Defence Minister Responds to Viral Social Media Claims
ISLAMABAD – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday firmly denied widespread rumours circulating on social media that he had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over a controversy involving the arrest of Sialkot’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue).
The rumours stemmed from a social media post by journalist Zubair Ali Khan, who claimed that Asif had submitted his resignation in protest after the anti-corruption department arrested the ADCR over alleged financial misconduct. According to Khan, the detained official had previously served as a returning officer during the 2024 general elections and was currently on a five-day remand.
Khan further alleged that Asif had conveyed his resignation through Dr Tauqeer Shah, an adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding the release of the ADCR or acceptance of his resignation. The post also claimed that Asif had discussed the issue with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif during a meeting in Murree, where he was reportedly advised to withdraw the resignation.
Responding to the speculation, Asif posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The person [here] has expressed his [own] wishes in the post and not the truth.” He dismissed the entire narrative as baseless and unfounded, asserting that no such resignation was submitted and rubbishing the claim that he had gone off the grid or switched off his mobile numbers.
Allegations Against Bureaucracy Fuel Speculation
The resignation rumours came shortly after Khawaja Asif made headlines for his scathing criticism of the senior civil bureaucracy. In a recent social media post, Asif alleged that more than half of the country’s top bureaucrats were quietly investing in Portugal with plans to obtain foreign citizenship.
He further claimed that one bureaucrat, close to former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, had received Rs4 billion in Salami (gift money) during his daughter’s wedding. In another follow-up post, Asif named an individual called “Virk” as someone allegedly facilitating bureaucrats and elites seeking shelter and citizenship in Portugal.
These bold allegations have raised eyebrows and drawn attention, possibly fueling speculation about tensions between the political leadership and top civil servants. However, Asif remains firm in his position, denying any intentions to step down and asserting his continued commitment to his role as defence minister.
