Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again defended the country’s “hybrid model” of governance, claiming that the military and civilian leadership operate together through “consensus.”
Speaking to British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan on his platform Zeteo, Asif downplayed the role of the Pakistan Army in the politics of the country, despite the history of military coups in Pakistan, martial law administrators and army chiefs assuming the presidency. He argued that even democracies like the United States were run by what he described as the “deep state.”
When asked by Hasan whether Army Chief Gen Asim Munir holds more authority than him, the Defence Minister rejected the notion. “No, it’s not like that… I’m a political appointee, I’m a political worker, you know,” Asif said.
Hasan countered by citing the example of the United States, where the Defence Secretary has the authority to remove generals — something not possible in Pakistan. To this, Asif replied: “You can say that because of our military rulers — it is more visible… They (US) have a different model over here. It’s called deep state.”
Asif placed the blame on previous regimes for strengthening the role of the “deep state,” echoing rhetoric similar to US President Donald Trump, though he did not name anyone directly.
Pressed further on where the balance of power lies in Pakistan, Asif described the system as “hybrid.” In earlier interviews, he had even praised the model as a “practical necessity” and something “doing wonders.”
Hasan asked if the arrangement was equal: “So, it’s equal? You and (Pak army chief) Asim Munir disagree on something, who gets the last word?”
Asif responded: “It’s not equal… We can agree to disagree. It is by consensus, whatever is taking place…”
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