Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif recently raised concerns over the commitment of senior government officials, alleging that several bureaucrats had made arrangements to move overseas while still working for the country.
HT could not independently verify the post on X account of Asif, which is withheld in India.
Asif reportedly said in a statement on X that although Pakistan had many competent and honest civil servants, a considerable number of officials had established plans to make Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.
Asif’s remarks have renewed attention on the reported plans of serving and retired civil servants to settle overseas, particularly those who have held influential government positions. He added that he had highlighted the issue on social media a few months ago. The minister questioned whether senior officials who had held powerful positions and enjoyed the privileges and respect associated with public service had remained fully committed to Pakistan throughout their careers.
Asif, according to an Express Tribune report, alleged that some bureaucrats had worked out their relocation plans while serving the government of Pakistan, questioning whether their commitment to the country and their official duties had remained unquestionable during their tenure. Asif said Portugal had become a destination for what he described as an exodus of bureaucrats in recent years. The defence minister said the officials whose names had emerged in connection with the matter had occupied significant positions in the government and maintained close links with successive administrations. He also raised questions about officials who, according to him, had opportunities to accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while enjoying the favour of politicians. Khawaja Asif flags bureaucrats’ alleged exit plans to foreign shores File photo: Pakistan defence minister Khwaja Asif Earlier reporting noted: Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the loyalty of senior bureaucrats, alleging that several government officials planned to settle abroad while serving the country, according to a report by Pakistan’s Express Tribune. Earlier reporting noted: In a post on X, Asif said Pakistan had capable and honest bureaucrats, but alleged that many officials had made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.
Earlier reporting noted: Pakistan’s elite want out?
