Is the Establishment Aware of Growing Public Frustration? Hafizullah Niazi Raises Questions

Lahore: Renowned columnist and political analyst Hafizullah Niazi has raised serious questions about the establishment, the existing hybrid system and what he described as a culture of “all is well” surrounding the country’s decision-makers.

In a recent post on X, Niazi wrote that public support or sympathy for the establishment had fallen to almost negligible levels across the country. He said people were openly expressing their frustration and criticism on social media, in streets and neighborhoods, and at social and political gatherings.

At the same time, he said political stakeholders in power were skillfully shifting responsibility for every problem onto the “hybrid system” and the “big brother,” thereby absolving themselves of responsibility.

Niazi argued that the real cause for concern was the growing practice of keeping the “top boss” unaware of ground realities in order to ensure his satisfaction. According to him, subordinates and close associates first create an artificial environment of “all is well” through various tactics and then present it to the leadership in attractive packaging.

کیا مقتدرہ جانتی ہے یا دیانتداری سے جاننا چاہتی ہے کہ وطن عزیز کے طول و عرض میں موجود عوام الناس میں اُن کے لئیے حمائت ہمدردی نہ ہونے کے برابر ہے جبکہ کثیر تعداد بلا جھجک ، بغیر کسی روک ٹوک بعذریہ سوشل میڈیا یا روائتی لنگر گپ شپ گلی کوچوں ، ہر قسم کے مذہبی سماجی معاشرتی معاشی…

— Hafeezullah K Niazi (@hafeezullah_k) August 30, 2026

He contrasted this with the military battlefield, where a subordinate officer is expected to tell the commander the truth because flattery can be fatal. However, he said that once political administration and engineering become involved, the requirements of political management can run contrary to such military principles, with individuals seeking personal recognition and career advancement within a short period.

Niazi further wrote that if Field Marshal Asim Munir’s close associates and well-wishers are keeping him unaware of ground realities, they are knowingly or unknowingly causing him the greatest harm.

Referring to the events of 1971, he claimed that General Yahya Khan continued receiving “all is well” reports until December 15, 1971, while the country was divided the following day on December 16.

The analyst said history ultimately holds the top leadership responsible, while those who concealed the truth later attempt to defend themselves through interviews and books.

He described causing irreparable damage to the country and state in order to protect an individual or a political assumption as a national tragedy, saying the matter requires immediate and honest consideration.