Pakistan’s Defence Minister Endorses Civil-Military Power Sharing Model
In a candid statement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif openly acknowledged the country’s governance under a civil-military hybrid model, emphasizing its pivotal role in managing Pakistan's economic and political challenges.
Defence Minister’s Remark Sparks Debate
During an interview aired recently, Asif described the hybrid system as a form of co-ownership between civilian authorities and the military establishment. He remarked, “This is a hybrid model. It's not an ideal democratic government. So, this hybrid arrangement, I think it is doing wonders.” According to him, this model is a practical necessity until Pakistan can overcome ongoing economic and governance hurdles.
Asif further reflected that adopting a similar approach in the 1990s—during Nawaz Sharif’s earlier premierships—might have fostered better political stability, avoiding the historic tussles between the military and political leadership that hindered democratic progress.
Military’s Endorsement and Political Implications
The defence minister underscored that the military’s support remains crucial for the current government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). This marks the second admission within the week acknowledging the hybrid governance framework, which critics often describe as a nominal democracy curtailed by military dominance.
Asif referred to recent developments such as the Pakistan Army chief’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump, framing it as a landmark moment bolstered by this hybrid model. He tweeted that the meeting was “the most important turning point in the 78-year history” of bilateral relations, attributing the success to the cooperation between the elected government and the army.
Opposition’s Response and Wider Criticism
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have consistently accused the last general elections of widespread rigging that denied their electoral victory. Khan has branded the ruling coalition of PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as “mandate thieves.”
Following Khawaja Asif’s admissions, critics argue the PML-N has abandoned its previous pledge of “vote ko izzat do” (respect the ballot), seemingly cementing its political reliance on the military establishment.
Analysts Weigh In on the ‘Hybrid Model’ Reality
Experts and analysts suggest that Pakistan is witnessing its third iteration of a hybrid regime since Imran Khan’s removal in 2022. Unlike past military rulers who created political fronts to legitimize their control, this time the two major parties (PML-N and PPP) appear to willingly function as a political façade.
One senior analyst stated that the military's backing effectively reduces these parties to mere appendages within the hybrid system, eroding their once anti-establishment credentials. The main strategic aim now seems to be neutralizing Imran Khan’s PTI, seen as a threat to both political and military interests.
Voices on the Ground
Veteran journalist Matiullah Jan criticized the defence minister for seemingly undermining the constitution, asserting that this so-called hybrid model is, in reality, a dictatorship with civilian politicians acting as figureheads.
Conclusion: Navigating Pakistan’s Power Dynamics
Khawaja Asif’s frank endorsement of the civil-military hybrid model highlights the complex and often opaque balance of power in Pakistan. While some see this arrangement as a pragmatic solution to persistent instability, others view it as a significant barrier to genuine democratic governance and accountability.
