By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for comprehensive structural reforms to Pakistan’s governance system, supporting the creation of new administrative units to improve public service delivery, accountability and decision-making at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Naqvi endorsed a proposal presented by Dunya Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood, stating that Pakistan’s decades-old administrative framework has failed to meet the growing needs of its population. He stressed that meaningful reforms require political consensus and a long-term national vision rather than short-term policy measures.
Addressing business leaders, policymakers and industry representatives, Naqvi said many of Pakistan’s economic and governance challenges stem from an outdated administrative structure rather than a lack of national potential. He noted that the country has continued to operate under virtually the same governance model for more than seven decades, warning that without structural reforms, the same issues would continue to dominate national debate in the years ahead.
The interior minister reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance, saying democracies around the world adopt different administrative systems based on their national requirements. He argued that Pakistan should also be open to reforms that strengthen governance and bring public institutions closer to citizens.
Naqvi said powers should be devolved to the local level through new provinces, administrative units or other constitutional arrangements that enable citizens to access government services and justice without travelling long distances. According to him, smaller administrative units would help develop stronger local leadership, improve transparency and enhance public accountability.
He also urged political parties to initiate a serious dialogue on constitutional and administrative reforms, emphasizing that governance reforms should rise above partisan politics.
Highlighting the role of the private sector, Naqvi encouraged the business community to advocate institutional reforms instead of limiting its engagement to election-related activities. He said successful entrepreneurs should be encouraged to contribute to public leadership, as their experience can help improve governance and economic management.
Referring to Pakistan’s recurring fiscal deficits, Naqvi said successive governments remain occupied with managing financial crises because of deeper structural weaknesses. He called for a broad national dialogue involving Parliament, political parties, universities, the media, legal experts and civil society to examine the advantages and challenges of creating new administrative units and develop a governance model better suited to Pakistan’s future needs.
