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Pak minister calls himself ‘ordinary worker’ of Army chief Munir, draws ire on social media
Federal Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik described himself as an 'ordinary worker' of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir during a Lahore press conference on May 9, 2026, promising rapid price reductions as international petroleum prices fall. The remark triggered sharp criticism on social media, with commentators alleging increasing military influence over civilian governance in Pakistan's hybrid system.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights ongoing concerns about military influence in civilian politics in Pakistan's hybrid governance system.
Timeline
4 Events
Context: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had already declared a 'hybrid system'
May 10, 2026
The article notes that Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had already described the country as operating under a 'hybrid system' between civilian governance and military influence.
Television commentary criticizes the remarks
May 10, 2026
Senior television anchor Talat Hussain described it as 'shameful' to speak of public relief while citizens face high petroleum prices; he said ministers congratulating themselves on performance while the public struggles indicates a wartime mentality and contempt for citizens' hardships.
Social media backlash begins over the remark
May 9, 2026
Critics on X reacted to the remark. Fatima Malik said: "When ministers begin introducing themselves as 'humble workers' of powerful men rather than representatives of the people, one has to ask is this democracy or the court of loyal servants?" Mohsin Ali Khan added: "Ali Pervaiz Malik is merely speaking the truth a federal minister today is little more than a humble worker of a military general." Waqar Ahmad wrote: "A humble worker of the Field Marshal. The PML-N has sunk to such depths that calling it a political party now feels like an insult to politics itself." Maleeha Hashmi commented: "The ministers now appear completely liberated from even the pretence of political restraint. They have stopped pretending to uphold democracy altogether. Incredible."
Press conference: Ali Pervaiz Malik describes himself as an 'ordinary worker' of the PM and Army Chief Munir
May 9, 2026
Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Energy and a close aide to the premier, said at a Lahore press conference that he is an 'ordinary worker' of the team led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. He added that as petroleum prices decline in the international market, prices will be reduced domestically with the same speed.