Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has launched a strong criticism of Pakistan’s bureaucracy, describing it as the country’s “real and permanent rulers.” He argued that senior bureaucrats have remained largely beyond effective accountability throughout Pakistan’s history, unlike politicians and other powerful groups.
Asif said the bureaucracy had gradually developed into a powerful and largely untouchable class. He questioned why senior bureaucrats had not faced the same level of scrutiny and accountability as politicians.
The defence minister also acknowledged that political leaders themselves share responsibility for the situation. According to him, politicians failed to establish an effective system capable of holding bureaucrats accountable.
His remarks have renewed debate over the influence of the bureaucracy in Pakistan’s governance and decision-making structures. Asif stressed that stronger accountability should apply to all powerful sections of society.
