Some institutions have become hurdles to performance: Naqvi

LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for a "reset" of the country's system, arguing that certain departments and institutions have become obstacles to productivity, Dawn reported on Friday. The minister, who reignited a political debate by advocating for the creation of new administrative units a few months earlier, appealed to the business community for support in this endeavor.

His comments came during a meeting with business leaders in Lahore, echoing his earlier address at the Pakistan Economic Summit in July.

Naqvi emphasized that while the federal government receives complaints from businesses, some departments and institutions have regrettably hindered performance. The minister stated that whenever possible, they endeavor to rectify the issues. He cautioned against delving into specifics, citing the multitude of concerns and the progress already achieved. However, he reiterated the urgent need for a systemic reset to enhance the nation's performance.

During his address, Naqvi highlighted Iran's remarkable progress despite enduring decades of sanctions, contrasting it with perceptions of Iran as a war-torn nation. He noted that those who have visited Iran have been astounded by the scale of development achieved despite the sanctions. Naqvi advocated for local manufacturing as a means to reduce imports, recognizing the importance of export-led growth while also emphasizing the necessity of reducing reliance on foreign goods.

He urged the business community to propose strategies that encompass both export and import reduction, stressing the potential for Iran to achieve even greater economic advancement given its decades-long experience with sanctions. Naqvi maintained that this challenge is both feasible and advantageous for Pakistan, calling for collaborative efforts to foster economic growth and resilience.