Lahore — Federal Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, a close ally of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, described himself on Saturday as an “ordinary worker” of the team led by the prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir while speaking at a press conference. He said the government would cut domestic petroleum prices at the same pace as any decline in international markets.
The remark touched off a fierce backlash on social media and renewed debate about the military’s role in civilian politics. Critics said Malik’s language underlined growing deference by elected officials to the security establishment and reflected the realities of what some call Pakistan’s “hybrid” system of governance.
Users on X and other platforms questioned why an elected minister would present himself primarily as a subordinate to a military leader rather than as a public representative. One commentator asked whether officials who call themselves “humble workers” of powerful figures are serving democracy or a court of loyal aides. Another posted that a federal minister today appears to be little more than a servant of a general.
Several prominent commentators were equally scathing. Journalist Maleeha Hashmi suggested ministers have dropped even the pretense of defending democratic norms. Senior anchor Talat Hussain called it “shameful” for ministers to speak of offering relief even as citizens grapple with steep increases in fuel costs, and criticised officials for congratulating one another on air while many people struggle economically.
Others warned the episode damages the credibility of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), arguing that framing political authority in personal or military terms undermines the party’s claim to be a mainstream political force.
The controversy follows wider public discussion about the balance of power in Pakistan; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously acknowledged the existence of a “hybrid system” in the country. Malik’s comments have amplified questions about how the government will reconcile pressures from the military establishment with expectations of political accountability and democratic representation.
