Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Photograph: Reuters/file
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday questioned the dedication of senior bureaucrats to Pakistan, alleging {that a} important variety of authorities officers had deliberate to settle overseas whereas nonetheless serving the nation.
In a press release on X, Asif mentioned that whereas Pakistan’s forms had succesful and trustworthy officers, many officers had made Canada, the USA, the UK and different European international locations their everlasting properties over the previous a number of years.
He alleged that some officers had ready for his or her relocation below a deliberate plan whereas employed by the Authorities of Pakistan, elevating questions on their dedication to the nation and their official duties throughout their tenure.
Asif mentioned Portugal had emerged as a vacation spot for what he described as a bureaucratic exodus in recent times. He added that he had raised the problem on social media a number of months in the past.
The defence minister mentioned the officers whose names had surfaced in reference to the matter had held necessary positions and had remained near successive governments.
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He additional alleged that a person who facilitated everlasting residency (PR) preparations had fled after amassing substantial sums of cash from a number of influential bureaucrats.
Asif mentioned a number of troubling accounts have been circulating in reference to the matter, though he didn’t present particulars or establish the people allegedly concerned.
Questioning the dedication of senior officers who had occupied excessive places of work and loved the privileges and respect related to public service, Asif requested whether or not their loyalty to Pakistan remained past suspicion all through their careers.
He additionally questioned the conduct of officers who, he mentioned, had loved alternatives to build up wealth via each professional and illegitimate means whereas remaining favoured by politicians.
“Does it rise above all doubt and suspicion, or are they merely in transit?” Asif requested, questioning whether or not such officers seen Pakistan as their everlasting dwelling or merely a brief cease earlier than settling overseas.
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His remarks have introduced renewed consideration to questions surrounding the abroad settlement plans of serving and retired civil servants, notably these holding influential positions within the authorities.
The allegations haven’t been independently verified, and no names or documentary proof have been offered within the assertion to substantiate the claims regarding Portugal’s residency preparations.
