Pakistani Minister Calls Himself 'Ordinary Worker' of Army Chief, Sparks Backlash

Pakistani Federal Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik has referred to himself as an "ordinary worker" of Army Chief General Asim Munir during a press briefing in Islamabad on Saturday, igniting a wave of criticism online. Malik, a close ally of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, made the remark while announcing plans to reduce domestic fuel prices in line with international trends.

The comment quickly drew backlash on social media, with users condemning the language as emblematic of the military's deepening role in political affairs. Critics questioned the erosion of democratic norms, with several pointing to the term "hybrid system" previously used by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to describe Pakistan's current governance structure.

Prominent journalists and political analysts weighed in, with TV anchor Talat Hussain criticizing ministers for celebrating policy announcements while the public faces soaring energy costs. Social media users, including Fatima Malik and Mohsin Ali Khan, mocked the minister's phrasing, calling it a sign of political subservience to the military establishment.

The controversy adds to ongoing debates about civil-military relations in Pakistan, particularly following recent political instability and military involvement in key state decisions. The government has not issued an official response to the backlash.

Public discourse on the remark is expected to continue in the coming days, with political observers monitoring whether other ruling party figures comment on the military's perceived influence over civilian institutions.