Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that a section of serving officials are planning to permanently settle abroad, naming destinations such as the United States, Portugal, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Former Indian intelligence officer and Pakistan watcher Tilak Devasher said the claims point to deeper unease within Pakistan’s establishment. In a post on X, he questioned whether senior officials had lost confidence in the country’s future, comparing the situation to “rats leaving a sinking ship.”
Devasher also noted that Portugal has reportedly emerged as a particularly preferred destination among those looking to relocate.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government is conducting an inquiry into reports that officials have purchased property in Portugal. The country’s Public Accounts Committee has decided to issue summons to departments and organisations to obtain details related to the matter.
