**Pakistan Defence Minister Defends ‘Hybrid’ Rule, Downplays Army Dominance**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025*
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the country’s “hybrid” governance model in an exclusive interview with broadcaster and writer Mehdi Hasan. This model involves a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilian leadership.
When asked directly if the army was in control, Asif denied such claims, emphasizing that he himself is a political appointee. He also dismissed comparisons between Pakistan’s governance and the concept of a “deep state” often discussed in the context of US democracy. Instead, he attributed the strong military presence in Pakistan’s politics to the legacy of past military rulers.
### Governance Structure: The ‘Hybrid’ Model
Asif described Pakistan’s governance as “hybrid,” a term he has used previously to highlight the uniqueness of the arrangement. According to him, decisions in Pakistan are made by consensus rather than being dominated by any single entity.
When questioned about who has the final say in disagreements between himself and Army Chief Asim Munir, Asif explained that they often “agree to disagree,” underscoring that decisions come through consensus. “It’s not equal. We can agree to disagree. It is by consensus, whatever is taking place,” he said.
### Endorsement of the Hybrid Regime
Earlier this year, Asif had praised the “hybrid regime” in Pakistan, calling it a “practical necessity” until the country resolves its economic and governance challenges. He expressed optimism about the model, stating it was “doing wonders” for Pakistan.
This interview follows a high-profile visit to the White House, where Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were hosted by United States President Donald Trump. The dialogue reflects ongoing international interest in Pakistan’s unique civilian-military governance dynamics.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-was-asked-who-runs-country-army-or-government/story