ISLAMABAD – August 6, 2025:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s bureaucracy, alleging that a significant portion of its senior members have invested heavily in foreign property—specifically in Portugal—as part of long-term plans to secure foreign residency and eventual citizenship.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Asif claimed that “more than half” of the country’s bureaucrats have purchased property in Portugal. He accused them of planning to enjoy a luxurious retirement overseas, funded through wealth amassed via corrupt practices.
Without naming names, the minister pointed to what he described as “well-known faces” within the bureaucracy who, he said, were systematically shifting their wealth abroad. One specific allegation stood out: Asif claimed that a bureaucrat closely associated with former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar received a staggering Rs4 billion in “salami” (gift money) at his daughter’s wedding alone.
“These people are securing foreign futures with illicit wealth while staying in powerful positions at home,” Asif said. He contrasted the situation with that of elected politicians, whom he argued are constantly scrutinized and must face the public at the ballot box.
“Politicians are often blamed for everything, but it’s the bureaucracy that pockets the real gains. Most of us don’t even own plots or foreign passports,” he wrote.
Calling the situation “shameful,” Asif accused the bureaucracy of undermining the country from within. “This bureaucracy is polluting our land,” he concluded, adding that the growing culture of foreign asset accumulation among civil servants raises serious questions about loyalty and accountability.
As of now, no senior bureaucrat or government official has responded to Asif’s remarks, though political observers say his comments could spark fresh debate over transparency, asset declarations, and the public trust.
