Mohsin Naqvi Calls for New Administrative Units, Warns System Needs Urgent Reform

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for the creation of new administrative units or provinces in Pakistan, saying the country’s governance system has become outdated and requires fundamental reforms. He warned that if the aspirations of the country’s youth are ignored, widespread dissatisfaction could have serious consequences.

Addressing Pakistan’s first Economic Summit in Islamabad, Naqvi said the existing system has failed to deliver basic services, timely justice, and opportunities to citizens despite being in place for decades.

“The system has collapsed. Whether we accept it or not, speeches and seminars alone will not solve our problems,” he said, adding that Pakistan needs structural reforms within the democratic framework.

The Interior Minister stated that representatives of chambers of commerce from across the country had highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan. He remarked that those responsible for shaping the country’s political and economic direction must collectively work toward meaningful change.

Naqvi said democracy has multiple workable models around the world, but Pakistan has continued to adhere to a system that has failed to adequately address public needs for more than 70 years. He stressed that all political stakeholders must come together to review and reform the governance structure.

Calling for greater decentralization, he proposed the creation of additional administrative units or provinces, saying that governance must be brought closer to the people. “Whatever name you give them—administrative units or provinces—they are essential. Until responsibilities are devolved and new leadership emerges at the grassroots level, many of our problems will persist,” he said.

Referring to the country’s youth, Naqvi said they are not merely seeking financial assistance or gadgets but want merit-based employment opportunities, justice, and fair access to public services. He cautioned that ignoring their legitimate aspirations could create serious challenges for the state.

“The youth are asking for merit, jobs, and opportunities—not tablets or a few thousand rupees a month,” he said, adding that young Pakistanis are capable of earning competitive incomes if provided with the right opportunities and environment.

The minister also criticized the government’s dependence on borrowing, saying that budgets are often prepared with the assumption that additional loans will be required rather than focusing on fixing structural weaknesses in governance and the economy.

He urged all political parties to sit together—even if it takes months—to address Pakistan’s fundamental issues, including administrative reforms and the country’s governance model.

“All political parties will have to sit in one room and resolve these issues collectively. Until we do that, no number of seminars or speeches will bring real change,” he said.

Naqvi praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s work ethic, saying he works long hours for the country, but added that such efforts amount to “firefighting” unless accompanied by deeper institutional reforms.

He also encouraged members of the business community to participate directly in politics rather than limiting their role to political funding, saying that meaningful change requires broader public engagement in the political process.