Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday categorically denied rumours circulating on social media regarding his resignation, terming the claims “fake” and a product of “wishful thinking.”

Speculation about Asif stepping down gained momentum after a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Zubair Ali Khan alleged that the minister had submitted his resignation to Dr. Tauqeer Shah, the advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, had travelled to Murree for a meeting, and had since become unreachable, with his phone reportedly turned off.

Reacting swiftly, Khawaja Asif took to X to reject the claims, writing, “With apologies, this gentleman has written his wishes in this tweet. Not reality.” He also shared a screenshot of the viral post with the word “FAKE” stamped across it.

The rumour came in the wake of Asif’s recent remarks accusing senior bureaucrats of acquiring properties in Portugal and allegedly planning to relocate there — comments that stirred debate across political circles.

Khwaja Asif remains active in his role as defence minister, and the cabinet division has issued no notification to suggest otherwise.