By Fazal Khaliq
In recent times, a striking story has surfaced that highlights a surprising trend among Pakistani government officials. According to Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, more than half of the country’s bureaucrats have invested in property in Portugal, using the country’s Golden Visa program as a pathway to residency and potentially full citizenship. This revelation has captured the public’s attention and raised many questions about the scale and implications of such a movement.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2012, was designed to attract foreign investors by offering residency permits in exchange for qualifying investments—most notably in real estate. This program opened doors for many non-EU nationals to live, work, and eventually become citizens. By 2024, Portugal had issued nearly 5,000 Golden Visas, signaling a growing interest from investors worldwide. However, recent changes in 2023 shifted the criteria away from simple property purchases toward investments in business and research sectors, tightening the rules.
Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s Defence Minister’s claims paint a picture of extensive participation by Pakistani bureaucrats who allegedly bought Portuguese properties as a way to secure dual advantages—residency abroad and the potential for citizenship. Such a move, if widespread, could reflect concerns over personal security, career prospects, or future opportunities beyond their home country.
Yet, while these claims are bold, the exact figures remain elusive. No official, publicly verifiable data confirms how many Pakistani bureaucrats hold Portuguese residence or citizenship certificates. Portugal’s government does not publicly break down Golden Visa recipients by nationality and profession, nor do independent investigations provide clear numbers.
What is known is that between 2008 and 2023, over 5,600 Pakistani nationals obtained Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, a figure encompassing the broader Pakistani community rather than specifically bureaucrats. Likewise, reports suggest that more than 22,000 Pakistani government officials hold dual nationality, though it is not certain how many have Portuguese citizenship.
This story underscores the complexities of global migration trends and how individuals, including government officials, may seek new identities and security passports through international programs like Portugal’s Golden Visa. While the precise scope of bureaucrats involved remains unclear, the situation invites further inquiry into the intersections of governance, investment, and citizenship in an increasingly globalized world.
