Ex-Indian Official Questions Pakistan Bureaucrats' Exodus to Portugal

Former Indian intelligence official Tilak Devasher has questioned the commitment of Pakistan's senior bureaucrats following allegations by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. On Tuesday, October 20, Devasher reacted to Asif's remarks, suggesting that a reported trend of government officers planning to settle abroad while still serving raised concerns about their dedication to Pakistan.

Defence Minister Asif had previously alleged that a significant number of officials intended to relocate overseas during their tenure, specifically noting Portugal as a new favored destination for this "bureaucratic exodus." Other destinations mentioned by Asif included Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. Devasher commented on X, stating, “Something is seriously wrong in Pakistan,” and queried, “Since bureaucrats have their ear to the ground, is it a case of rats deserting a sinking ship? Just asking.” Asif's October 18 post on X had also questioned the commitment of sections of the country's bureaucracy.

The issue of Pakistani bureaucrats allegedly acquiring property in Portugal had surfaced earlier. In August 2025, Pakistan’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) announced it would summon relevant government departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, State Bank of Pakistan, and Federal Board of Revenue, for information. However, reports from Dawn and The News International in August 2025 indicated that sources in Pakistan’s Establishment Division and National Accountability Bureau lacked evidence supporting Asif’s earlier sweeping claim that over half the bureaucracy had bought property in Portugal or sought foreign citizenship.

Separately, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published its Dubai Unlocked investigation in May 2024, based on leaked property records. Reports by Dawn and Geo News on May 14, 2024, identified properties linked to retired Pakistani military officials, politicians, bankers, and bureaucrats, including a serving police inspector general. The OCCRP investigation clarified that property ownership overseas does not inherently prove corruption, nor does it establish intent to leave Pakistan permanently or independently verify Asif’s claims about Portugal.

What to watch: Further official investigations into bureaucratic assets abroad.

Editor's note: The draft accurately synthesizes the source material, capturing the core conflict and the context regarding previous property investigations.