Web Desk: Journalist Mohammad Malick has questioned the government’s priorities and alleged that senior bureaucrats are attempting to influence Pakistan’s automotive policy in the interests of private stakeholders.
In a post on social media, Malick linked his criticism to the recent deaths of newborns at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, saying the government should be focused on accountability following the tragedy.
He alleged that the Prime Minister’s Office was instead preparing to take action against the chief executive of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) after the official resisted pressure over the implementation of what Malick described as a flawed automotive policy.
Malick claimed that a meeting had been called for 5 p.m. to discuss removing the EDB chief, alleging that the move was connected to differences over the auto policy.
He specifically named Capt. (retd.) Said Anjum, whom he described as a former principal staff officer and current secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production.
According to Malick, Anjum had allegedly pressured the EDB chief to support provisions of the automotive policy that Malick said could benefit private business interests.
Malick did not provide documentary evidence in his post to substantiate the allegations.
The journalist also claimed that the policy could have financial implications running into millions of dollars each year for businesses that stand to benefit from it.
He questioned whether senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office were willing to challenge the decisions of influential bureaucrats or were instead supporting what he characterised as an unjust process.
The allegations come amid wider debate over Pakistan’s automotive sector, including government efforts to revise policies governing vehicle manufacturing, imports and investment.
Malick also referred to Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s previous comments about a “hybrid system” of governance.
Using that reference, he questioned whether Pakistan’s military leadership should intervene in the dispute over the auto policy and the alleged bureaucratic pressure.
His comments appeared to connect the controversy to broader concerns about the role of civilian officials and other institutions in economic policymaking.
The journalist’s remarks also came against the backdrop of the recent fire at PIMS in Islamabad, where newborns died in the hospital’s nursery.
The tragedy has prompted investigations and public criticism over safety arrangements and institutional responsibility.
Malick argued that the government should prioritise accountability over administrative decisions that he believes could serve private interests.
The claims about the EDB chief, the alleged pressure over the auto policy and the motives of individual officials would require confirmation from the government and other parties involved.
Read more: Indian Media celebrates Fazlur Rehman’s anti-military rhetoric
