Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday reiterated that Pakistan’s “system is about to be reset,” maintaining this will improve the functioning of the country.
Earlier this year, Naqvi had similarly claimed the existing “system has collapsed,” as he backed the formation of new provinces to improve governance and tackle prevailing challenges.
Addressing a ceremony of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Naqvi said Pakistan must learn from the “experience and systems” of developed countries. “I will not delve into the details right now, but I have been trying, and while we have achieved many things, I can tell you that the system of this country is going to be reset. For this reset to take place, we need the business community’s support. When the system is reset, I remain hopeful that many things will improve,” he said.
According to Naqvi, the solution to the country’s economic problems lies in boosting exports. “Wherever you need me, I am available to you 24 hours a day. As long as I am sitting in this seat, I am here for you,” he said. Recalling his recent visits to Iran as part of Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington, he said he and the people accompanying him had been surprised by the neighboring country’s self-reliance despite decades of sanctions.
“They have a construction industry, an automobile industry. Name anything and they manufacture it in their own country,” he said, urging the Lahore Chamber to similarly focus on a “Made in Pakistan” initiative to reduce the country’s import bill. “If Iranians can manufacture and do everything themselves, why can’t we?” he questioned, maintaining Pakistan has the potential to halve its imports within 3-4 years.
While the call for new provinces has secured support from the business community, the PPP-led government in Sindh has vociferously opposed it, maintaining they would not tolerate the “division” of Sindh. By contrast, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan is among the parties backing the proposal, especially the establishment of Karachi as a separate province.