*ISLAMABAD – August 6, 2025:*
In a startling revelation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja MuhammadAsif on Wednesday claimed that more than half of the country’s retiredbureaucrats have purchased properties in Portugal and are activelyexploring options for acquiring the European country’s citizenship.
Speaking during a media interaction, Khawaja Asif expressed serious concernover the trend of senior officials moving their assets abroad afterretirement, suggesting it reflected a lack of confidence in the country’sfuture.
“It is alarming that a large number of our retired bureaucrats now ownassets in Portugal, and many of them are even planning to get itsnationality,” the minister stated. “What message does it send to the publicwhen those who held key positions in our government are choosing to settleabroad?”
Asif did not provide specific data or names but emphasized that thedevelopment calls for a national conversation on transparency,accountability, and patriotism among the country’s ruling elite.
The defence minister hinted that the trend may be linked to tax avoidance,fears about political instability, or efforts to secure safer futures fortheir families. He further questioned the integrity of public servants whobuild their entire careers in Pakistan yet invest their wealth overseas.
Read Top Stories
Political analysts have also raised questions about the mechanisms thatallowed such capital outflows and the silence of relevant accountabilityinstitutions.
Portugal has become a popular destination in recent years for foreigninvestors due to its Golden Visa program, which offers residency inexchange for investment in property or businesses. The program hasattracted many from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The minister’s remarks have ignited debate on social media, with manyPakistanis expressing anger over the perceived double standards of thosewho once held powerful positions in the state apparatus.