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Khawaja Asif questions loyalty of bureaucrats living or planning to settle abroad
Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has voiced alarm over claims that some high government officials were intending to live abroad permanently and questioned their allegiance to Pakistan while enjoying critical posts and state benefits.
“Pakistan’s bureaucracy has competent and honest officers but many officials have permanent residences in Canada, the United States, Britain and other European countries,” Asif said in a message on social media site X.
“Some bureaucrats were reportedly making arrangements to settle abroad permanently while in government service, thereby raising questions on their commitment to national interests and official responsibilities,” he stated.
The defence minister also cited Portugal as a destination linked to the relocation plans of senior personnel, saying he had broached the problem months ago.
“Some of the officials allegedly involved have maintained key posts and enjoyed government favour throughout successive administrations, Asif said.
He further said that a person who arranged for permanent residency for several rich officials had fled after getting huge amounts of money.
But his statement did not clarify the proof and identify the personnel concerned, the accused facilitator or the financial transactions.
Asif wondered whether the officials who had held prominent government positions, had gotten national accolades and enjoyed state support, had remained dedicated to Pakistan during their service.
He also voiced worries over whether some officials considered government work as a stop-gap before heading abroad.
The minister’s comments have once again highlighted issues including bureaucrats’ overseas residency plans, financial resources and state commitments.
The case may involve an open and fair review of the property of the relevant officials, sources of income, overseas interests and compliance with applicable regulations. Any claims of financial impropriety or conflict of interest would need to be evaluated on the basis of verifiable evidence and due process.
Latest News
Police constable, five-year-old son shot dead in Tank
A police constable and his five-year-old son were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in Khadrianwala area of Tank on Sunday, police said.
According to the District Police Department (DPO), Constable Saadat was on his way to the market with his son to buy groceries when unidentified gunmen attacked them.
The constable died on the spot, while his injured son was shifted to Dera Ismail Khan for medical treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies of the father and son were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. After the incident, the police launched a search operation in the area to find the culprit.
Business
DG ISPR highlights Pakistan’s regional security challenges and peace efforts
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) highlighted Pakistan’s regional security challenges and efforts to maintain peace during interactive sessions with students.
DG ISPR visited University of Lahore, University of Central Punjab (UCP) and King Edward Medical University (KEMU) where special sessions were arranged with students and faculty members. The meeting discussed domestic and international affairs, the geopolitical situation in the region, particularly Afghanistan, and the role of the Pakistan Army in maintaining regional peace.
Teachers and students publicly expressed their opinions and raised questions on various issues to which the military spokesperson gave detailed answers. Students welcomed the initiative to engage directly with the academic community and stressed the importance of holding such interactive sessions in the future.
They also congratulated the armed forces for their victory at Marka-e-Haq and prayed for the promotion of soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.
Business
NEPRA increases electricity price by Rs2.36 per unit under fuel adjustment
The National Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has hiked electricity tariffs by Rs 2.36 per unit of electricity under the Monthly Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), adding to the financial burden on electricity consumers.
According to a statement released by NEPRA, the increase is due to fuel cost adjustments in September 2026. The correction represents the difference between the actual fuel costs for electricity generation and the previously determined reference fuel costs.
According to the decision, electricity consumers will have to pay an additional charge of Rs 2.3673 for each company present in their accounts under the applicable FCA mechanism.
The adjustment will be reflected in electricity bills for November 2026.
Meanwhile, NEPRA has approved a Rs2.32 per unit increase in electricity rates for additional consumption by industrial and agricultural consumers, raising the applicable rate from Rs22.98 to Rs25.30 per unit. The decision has been sent to the federal government for further action and the revised rates are proposed to be effective from the billing month of November 2026.
As part of the existing rescue package, the government provides electricity price subsidies to industrial and agricultural consumers who exceed electricity consumption in the same period last year. The federal government has launched a three-year relief package under which power will be provided to agricultural consumers at Rs 22.98 per unit instead of Rs 38 per unit, while industrial consumers will get the same rate for additional electricity consumption instead of Rs 34 per unit.
However, NEPRA has now approved an increase in the discount rate per unit by Rs 2.32 to Rs 25.30.
The regulatory authority’s decision was taken through the casting vote of its chairman, while two members recorded their disagreement with the proposal.
NEPRA members Amna Ahmed and Maqsood Anwar Khan submitted dissenting notes, describing the proposed rate of Rs25.30 per unit as unjustified.
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