Defence minister Asif backs Naqvi’s reform call, urges constitutional route

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has largely endorsed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s call for fundamental reforms in Pakistan’s governance system, but urged him to take the proposals to Parliament or the Cabinet instead of raising them before business leaders.

In a post on X, Asif said he agreed with Naqvi’s views on the need to reform the system, arguing that its evolutionary process had for decades been influenced by group and personal interests.

“If the system is to be strengthened and fundamental change brought about, then its forum is Parliament, of which Naqvi Sahib is a member, or it can also be brought up for discussion in the cabinet,” he said.

Asif said taking the matter to constitutional forums would strengthen parliament, the cabinet and the overall system, while ensuring that any change was pursued through the constitutional process.

His remarks came after Naqvi, while addressing the 1st Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad on Thursday, said Pakistan’s governance system had “collapsed” and called for the creation of new administrative units to bring decision-making and public services closer to the people.

Naqvi had urged political parties to develop a national consensus on structural reforms, arguing that short-term measures could not address the country’s governance challenges.

Asif said Naqvi was a “highly respected and credible member” of the cabinet but noted that he only occasionally attended sessions of parliament and the cabinet.

He argued that inviting business leaders to discuss major structural changes while rendering constitutional institutions irrelevant did not carry the same weight as raising such issues in the relevant constitutional forums.

“Acceptance comes from speaking in relevant constitutional forums,” Asif said.

The defence minister also pointed to Naqvi’s influential positions over the past three and a half years, saying he could have raised or advanced the issue of systemic reforms during that period.

“Well, better late than never,” he added.

Asif then urged Naqvi to begin the proposed reforms with implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), following remarks by the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) on the implementation of its points.

“Yesterday, DG ISPR mentioned the 13 points of the National Action Plan. Implementation on one point, which was the responsibility of our armed forces, is being carried out through the sacrifices of souls,” Asif said.

He alleged that implementation of the remaining 12 points, which he described as the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior, had not taken place.

“Naqvi Sahib, begin the change of the system with the implementation of the National Action Plan. Begin the change in the system from your own ministry,” he said.

Asif added that the entire nation, and not just the business community, supported efforts for reform.

Naqvi had earlier said Pakistan needed to devolve administrative authority and create new administrative units or provinces to improve governance, generate employment and strengthen merit-based institutions.

He had also called for a nationwide debate in Parliament, universities and the media, saying any final decision should reflect the will of the people.

Naqvi said political parties, the business community, legal fraternity and other stakeholders should work towards a consensus on structural reforms within the democratic framework.