Pakistan Defence Minister Alleges Widespread Bureaucratic Corruption and Global Money Laundering Network

 In a startling public disclosure, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the nation’s senior bureaucratic leadership of orchestrating large-scale corruption and international money laundering. According to Asif, billions of dollars in illicit wealth have allegedly been siphoned out of Pakistan and funneled into real estate and residency schemes in Portugal.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Asif claimed that more than half of Pakistan’s top bureaucrats have acquired property in Portugal using “black money.” He further alleged that many have applied for residency or citizenship in the European nation as part of a strategic plan to quietly exit Pakistan amid growing scrutiny.

In a sharp rebuke of the entrenched bureaucratic elite, Asif stated, “This bureaucracy is polluting our land,” describing their actions as “shameful.” He further highlighted the disparity in accountability between politicians and bureaucrats, asserting that, “Politicians only get what is left over by them (bureaucrats), yet are blamed for everything.” He claimed that most politicians neither possess foreign citizenship nor hold overseas properties due to the electoral accountability they face.

The Defence Minister also referenced a particularly egregious incident involving a senior bureaucrat allegedly close to former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. Asif alleged the official received an astonishing Rs 4 billion in ceremonial gifts—locally referred to as ‘salami’—at his daughter’s wedding, underscoring what he described as the lavish, unchecked lifestyles funded through systemic corruption.

Regional and International Reaction

Responding to Asif’s revelations, senior Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the scandal reflects a broader pattern of elite asset laundering carried out under diplomatic protection. “This is a textbook case of elite-level laundering exploiting FATF loopholes,” one official noted.

They further claimed that Portugal had been deliberately chosen as a discreet financial haven to bypass tighter oversight from jurisdictions like the UK and UAE, which have recently come under increased regulatory scrutiny. “This confession appears aimed at deflecting international pressure from Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishments towards the civilian bureaucracy,” the official added.

According to intelligence analysts, the laundering operations likely span Gulf and European corridors, facilitated by gaps in FATF’s oversight of complex real estate and asset transfer mechanisms.

A Systemic Crisis

Corruption has long plagued Pakistan’s governance structure, affecting political leaders, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and law enforcement alike. While politicians often bear public criticism for misappropriation of funds, owning undeclared overseas assets, and accepting kickbacks, the civil bureaucracy has increasingly come under fire for alleged bribery in routine administrative procedures—from issuing permits to clearing public projects.

Analysts suggest that Asif’s bold allegations may reflect growing internal tensions within Pakistan’s power structure, while also signaling a broader attempt to redirect both domestic and international scrutiny away from the military establishment.

The scale and nature of these latest revelations are likely to intensify calls for accountability and may compel renewed examination by global watchdogs such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), particularly as Pakistan remains under close international observation for its compliance with anti-money laundering protocols.