Pakistan's elite want out? Khawaja Asif flags 'exit plans' of senior officers

File photo: Pakistan defence minister Khwaja Asif

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.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.

He claimed some officers had prepared for their relocation under a deliberate plan while employed by the Pakistani government. Portugal, he said, 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.Asif said the officers whose names had surfaced in connection with the matter had held important positions and remained close to successive governments. He also alleged that an individual who facilitated permanent residency arrangements had fled after collecting substantial sums of money from several influential bureaucrats.The minister did not identify the officials or provide details to substantiate the allegations. He said troubling accounts were circulating about the matter and questioned whether senior officials who had enjoyed the privileges and respect associated with public service had remained committed to Pakistan.“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.