Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raised concerns over what he described as an exodus of Pakistani bureaucrats to foreign countries, alleging that some senior government officials had planned to settle abroad while continuing to serve the state.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Asif said Pakistan’s bureaucracy included capable and honest officers. However, he claimed that many officials had made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.
According to the minister, some officers had allegedly prepared for their relocation while still employed by the Government of Pakistan, prompting questions about their commitment to public service and their responsibilities during their tenure.
Portugal emerges as alleged destination
Asif said Portugal had become a destination for what he described as a bureaucratic exodus in recent years. He added that he had raised the issue on social media several months earlier.
The defence minister claimed that officers whose names had surfaced in connection with the matter had held important government positions and maintained close ties with successive administrations.
However, he did not identify the officials allegedly involved or provide documentary evidence supporting his claims.
Claims of residency fraud
Asif also alleged that an individual who facilitated permanent residency arrangements had fled after collecting substantial sums of money from several influential bureaucrats.
He referred to what he described as troubling accounts surrounding the matter but did not disclose further details about the alleged transactions or identify those who may have been affected.
The minister’s statement has drawn attention to the issue of overseas settlement plans among serving and retired civil servants, particularly those who have held influential positions within the government.
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Asif questions commitment to public service
Questioning the loyalty of senior officials who had enjoyed the privileges and respect associated with public office, Asif asked whether their commitment to Pakistan had remained beyond doubt throughout their careers.
He also questioned the conduct of officials who, according to him, had opportunities to accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while benefiting from political patronage.
“Does it rise above all doubt and suspicion, or are they merely in transit?” Asif asked, questioning whether such officials considered Pakistan their permanent home or simply a temporary stop before moving abroad.
Allegations remain unverified
Asif’s remarks have renewed debate over the responsibilities of senior public officials and the implications of plans to establish permanent residence in another country while serving in government.
However, the allegations concerning Portugal’s residency arrangements have not been independently verified. The minister did not name the officials allegedly involved or present supporting documents in his statement.
Further details would be needed to establish the extent of the alleged activity and determine whether any laws or service rules had been violated.
