Pakistan PM’s advisors possess assets worth millions of dollars, dual citizenship

On the official website of Pakistan government’s cabinet division, it has come to light that six advisors of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan are basically billionaires who possess dual citizenships.

Also, several of top 20 aides have admitted of owning movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad.

All the dual nationals were working as special assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPM). These people include SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari (UK), SAPM on Power Division Shahzad Qasim (US), SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar (US), SAPM on Political Affairs Shahbaz Gill (US), SAPM on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Canada) and SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus (Canadian citizenship by birth).

According to news reports, the wealthiest SAPM is Power Division and Mineral Resources Assistant Shahzad Syed Qasim who has assets worth over Rs 4 billion. He is followed by SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar with assets worth Rs 2.75 billion.

Meanwhile, Adviser for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari’s net assets is estimated over Rs 2 billion.

The official website further stated that the PM’s aide on Power Division and Coordination of Marketing and Development of Mineral Resources owns assets in Pakistan, UAE and US. His three properties in UAE include two villas in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sienna Lakes, Jumeirah Golf Estates and an apartment at Park Towers, DIFC. He has three cars in the UAE worth Dh400, 000 and in the US, he has Rs 4 billion in various local and foreign bank accounts and retirement funds including $2.1 million in US.

Meanwhile, Nadeem Babbar, who is Special Assistant on Petroleum Division, owns assets worth over Rs 2.7 billion, including several properties in Pakistan and abroad and stakes in more than 30 local and foreign companies.

The Gulf News further reported that in the list Dr Moeed Yusuf’s, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning, the name was also included but was later withdrawn as it was clarified that he had the US residency and only holds the citizenship of Pakistan as per the affidavit submitted to the government.

The latest list on PM Imran Khan`s advisors possessing dual nationalities has sparked strong criticisms by the Opposition leaders.