Asif Meets Nawaz Sharif, Rejects Resignation Rumours

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Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif in Murree on August 8, 2025, to discuss political matters. The meeting took place amid rumours regarding Asif’s possible resignation, which he has publicly denied.

According to local media reports, the meeting was held at Nawaz Sharif’s residence. While no official statement was issued about the details of the discussion, party sources indicated that it focused on political developments and matters of mutual concern.

The resignation rumours surfaced after journalist Zubair Ali Khan claimed that Asif had stepped down from his ministerial position following the arrest of Sialkot’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue (ADCR) by the Anti-Corruption Establishment. The ADCR was reportedly accused of involvement in corruption.

Asif rejected the claims, calling them false. Speaking to media outlets earlier in the week, he stated that the reports were baseless and represented the journalist’s opinion rather than fact.

The controversy surrounding Asif began after he made public remarks criticising sections of Pakistan’s bureaucracy. He alleged that some senior officials had acquired properties in Portugal to obtain citizenship and that significant amounts of wealth had been transferred abroad. He also claimed that an associate of a former Punjab chief minister had collected large sums of money during a family wedding. These allegations were widely reported by local news outlets but have not been independently verified.

Following these statements, the arrest of the ADCR, who was said in media reports to have links to Asif, led to speculation that the minister had intervened in the case or considered resignation. Asif has denied any such involvement or intention to resign.

Sources familiar with the matter said the Murree meeting was part of ongoing internal consultations within the PML-N. While some reports suggested that Nawaz Sharif advised Asif to continue in his role as defence minister, this has not been confirmed by any official party statement.

The defence minister continues to hold office and has reaffirmed his commitment to his responsibilities. No government notification or parliamentary record indicates any change to his position.

In recent weeks, political leaders, government officials, and media outlets have engaged in discussions on governance, corruption allegations, and the relationship between elected officials and the bureaucracy.