Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Asif advised Interior Minister Naqvi to start governance reforms with his own ministry.
- Naqvi called for an overhaul of the country’s governance structure, citing a collapsed system and need for new provinces.
- Asif highlighted that such changes should be made through constitutional processes like Parliament or cabinet sessions.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's call for an overhaul of Pakistan’s governance structure, advising him to start with his own ministry. Speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit on Thursday, Naqvi had argued that the country needed new administrative units and a fresh leadership.
In a social media post, Asif expressed agreement with Naqvi’s views, calling him a 'powerhouse' and suggesting that governance reforms should be discussed in constitutional forums such as Parliament or cabinet sessions. He emphasized that these institutions are crucial for strengthening the system through a constitutional process.
Asif pointed out that Naqvi had been on a powerful post for three years without making significant progress, stating: ‘Had he wanted, he could have spoken about a change in the system or made progress on it during this time.’
The military’s spokesperson, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, had also urged political parties to consider an administrative reset for improving governance. He recalled that the National Action Plan (NAP) adopted after the 2014 Army Public School attack had emphasized effective governance.
During a news conference, Chaudhry argued that governance had long been identified by the military as a prerequisite for national security and that its implementation was essential to adapting to modern times and growing population needs.
Naqvi had previously stated that Pakistan’s governance system had 'collapsed' and needed new administrative units. He also highlighted that young people wanted justice, merit, and jobs rather than stipends and laptops.
Asif further criticized Naqvi for making such a big statement to a captive audience of businessmen instead of speaking at relevant constitutional forums. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary and cabinet sessions in bringing about fundamental changes.
Despite the disagreement over the method of implementation, both Asif and Chaudhry agreed that governance reforms were necessary but should be carried out through established constitutional processes.
Mohsin Naqvi’s sahib expressed his views on the dire state of the system. I more or less personally agree with these views.
Khawaja Asif, Defence Minister
The implementation of one of its points, which is the armed forces' responsibility, is being done.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General
