Naqvi Stresses People‑First Approach to New Administrative Units

Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore on September 5, 2026, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made it plain that the government will not push ahead with new administrative units unless the public itself asks for them.

“Reset does not mean breaking the system,” he said, pausing for effect. “It simply means fixing what is broken.” He added that the term “reset” was never meant as a jab at any political party, but as a call to overhaul a governance framework that, in his view, has been faltering since independence.

Naqvi underlined that any reshaping of provincial boundaries must come from “political consensus” and, above all, the “will of our people.” If the nation votes no, those new provinces will never see the light of day, he insisted.

He proposed a straightforward, almost conversational, process: draft a proposal, put it before the citizens, and ask them straight‑forwardly whether they accept it. “We will debate the benefits, the methods and the financial consequences in Parliament, with experts, and then we will seek the public’s opinion,” he explained.

Addressing criticism that his earlier comments seemed to target specific parties, Naqvi clarified that he was talking about the whole system – a system that, he argued, “has lost its impact and is not reaching the public at all.” He cited stark figures: four out of ten children still lack adequate education, only 55 % have clean drinking water, and two million cases linger in the courts.

The minister also took the opportunity to champion Islamabad’s status. Calling himself “the biggest supporter of Islamabad province,” he reminded the audience that the capital city receives no direct share of the National Finance Commission award, a situation he believes would be rectified by granting it provincial status.

When asked how many new units might be created, Naqvi said the answer depends on a careful review of their practicality and cost. He warned against letting emotions drive the debate, noting that “many emotional speeches are being made,” but real reform will take time and must be rooted in democratic, constitutional means.

In a related note, Istehkam‑i‑Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan praised the constructive tone taken by ministers across the aisle, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. He echoed Naqvi’s sentiment that new provinces should be based on administrative necessity and public convenience, not linguistic or cultural divides.

Wrapping up, Naqvi reminded everyone that “no single person, party or province can decide this alone.” If the people want a reset, it will happen – and it will happen on their terms.