A storm broke out on social media over Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s alleged resignation, but is it true?
Why is the hashtag ADCR trending on X?
ADCR stands for Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue. When social media users post comments with the hashtag ADCR, they are referring to ADCR Sialkot Muhammad Iqbal.
Journalist Muhammad Iqbal Umair revealed on X the arrest of Iqbal. He said Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab arrested Iqbal on charges of corruption involving millions of rupees. The court has granted the department five-day physical remand of Iqbal.
Iqbal had served as Returning Officer (RO) in Kh. Asif’s Sialkot constituency. Many claim he had played a key role in controversial victory of the PML-N leader against PTI’s candidate Rehana Dar in Feb 2024 General Elections. Since then, as per reports, Iqbal has become a favourite of Asif.
Has Kh Asif Resigned?
Reports are circulating in social media about Khawaja Asif resignation. Many claimed the minister has threatened the top leadership of the ruling PML-N that he will quit office if his demand was not met.”Khawaja Asif has sent his resignation to the Prime Minister office,” journalist Zareen Tarar posted on Facebook. There are claims that Mr Asif demanded the PM Shehbaz to play role for the release of Iqbal or he will not serve as cabinet member.
Some say Mr Asif is under fire after issuing a controversial statement about mega corruption of civilian and military bureaucracy. The minister, a day ago, claimed that bureaucracy invested billions of rupees in Portugal.
“Half of Pakistan’s bureaucracy have purchased properties in Portugal and are preparing to acquire foreign citizenship with money earned through corruption,” he posted on X on August 5.
Journalist Umair claimed Asif heard stories of corruption from ADCR Iqbal. He said some more arrests in bureaucracy are expected in coming days. Despite all storm on social media, there are no official reports regarding the resignation of Kh. Asif.
