Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged the role of the establishment in national affairs — including politics and the economy — and said that role has become formally recognised.

Speaking to a private news channel, Asif noted that similar patterns exist across the globe, particularly in the United States.

“The establishment has a significant role in countries around the world — the best example being the US. Whenever needed, the American establishment has intervened in domestic affairs,” he remarked.

Referring to Pakistan, Khawaja Asif said the establishment’s involvement in internal matters, including economic management, has now become formalised, and while this role is critical, “Shehbaz Sharif is still the captain of the team.”

On the judiciary, the minister criticised the recent trend of attacking the judiciary over its verdicts.

He also lashed out at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, questioning their delayed response to illegal riverbank encroachments in Swat.

“They’re demolishing structures now — where were they before?”

Touching on internal security and law enforcement, Asif raised concerns over the activities of Afghan nationals, alleging that a canal bank in Sialkot is entirely occupied by Afghans who have brought in dumpers.

“These dumpers are involved in violent incidents not just in Sialkot, but also in Karachi and Lahore.” He further claimed that dumpers are being imported from Japan as scrap, stating that they’re shipped in containers — three per shipment.