Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s administrative framework, likening the state to a poorly managed company that requires urgent evaluation and reform. Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue on New Provinces held at UMT Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi stressed his unwavering commitment to the creation of new administrative units, declaring he would rather lose his position than abandon the cause.
Naqvi, who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, highlighted that the current administrative system, established nearly eight decades ago, has failed to keep pace with the country’s expanding population and evolving governance challenges. He clarified that his proposal for a “reset” is intended to address systemic inefficiencies rather than dismantle existing structures or target any political faction.
He emphasized that any restructuring must adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and reflect the political consensus and popular will. “If the people of Pakistan desire new administrative units, they should be established unconditionally; if not, they must not be created,” he asserted.
Using the analogy of a malfunctioning company, Naqvi explained that just as a business must identify and fix its problems, Pakistan’s governance system requires similar introspection and reform. He reiterated that his earlier comments about resetting the system were directed at the administrative framework itself, not any political party or alliance.
Citing alarming governance failures, Naqvi pointed out that a fifth-grade student today struggles with basic reading, and that persistent policy changes have not translated into effective service delivery. He noted that four out of ten children suffer from malnutrition and over half the population lacks access to clean water, attributing these issues to systemic shortcomings accumulated over 79 years.
He also highlighted the aspirations of the youth, who primarily seek employment opportunities within their own regions, questioning whether such opportunities are currently available on merit.
Naqvi insisted that the decision on creating new administrative units should rest solely with the public, not with any individual or political entity. He questioned whether Pakistan’s administrative structure had evolved in line with its population growth, comparing it to a family that outgrows its original home and must move to larger accommodations.
He acknowledged that while the country has accepted the formation of new tehsils, divisions, and districts, it has resisted discussions on establishing new provinces altogether. Any changes, he stressed, would remain within constitutional boundaries, ensuring legality and legitimacy.
Addressing concerns about national unity, Naqvi dismissed fears that new provinces would divide the country’s identity. He explained that decentralization would not alter people’s identities or geographical affiliations but would enhance governance and reduce administrative costs, leading to better functioning public services such as hospitals.
On Islamabad’s status, Naqvi advocated for granting the federal capital provincial status, criticizing the Capital Development Authority’s reliance on land sales for funding and questioning why Islamabad’s residents are excluded from receiving a share of NFC funds.
He also emphasized the importance of decentralizing the judiciary to improve access to justice, suggesting that relocating high courts closer to the public would provide greater relief and responsiveness.
Naqvi cited international examples, such as New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani and London’s Sadiq Khan, to illustrate how mayors operating closer to citizens develop a deeper understanding of local governance challenges than distant bureaucrats. He argued that Pakistan’s large provinces have become too unwieldy to manage effectively from a single urban center.
Drawing from his experience as Punjab’s caretaker chief minister, Naqvi noted his inability to visit 70 percent of districts despite efforts, questioning why major cities like Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi have not been allowed to establish their own administrative frameworks.
He expressed concerns over the recent census results, which showed a decrease in Punjab’s parliamentary seats, warning that inaction could exacerbate resource distribution issues. He questioned the feasibility of a single bureaucrat managing services for tens of millions of people.
Looking ahead, Naqvi urged that the debate focus on determining the number of new administrative units required, with their costs and benefits thoroughly examined through parliamentary discussion before presenting the final decision to the public. He called for a definitive resolution on the matter, emphasizing that such restructuring could reduce expenses while enhancing governance efficiency.
