“Corruption at Every Level, Bureaucrats Don’t Implement”: Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Expresses Frustration
ISLAMABAD – September 7, 2026: Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has made startling revelations about widespread corruption, administrative inefficiency, and his strained relationship with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, threatening to resign if he is not granted a meeting soon.
In an exclusive interview with ARY News, the federal minister expressed deep frustration over the government’s performance and internal administrative hurdles, stating that corruption has permeated every level of the system.
“I am utilizing my 60 years of experience but I am in severe distress because I cannot deliver the results that were expected of me,” Sheikh said. “Corruption is happening at every level here. Despite my best efforts, when I forward files, bureaucrats simply do not implement them.”
The minister’s most striking revelation came when he disclosed that the Prime Minister has not granted him a single face-to-face meeting in the past two and a half years.
ہر لیول پر کرپشن ہورہی ہے، کوئی تجویز دوں تو بیوروکریٹ عمل ہی نہیں کرتے، وفاقی وزیر سرمایہ کاری قیصر شیخ #ARYNews pic.twitter.com/I4Te9GhqmM
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) September 7, 2026
“In the entire 2.5-year period, the Prime Minister has not given me even one minute of time for a personal meeting,” Sheikh lamented. “Since Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister, perhaps that is why the Prime Minister meets him more often and gives him time.”
Sheikh, visibly disappointed, added that he has seriously considered resigning on multiple occasions.
“I have thought seriously about leaving my ministry several times. I am still trying to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister soon; otherwise, I will resign and step away from my position,” he warned.
The minister’s comments have sent shockwaves through political circles, highlighting internal fissures within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government. Sources within the government suggest that Sheikh’s portfolio, which includes attracting foreign direct investment, has been significantly hampered by bureaucratic red tape and a lack of high-level political support.
Sheikh, a seasoned politician and businessman with decades of experience, had been appointed to the federal cabinet with hopes of revitalizing Pakistan’s investment climate. However, his latest remarks indicate deep-seated challenges in implementing economic reforms.
The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to issue an official response to the minister’s allegations.
The revelations come at a critical time for Pakistan’s economy, as the country grapples with stabilizing its financial indicators and attracting foreign investment to support the IMF program. Critics argue that such public displays of discord within the cabinet could further erode investor confidence.
