**Pakistan Defence Minister Defends ‘Hybrid’ Rule, Downplays Army Dominance**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 05:18 PM*
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly defended the country’s so-called “hybrid” governance model, describing it as a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilian leadership.
In a recent interview with broadcaster and writer Mehdi Hasan, Asif was asked whether the army effectively controls the government. He denied this, emphasizing that he is a political appointee and dismissing comparisons between Pakistan’s system and the US “deep state.” Asif attributed the visibility of military influence in Pakistan to the legacy of past military rulers.
Describing Pakistan’s governance structure, Asif used the term “hybrid” — a phrase he has previously employed to describe and praise the current arrangement. According to him, decisions in Pakistan are made by consensus rather than by the will of a singular entity.
When questioned about who has the final say in disagreements between himself and Army Chief Asim Munir, Asif responded that they often “agree to disagree,” highlighting that consensus drives decision-making. “It’s not equal. We can agree to disagree. It is by consensus, whatever is taking place,” he explained.
Earlier this year, Asif had lauded the “hybrid regime” as a “practical necessity” until economic and governance challenges are resolved. He described the system as “doing wonders” in navigating Pakistan’s complex political landscape.
This interview comes shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were hosted at the White House by United States President Donald Trump, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagements amid evolving civil-military dynamics in Pakistan.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-was-asked-who-runs-country-army-or-government/story