Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has urged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to initiate a governance reset by implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) and with his own ministry. The call for an overhaul of the country’s governance structure stems from concerns over the “collapsed” system, which Naqvi argued needed new administrative units or provinces to improve service delivery, accountability, and access to justice.
Asif expressed agreement with Naqvi’s views on the dire state of the system, stating that he personally felt it had been held captive by factional and personal interests for decades. He emphasized the need for a fundamental change in the system through a constitutional process, citing Parliament as the forum where such changes could be brought about.
The Defence Minister pointed out that Naqvi was also a member of the cabinet, suggesting that he rarely attended parliamentary sessions or cabinet meetings. Asif argued that treating institutions like the military and DG ISPR as irrelevant would not carry the same weight as speaking at relevant constitutional forums.
Asif’s comments come amid a growing debate over governance in Pakistan, with various parties expressing their opinions on the matter. The PPP has referred to Naqvi’s call for a reset of the system, while the Sindh chief minister has rejected it outright. Lahore’s lawyers have termed it unconstitutional, and Sindhi nationalist groups have demanded Naqvi’s resignation.
The National Action Plan (NAP) was adopted in 2014 after the Army Public School attack to address governance issues. Its 14-point agenda aimed at strengthening effective governance had been unanimously endorsed by political parties. Asif has requested that the system be strengthened through a constitutional process, with Parliament as the forum for discussion and implementation.
The military’s spokesperson also urged political parties to consider an administrative reset for improving governance, citing the country’s security and stability dependence on adapting its governance structure to modern times and population growth. The DG ISPR’s remarks during Friday’s press briefing further reinforced this argument.
Asif has emphasized that Naqvi should begin the change in the system with his own ministry by implementing the NAP. He stated that if such a fundamental change is needed, it should be brought about through Parliament or the cabinet forum, rather than relying on factional interests and personal agendas.
The debate over governance in Pakistan continues to unfold, with various parties weighing their options for reforming the country’s system of government.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
