Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi proposes referendum for new provinces

Minister calls for public vote

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed media queries at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Lahore on Thursday. He stated that political parties must hold a referendum to gauge public opinion regarding new provinces. The security czar argued that if people oppose creation, no new units will be formed. Conversely, he said new provinces should be established if the public supports the proposal.

Context of governance debate

The Interior Minister has whipped up political storms since calling for administrative restructuring in July 2026. He claimed the current governance system had collapsed and needed a complete reset. Various rumours circulated recently about possible political developments, but Naqvi denied any extraordinary changes occurred. He noted that all parties including PTI hold legal rights to their views on this matter.

Corruption cases and arrests

Naqvi disclosed that the NCCIA arrested a Grade-17 government officer while five major cases remain under investigation. He acknowledged corruption exists across the country and must be addressed through evidence-based action. The minister also urged people to avoid promoting inappropriate content circulating on social media platforms. Action against such material will be taken in accordance with the law.