Defence Minister Khawaja Asif voiced support on Saturday for Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent call for systemic governance reforms, urging him to bring the debate to parliament and the federal cabinet, despite criticism from other members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Earlier in the week at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi argued that the country’s governance model had collapsed after decades of failing to deliver. To overhaul what he termed an outdated system, Naqvi proposed creating additional administrative units or provinces, stating that decentralisation is necessary to improve public services, ensure timely justice and create opportunities for young people.
The remarks drew mixed reactions from several PML-N leaders. Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah questioned how Naqvi could criticise the current political system when he ascended to the office of interior minister through that same system in just three and a half years. Critics also described Naqvi as one of the beneficiaries of the existing system.
Khawaja Asif Backs Reforms Through Constitutional Forums
Taking a different position from his party colleague Rana Sanaullah, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated in a post on X that he largely agreed with the interior minister’s assessment of the system’s shortcomings. Asif described Naqvi as a powerhouse in his own right and argued as a political worker that the country’s political system had, for decades, evolved under the influence of group and personal interests.
Rather than airing these views before a captive audience of businessmen, Asif argued that far-reaching reforms should be debated in constitutional forums. He noted that as a member of parliament and a highly respected, credible member of the cabinet, Naqvi should utilize those official bodies to ensure institutional strengthening and that change goes through the constitutional process.
Did You Know? Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi proposed the creation of additional administrative units or provinces during his address at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad.
Demands for Interior Ministry Implementation of the National Action Plan
Addressing the interior minister directly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif tied the broader reform discussion to existing security frameworks. Asif recalled that the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations recently referenced the 13 points of the National Action Plan (NAP).
While noting that the armed forces are implementing their assigned point through sacrifices, Asif pointed out that the remaining 12 points fall under the Ministry of Interior’s responsibility and have yet to take place. Urging Naqvi to begin systemic change from his own ministry, Asif remarked that the entire nation is with him in executing the National Action Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to call for reforms?
Naqvi argued at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 that Pakistan’s governance model had collapsed after decades of failing to deliver, prompting him to advocate for decentralisation and the creation of additional administrative units.
How did PML-N leaders react to Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks?
While Defence Minister Khawaja Asif supported the assessment, other PML-N leaders like Rana Sanaullah criticized Naqvi, arguing that he benefited from the existing system to rise to the interior ministry in three and a half years.
Where does Khawaja Asif believe these reforms should be discussed?
Asif stated that debates on systemic changes and the implementation of the National Action Plan should be brought to parliament and the federal cabinet.
What steps should the federal cabinet take next to address these proposed administrative reforms?
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