• Interior minister calls for new provinces, structural reforms, dialogue among all political parties
• Notes current system is incapable of resolving problems, new leadership needed
• Meets Zardari at Bilawal House to discuss security, political affairs
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday proposed a dialogue among all political parties to bring about reforms to the current governance system, while also calling for new provinces and urgent administrative reforms.
Speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit, the interior minister said the current ‘system’ of governance had “collapsed”, and was fundamentally incapable of resolving the country’s problems.
All political parties would have to sit together to settle every issue facing the country, including the creation of new administrative units, he said. “Unless they do so, unless they sit together and change this, this country will remain in the same condition, regardless of how many seminars and functions you hold.”
“The system we are living under has collapsed. Problems cannot be solved through it,” he said. “If this system continues, we will still be sitting here 10 years from now discussing the same issues,” the minister said, adding that only structural change could break the cycle and that a reset was necessary.
Mr Naqvi regretted that the “failed system” had been dragged on for seven decades. “Despite being an agricultural country, we have to import wheat,” he lamented. Without naming anyone, he said: “I will say to the man who brings a good name for the country by remaining awake for 20 hours a day that we are just engaged in firefighting.”
He stressed that structural changes must be made while remaining within the spirit of democracy. “Not everything in the system is bad,” he added. “A common man needs basic facilities which we cannot deliver.”
He claimed carving out more administrative units to facilitate the people was the only solution. “Things will not improve unless new leadership comes,” he said, adding that the youth could not be appeased with a monthly stipend of a few thousand rupees or by giving away laptops.
“They should be asked what they want,” he said. “They need justice, merit and job opportunities.” He warned that if the youth would get united they could “sweep everything away” and it was essential to fulfil their aspirations. “To provide them an opportunity we will have to reset our direction,” he said.
On the federal fiscal situation, he said every budget was in the negative with a focus on how much money was to be borrowed for the year. “The loans keep mounting every year. Is it not our responsibility to set things right?” he asked.
Meeting with president
In a meeting at the Bilawal House, President Asif Ali Zardari and Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the country’s overall law and order situation, with particular focus on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The interior minister briefed the president on the prevailing law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as the ongoing measures being taken to combat terrorism.
President Zardari paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and police in the fight against terrorism. He said the entire nation stood firmly behind its security forces in the collective effort to eradicate terrorism and ensure lasting peace in the country.
The meeting also featured a detailed exchange of views on the country’s prevailing political situation, besides discussions on other matters of mutual national interest.
Syed Irfan Raza also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026
