Naqvi breaks silence on criticism from detractors

Minister asserts attempts to drive wedge between him and PM Shehbaz will fail

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered a resolute message on Friday to his critics, both within and outside the ranks of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He emphasized that any attempts to sow discord between him and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were bound to falter.

Naqvi underscored in his statement that his bond with the prime minister extended back over 25 years, portraying Shehbaz not only as a mentor but also a cherished friend. Personally, the minister expressed a preference for nurturing personal connections over acquiring governmental positions.

“To those who seek to sow seeds of division between us, their efforts are futile. Ministries hold no significance for me compared to the depth of our relationship,” the statement quoted the minister as affirming. “My association with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spans a quarter-century, and he is akin to an elder brother to me.”

Naqvi’s response came after various statements, both publically and privately, from PML-N officials and others, who have been implying that he was a favourite of the powerful stakeholders. It had also been reported that both PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had denied that Naqvi was ‘their man’.

They criticised Naqvi, firstly, for taking up the position of Punjab caretaker chief minister, secondly, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), thirdly, the interior minister and, fourthly, becoming an independent senator with the support of ruling parties.

With frequent intervals, different statements against Naqvi have emerged from different political bigwigs, including former interior minister Rana Sanaullah, who has openly been chiding the minister during talk shows and interviews.

Read: PML-N, PPP both deny Naqvi is ‘their man’

n one occasion, Sana said that Naqvi could also become the president of Pakistan only if the latter desired. Sana even went on to say that if a person could serve in so many positions then why not the post of the prime minister.

Naqvi had remained silent for weeks but finally cleared the air by openly responding to such statements. Nevertheless, after responding to questions during his visit to “Public Facilitation Centre”, Naqvi said that he “personally doesn’t care” about any such statements.

During his media talk, Naqvi ordered Islamabad police chief Ali Nasir Rizvi to control crime rate in the capital. He also ordered the inspector general of the Islamabad police to speed up the operation against the foreigners staying in the capital illegally.

Naqvi stated that the data of illegal aliens was already available and the police should start crackdown against them. In addition, as decided in the federal cabinet meeting, Naqvi said, the stay of the foreigners with registration cards, had been extended for three months.

Also, Naqvi shared that there were many concerns regarding the security of the Chinese nationals, adding that better arrangements were being made with the help of Chinese officials. Referring to Supreme Court order, he said that issuance of arms licence was banned.

During the interaction, Naqvi said that he wished there was on-arrival visa system for Sikh pilgrims. In response to a question about restrictions on X, formerly Twitter, he said the issue needed more time for its resolution.Admitting that power was not permanent, Naqvi said that he had never given orders to the police to misbehave with any women or violate the sanctity of homes. Among other things, he said that work had already started on the National Forensic Lab in Islamabad.