Khawaja Asif raises alarm over bureaucrats' 'exodus' to Portugal

Says some officials planned to settle abroad while still serving the government

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday questioned the commitment of senior bureaucrats to Pakistan, alleging that a significant number of government officers had planned to settle abroad while still serving the country.

In a statement on X, Asif said that while Pakistan’s bureaucracy had capable and honest officers, many officials had made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.

He alleged that some officers had prepared for their relocation under a deliberate plan while employed by the Government of Pakistan, raising questions about their commitment to the country and their official responsibilities during their tenure.

Asif said Portugal had emerged as a destination for what he described as a bureaucratic exodus in recent years. He added that he had raised the issue on social media a few months ago.

The defence minister said the officers whose names had surfaced in connection with the matter had held important positions and had remained close to successive governments.

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He further alleged that an individual who facilitated permanent residency (PR) arrangements had fled after collecting substantial sums of money from several influential bureaucrats.

Asif said several troubling accounts were circulating in connection with the matter, although he did not provide details or identify the individuals allegedly involved.

Questioning the commitment of senior officials who had occupied high offices and enjoyed the privileges and respect associated with public service, Asif asked whether their loyalty to Pakistan remained beyond suspicion throughout their careers.

He also questioned the conduct of officials who, he said, had enjoyed opportunities to accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while remaining favoured by politicians.

“Does it rise above all doubt and suspicion, or are they merely in transit?” Asif asked, questioning whether such officials viewed Pakistan as their permanent home or merely a temporary stop before settling abroad.

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His remarks have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the overseas settlement plans of serving and retired civil servants, particularly those holding influential positions in the government.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and no names or documentary evidence were provided in the statement to substantiate the claims concerning Portugal’s residency arrangements.