Naqvi urges all political parties to settle issue of more provinces, says current system has collapsed
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged all political parties to settle various national-level issues, including the question of creating new provinces. In a speech at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Naqvi emphasized that there is only one solution to improving the country’s overall condition: administrative units or provinces.
Naqvi argued that if the current system remains unchanged, the country will continue to suffer from inefficiencies and lack of accountability. He stated that ordinary citizens want to be able to afford necessities and have interactions with the government, which are currently not being provided.
The interior minister pointed out that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, although hailed globally, are simply firefighting and do not address the underlying issues. Naqvi highlighted that there are multiple systems within democracy, but they must work together to correct things.
Naqvi emphasized that unless all political parties come together and create new provinces or administrative units, the country will remain in a state of stagnation. He noted that Islamabad is a busy city and that without significant changes, it will not improve.
The interior minister also addressed concerns about giving stipends and tablets to youngsters, stating that this would not make them happy as they want merit-based job opportunities and a corrected system. Naqvi pointed out that the youth are looking for employment opportunities based on their skills rather than just receiving handouts.
In response to opposition from various political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have demanded the creation of new provinces or administrative units, Naqvi emphasized that these demands are not feasible. He argued that creating more provinces would lead to further division and instability.
The interior minister also highlighted his support for democracy, stating that there are multiple systems within it but they must work together to correct things. Naqvi concluded by emphasizing the need for all political parties to come together and create a new system that is fair, efficient, and accountable.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
