Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the country needs to reset its system to improve public services and address long-standing problems.
Speaking at an event in Lahore, Naqvi said the purpose of a system reset was not to remove any government or political party. Instead, he said the goal was to fix weaknesses in the existing system.
He said different interpretations had emerged around the idea of a system reset. Some people linked it to the current government, while others connected it to the existing political setup.
Naqvi rejected those interpretations.
Public Should Decide on Administrative Units
The interior minister said Pakistan must review its system after 79 years.
He argued that decisions about new administrative units should reflect the wishes of the people. According to Naqvi, political parties or individuals should not make such decisions on their own.
“If the people want new administrative units, they should be created,” he said. However, if the public does not support them, they should not be imposed.
Naqvi stressed that any changes must remain within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
Focus on Education and Public Services
Naqvi said Pakistan has developed many plans and projects over the past 79 years. However, he argued that these efforts have not delivered the expected results for ordinary citizens.
He highlighted education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation as key areas that need improvement.
Naqvi said some fifth-grade students still struggle to read simple sentences. He also said millions of children remain outside the school system.
The minister argued that better governance and service delivery could help address these problems.
Calls for Decentralization
Naqvi also called for greater transfer of powers to the grassroots level.
He said concerns about decentralizing authority must be addressed. At the same time, he stressed that power can be transferred to lower levels within the constitutional framework.
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He warned that the government would not allow illegal measures.
According to Naqvi, Pakistan must also examine its administrative structure as population and public needs continue to grow.
Concerns Over Justice and Youth Employment
The interior minister also highlighted problems facing Pakistan’s justice system and young people.
He said around 2 million cases remain pending in the courts. He argued that the backlog reflects problems that have accumulated over decades rather than the performance of any single government.
Naqvi also said young people need employment and development opportunities based on merit.
He called for greater opportunities in local areas so young people do not have to leave their communities to find work.
Naqvi Raises Islamabad’s Provincial Status
Naqvi also raised the issue of Islamabad’s representation in Pakistan’s fiscal system.
He said Islamabad does not receive a share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) in the same way as the provinces.
He further argued that if Pakistan creates another province, Islamabad should also be considered for provincial status.
Naqvi urged political leaders to support a debate on making Islamabad a province.
Public Opinion Should Guide Reform
Naqvi said he would not step back from the issue of restructuring administrative boundaries.
However, he said there was no need for an emotional political debate over new administrative units.
According to the interior minister, public opinion should carry greater weight than the preferences of politicians.
He emphasized that no new administrative unit should be created without public approval.
