Naqvi Renews Call for People-Centred Administrative Reform

News Desk

Lahore:  Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has once again called for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s governance and administrative system, saying the country’s existing structure must be reassessed in light of population growth and evolving public needs.

Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, Naqvi clarified that his call for a “reset” was not directed at replacing the government or targeting any political party. Instead, he said the objective was to correct structural weaknesses and make state institutions more effective in delivering essential services to citizens.

The minister noted that the concept of a system reset had been interpreted politically by some quarters, with the proposal being linked to the current government or the existing political setup. He rejected those interpretations, saying the discussion was about improving a system that has developed over almost eight decades.

Naqvi stressed that any changes to the administrative framework must remain within constitutional and legal boundaries and should be supported by political consensus. He said the creation of new administrative units should be determined by the will of the people rather than the wishes of a particular political leader or party.

He argued that if citizens favour the creation of new administrative units, their demand should be respected, while proposals lacking public support should not be imposed.

The interior minister also backed a review of existing administrative boundaries, saying Pakistan’s growing population and expanding needs made it necessary to examine whether the present structure was still capable of effectively serving the public.

Drawing an analogy with a growing family that requires additional living space as its members increase, Naqvi said a country’s administrative arrangements must also adapt to demographic changes.

He called for wider devolution of authority, saying greater powers could be transferred to lower levels of government without violating the Constitution. At the same time, he made it clear that no action outside the legal framework would be acceptable.

Discussing the performance of the existing system, Naqvi pointed to persistent gaps in education, healthcare, clean drinking water, sanitation, nutrition and the justice system.

He said the country had witnessed numerous development projects over the past 79 years, but their benefits had not translated into the level of public services citizens deserve.

He noted that millions of children remain outside the education system and said some students reaching the fifth grade are still unable to read simple sentences. He also highlighted inadequate nutrition among children and limited access to clean water as major challenges requiring systemic solutions.

Naqvi further drew attention to the large number of pending court cases, saying delays in the justice system were the result of problems accumulated over decades rather than the responsibility of a single government.

He said Pakistan’s young graduates also needed greater access to employment and economic opportunities, with jobs and development projects distributed on merit and made available within their respective regions.

On the question of financial distribution, Naqvi argued that citizens across the country should have a fair share in national resources. He particularly advocated considering provincial status for Islamabad if Pakistan decides to establish additional provinces or administrative units.

He said the capital’s existing financial arrangements also needed review, pointing out that Islamabad does not receive an NFC share in the same way as the provinces.

Naqvi reiterated that he would not withdraw from his position on redrawing administrative boundaries, but urged political leaders and the public to approach the issue through debate rather than emotion.

He maintained that the people’s opinion should carry greater weight than political preferences when determining whether new administrative units should be established.

The minister’s remarks add to the ongoing debate over whether Pakistan’s current administrative and governance framework is adequate for its expanding population and growing demands for better public services. Input from national media.