Naqvi urges ‘system reset’ to improve performance, surmount institutional challenges

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has observed that Pakistan’s system needs a reset as some government departments and organizations have emerged as impediments to successful performance.

Addressing the business community in Lahore, Naqvi called upon businessmen to support the government in bringing changes in the existing system.

The minister admitted that there are regular complaints to the government regarding federal ministries and institutions, and that attempts were being made to rectify problems when practicable.

“Some departments and institutions have become hurdles to our performance,” Naqvi said, adding that the administration was striving to remedy such deficiencies.

He said the country’s system needed to be reset and that such a process could not be undertaken without the cooperation and support of the business community.

Naqvi hoped the reset of the system will lead to a dramatic improvement in the situation.

The interior minister also discussed Iran’s economic development despite decades of international sanctions and drew lessons that Pakistan may perhaps learn.

He said the country has been looked on as one ravaged by conflict, by individuals who hadn’t even been to Iran. But those who had been with him on recent excursions were startled at the level of growth they saw there.

Iran had established strong domestic production skills, especially in the car industry, despite decades of sanctions, Naqvi said.

He highlighted the need for Pakistan to work for export-led growth and reduce dependence on imports by enhancing local manufacturing.

“I invite the business community to come forward with suggestions to increase exports and reduce imports through more domestic production.”

“If Iran can do this despite sanctions for 30 to 40 years, we can do a lot more,” Naqvi added, asking Pakistan to take a leaf out of its neighbour’s economic book.