Khawaja Asif Flags Exodus of Pakistan Bureaucrats
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raised concerns about senior bureaucrats allegedly planning to settle abroad while continuing to hold government positions. His remarks, reported on October 21, 2026, come amid growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s governance structure and the expanding influence of military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir over the country’s political and administrative affairs.
Khawaja Asif Questions Pakistani Bureaucrats’ Loyalty
In a social media statement, Asif alleged that several senior government officials had made arrangements to relocate permanently to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries.
He claimed that some bureaucrats began preparing for overseas settlement while still occupying influential government positions.
The minister identified Portugal as a particularly popular destination and questioned whether officials planning to leave Pakistan remained fully committed to their public responsibilities.
Pakistan Defence Minister Raises Residency Concerns
Asif also alleged that an individual arranging permanent residency for influential bureaucrats had disappeared after collecting substantial payments.
According to the minister, some officials involved had maintained close relationships with successive governments and occupied important administrative positions.
However, Asif did not publicly identify the bureaucrats or provide documentary evidence supporting his allegations.
Asim Munir’s Growing Influence Draws Attention
The controversy comes amid increasing discussion about the military’s influence over Pakistan’s civilian administration under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has assumed an expanding role in national security, foreign policy and strategic decision-making.
Pakistan’s armed forces have historically exercised considerable influence over the country’s political institutions, including during periods of elected civilian government.
Asif’s allegations have renewed questions about bureaucratic accountability, overseas asset ownership and confidence within Pakistan’s governing establishment.
However, no official figures have established the scale of the alleged departures, and plans to obtain foreign residency do not independently demonstrate misconduct.
