Pakistan, Aug. 12 -- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan's bureaucracy has faced no accountability in the past 78 years and questioned whether anyone has ever examined how many plots officials own. He emphasised that bureaucrats must follow the same laws and rules that apply to parliamentarians. Asif added that unlike many, he lives in a two-room flat for the past 25 years, owns no luxurious home in elite areas, and does not use an official vehicle.

The minister explained that his recent remarks about bureaucrats purchasing properties in Portugal were not intended to provoke such a strong reaction. However, he said the uproar has now prompted him to conduct a formal inquiry into the matter. Asif announced that he will also...