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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTI demands Asif name ‘corrupt' bureaucrats
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday issued a sharp challenge to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, demanding that he name the bureaucrats and elites he accused of stashing billions abroad – or be held accountable for what the party called 'reckless and rhetorical mudslinging.' Talking to journalists, the PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram did not mince words, slamming Asif's recent claim that over half of the country's bureaucracy had moved wealth overseas – including property purchases in Portugal and the Gulf – as 'whistle blowing without the whistle.' 'If these are real allegations, then where are the names? Where is the action?' Akram questioned. 'Otherwise, this is just political theatre and a dangerous one at that.' The party drew attention to the Dubai Unlocked investigation by the OCCRP in 2024, which exposed more than 17,000 Pakistanis – including senior bureaucrats, retired military officers, and politicians – holding over 23,000 properties in Dubai alone. 'Everyone saw the leak. Everyone saw who benefited. But instead of accountability, we got radio silence,' said Akram. 'Now Khawaja Asif lobs accusations with no substance, no follow-up, and no consequences. It's not just irresponsible – it's insulting to the public.' The PTI argued that such allegations, vague and unsubstantiated, only serve to further erode public trust in state institutions already viewed as opaque and unaccountable. 'The bureaucracy has long operated in the shadows – shielded, protected, and rarely questioned,' said Akram. 'But when even a sitting minister admits there's rot, why isn't anyone asking for proof or demanding reform.' He added that if Asif's claims are false, he must be censured for defaming the civil service. If they are true, then silence from the government and judiciary is 'damning in itself.' Turning to the issue of security, PTI took aim at the federal government's 'habitual buck-passing,' particularly in the wake of rising militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Responding to State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who blamed provincial governments for the deteriorating situation, Akram fired back: 'Maryam Nawaz should first explain why katcha dacoits still control large swathes of Punjab. And Murad Ali Shah needs to clean up Sindh before anyone lectures KP.' PTI criticized Islamabad for failing to release promised funds, for neglecting border management, and for undermining provincial autonomy – all while pointing fingers at provinces expected to manage the fallout. Akram reiterated PTI's firm opposition to any new military campaigns in the erstwhile tribal belt, warning that past operations left behind broken communities, displaced families, and deepening mistrust. 'If the rulers are confident in their strategy, they should first leave their fortified bunkers and meet the people who've lived through the consequences,' he said. Pakistan's slide to second on the Global Terrorism Index, just behind Burkina Faso, was cited by PTI as evidence of institutional breakdown – not militant resurgence. 'This is the cost of a system that refuses to fix itself,' Akram said. He ended with a sweeping indictment of what he called a 'fascist regime,' denouncing the imprisonment of Imran Khan, and describing the current government as an 'illegitimate order held together by fear, fraud, and force.' 'The country cannot move forward when its institutions protect privilege instead of justice,' he warned. 'The people are watching and they know who emptied the coffers.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Asif drops Portugal bombshell
Defence Minister and senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has claimed that over half of the country's bureaucracy has purchased property in Portugal and is preparing to acquire citizenship. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) the other day, Asif alleged that several prominent bureaucrats are among those planning their exit. He did not name individuals but suggested the trend was widespread within the civil service. This is not the first time reports have emerged about Pakistani bureaucrats and government officials investing in foreign real estate. In May 2024, international journalistic body Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published an investigative report titled Dubai Unlocked. The investigation revealed that leaked data from 2022 showed 17,000 Pakistani nationals owned some 23,000 residential properties in Dubai. These included former military officers, bankers, politicians, and senior civil servants. Further concerns about foreign affiliations of civil servants surfaced earlier this year. In January, the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior was informed that more than 22,000 bureaucrats hold dual nationality. Last month, the government amended the Civil Servants Act, introducing Section 15-A, which now requires all Grade 17 to Grade 22 officers to declare their assets - both domestic and foreign - as well as those of their immediate family. These details are to be made public through the FBR in a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the public sector. Why Portugal? The recent focus on Portugal is closely linked to its Golden Visa programme, officially known as the Golden Residence Permit. This initiative allows non-EU nationals to secure permanent residency in the country in exchange for specific types of investments. Previously, investing in the real estate sector was a popular route to acquire permanent residence, but this option was discontinued in 2023. Current qualifying investments include job creation, research, business development, support for arts and culture, or venture capital funds. Residency obtained through the Golden Visa programme also allows the main applicant to bring their spouse, children, and parents and in-laws to Portugal. After five years, applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. According to Bloomberg, Portugal issued nearly 5,000 Golden Visas in 2024, marking a 70 per cent increase from the 2,901 issued in 2023. The sharp rise is attributed to growing investor interest following Spain's decision to discontinue its own Golden Visa scheme in April this year.
The Journal
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
The Journal Investigates work on exposing data centre emissions shortlisted for global award
AN IN-DEPTH investigation which revealed the huge quantities of carbon dioxide being released from data centre generators has been shortlisted for the 2025 Sigma Awards. These prestigious international awards celebrate the best data journalism from around the world. This project from The Journal Investigates was the only Irish investigation on the shortlist. The nominated article was by investigative journalist Conor O'Carroll. It was part of a project examining the environment cost of the AI boom in Europe with Pablo Jiménez Arandia, a freelance reporter in Spain. Advertisement It was shortlisted alongside publications from across the world including the Guardian, BBC News, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Reuters, Al Jazeera and Financial Times. The Irish Times were also nominated as part the Dubai Unlocked investigation, a collaborative project involving over 70 outlets across the globe. In total 37 project and 13 portfolios made the shortlist, out of almost 500 data journalism projects from dozens of countries who entered. Editor of The Journal Investigates Maria Delaney said it was an honour to be on a list with such an array of strong and impactful data journalism projects from around the world. One of our key focuses in our investigative unit is to utilise data to expose the impact that issues are having on our society and environment. 'Support from our readers has really enabled our team to spend time honing our skills in this important area of journalism over the past number of years.' Related Reads What happens now? Data centres being built outside Ireland may be better for the environment Campaigners call on government to pause data centre growth due to climate commitment threat Ireland's data centres turning to fossil fuels after maxing out country's electricity grid Support The Journal Investigates Trawling through over 20 years of planning files Our investigation revealed that data centres in Ireland using backup and emergency generators are releasing huge quantities of carbon dioxide emissions. Our series was developed with the support of Journalismfund Europe . These backup generators are used to keep the energy-hungry equipment in these centres operational during times of grid connectivity issues. They are not connected to the electricity grid and run on fossil fuels. We uncovered that over 135,000 tonnes of CO2 was emitted from these centres in the last five years. As companies don't reliably report this information, O'Carroll sourced this data from an EU database. O'Carroll also trawled through 20 years worth of planning records to build a list of data centres that had been granted planning permission in Ireland. Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up Our findings highlighted how some planned data centres intend to be powered by natural gas because they cannot be connected to the grid as it is under such strain. This pivot to natural gas was described by climate experts as damaging to Ireland's ability to meet legally-binding climate targets. You can browse the full shortlist here >> Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
