, health care, engineering, information technology, education and business. Others operate small and large businesses in foreign markets.
For many families in Pakistan, relatives working abroad are an important source of financial support.
These overseas Pakistanis regularly send money back home. Such remittances help families pay for food, education, healthcare, housing and other daily needs. At the national level, these funds also play an important role in supporting Pakistan’s foreign exchange position.
Iqbal’s remarks therefore carry significance beyond a simple statement about language. They also highlight the importance of the Pakistani diaspora and its connection with the country.
Pakistani Workers Make Important Contributions
A major part of Pakistan’s overseas community consists of workers who have spent years away from their homes.
Thousands of Pakistani workers travel to countries in the Middle East every year in search of jobs. Many work long hours and live far away from their families. They contribute to foreign economies while using their earnings to support people back home.
These workers include drivers, electricians, technicians, engineers, construction workers, healthcare professionals and many others.
Their work may not always receive enough attention, but it has a direct impact on both their host countries and their families in Pakistan.
For this reason, insulting an entire nationality can hurt millions of ordinary people who are simply trying to earn an honest living.
Iqbal’s statement can be understood as a demand for greater respect for these workers and for all Pakistanis living outside the country.
The Importance of National Dignity
The issue also raises questions about national dignity.
Every country has problems. Pakistan is no exception. The country faces economic difficulties, political disagreements, unemployment and other challenges. However, these issues do not mean that its citizens should be insulted or treated as less valuable than people from other nations.
A country’s citizens carry their own identity wherever they go. When a Pakistani works in another country, he or she is still a member of a family and community back home.
Iqbal’s comments highlight the idea that criticism should be based on actions and facts rather than nationality.
If an individual breaks a law, that person should be held responsible. But blaming or insulting an entire group because of the actions of a few people is unfair.
Pakistanis Have Achieved Success Around the World
Pakistanis living abroad have also achieved success in many fields.
There are Pakistani doctors working in major hospitals, engineers involved in large projects, researchers working at respected institutions and businesspeople running successful companies. Pakistani students are also studying at universities across the world.
Many overseas Pakistanis have built strong communities while maintaining links with their homeland.
Their success shows that Pakistan has a large pool of talent. With the right opportunities, Pakistani citizens can compete internationally and make meaningful contributions.
There are also many examples of overseas Pakistanis helping Pakistan through investment, charity, education and professional knowledge.
Iqbal’s comments come at a time when the contribution of the overseas Pakistani community remains important for the country.
Respect Should Work Both Ways
The minister’s statement also points towards a broader principle: respect should work both ways.
Pakistanis living in other countries are expected to follow local laws and respect local customs. At the same time, they should also be treated fairly by governments, employers and communities.
Being a foreign worker or immigrant does not remove a person’s basic right to dignity.
People may have different languages, cultures and backgrounds, but they still deserve basic human respect.
This is particularly important for workers who may have limited power in a foreign country. They may depend on employers for their jobs and income, making them more vulnerable to unfair treatment.
Strong protections and fair treatment can help ensure that overseas workers are able to live and work without fear of discrimination.
Why Words Matter
Words used by public figures and political leaders can have a major effect on public opinion.
When an entire nationality is described using an insulting comparison, it can strengthen negative attitudes against ordinary people. Such language can also encourage discrimination in workplaces and communities.
That is why Iqbal’s rejection of the comparison is important.
His statement sends the message that disagreements and criticism should be expressed in a responsible way. There is no need to use degrading language when discussing immigration, foreign workers or international relations.
People can debate policies without attacking the dignity of millions of citizens.
The Role of Overseas Pakistanis in the Economy
Overseas Pakistanis have a major economic connection with Pakistan.
Money sent by Pakistanis working abroad reaches families across the country. These remittances support household spending and help many families meet their basic needs.
In smaller towns and villages, income from family members working overseas can make a major difference. It may help a family build a house, pay school fees, start a business or cover medical expenses.
The overseas Pakistani community also has the potential to bring investment and knowledge to the country.
Many Pakistanis who gain experience abroad can use that knowledge when they return home or invest in Pakistani businesses. Their international experience can help local companies improve their standards and connect with global markets.
Therefore, the relationship between Pakistan and its citizens abroad is much larger than the money they send home.
A Message to the Younger Generation
Iqbal’s comments can also be seen as a message to young Pakistanis.
Young people today are increasingly connected with the rest of the world. Many plan to study or work abroad. They want to gain new skills and find better career opportunities.
Going abroad does not mean abandoning one’s identity.
A Pakistani student or worker can build a successful career overseas while remaining connected to family, culture and country.
Young Pakistanis can also represent their country through their behaviour, professional work and achievements.
At the same time, they should understand that their nationality is not something they need to hide because of negative stereotypes.
Problems Should Be Addressed Without Insults
Pakistan faces many issues that require serious discussion. Questions about migration, illegal travel, employment and immigration rules are important. Governments have the right to make and enforce laws.
However, these matters should be discussed through facts and proper debate.
If there are concerns about illegal immigration, the focus should be on immigration laws and the individuals involved. If there are problems with workers, the authorities should investigate those cases.
Using insulting words against an entire population does not solve any problem.
Instead, such language can create anger and make relations between communities more difficult.
Pakistan Needs to Support Its Citizens Abroad
Iqbal’s statement also brings attention to the responsibility of the Pakistani government.
Pakistan has millions of citizens living overseas, so protecting their interests should remain an important part of government policy.
Pakistani missions abroad can play a role in helping workers and citizens who face legal, employment or other difficulties.
Better support can also help prevent workers from becoming victims of fraud or exploitation.
The government can further improve training and information for people who plan to travel abroad for employment. Workers should know their rights, understand their contracts and have access to help when they face problems.
Such steps can make overseas employment safer and more beneficial.
A Call for Respect and Better Understanding
At the heart of Ahsan Iqbal’s statement is a call for respect.
Pakistanis are a diverse group of people with different professions, backgrounds and opinions. They cannot be described fairly through one negative comparison.
Some Pakistanis live in villages, while others live in major international cities. Some work with their hands, while others work in offices, laboratories and hospitals. Some run businesses, while others are students.
What connects them is their shared nationality and their connection with Pakistan.
That identity should not be used as a reason to insult them.
Conclusion
Ahsan Iqbal’s statement that Pakistanis are not cockroaches has brought attention to the importance of dignity and respect for people living abroad. His remarks reject the idea that an entire nationality should be judged through offensive language or stereotypes.
Millions of Pakistanis live outside the country and work hard to support their families. They contribute to foreign economies, send valuable remittances to Pakistan and, in many cases, build successful careers and businesses.
Pakistanis living abroad should follow the laws of their host countries and respect local communities. At the same time, they deserve fair treatment and basic human dignity.
Discussions about immigration, foreign workers and social problems should be based on facts rather than insults. Criticism can be strong without becoming hateful or disrespectful.
Iqbal’s message is ultimately about recognising the value of ordinary Pakistani citizens. Whether they are working in a foreign country, studying at a university or running a business, they remain people with families, responsibilities and ambitions.
Their nationality should never be used to deny their dignity.
For Pakistan, the overseas community is not only an important source of financial support but also a valuable part of the country’s global presence. Respecting these citizens and protecting their rights can help build a stronger relationship between Pakistan and its people around the world.
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