Naqvi says referendum best way to decide on new provinces

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has suggested holding a referendum to determine the public's stance on establishing new provinces in Pakistan, emphasizing the right of all political parties to voice their opinions on the matter. During a press conference at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore office, he stated that the decision to create new provinces should be based on public opinion via a referendum if the majority supports it.

Naqvi highlighted the need for administrative restructuring, decentralization of power, and enhanced governance, noting these discussions gained traction in July 2026 following his proposal for additional administrative units. He reiterated that all political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are entitled to their legal rights and any court-issued relief would be afforded to them.

Addressing rumors of political developments, Naqvi affirmed that no significant changes had occurred. Regarding corruption, he acknowledged its prevalence nationwide and emphasized that the government is actively combating it by investigating corruption within public sector institutions, including the arrest of a Grade-17 government officer and ongoing inquiries into five major cases.

He also addressed the circulation of inappropriate content on social media, urging the public to refrain from promoting such material and promising legal action. Naqvi denied claims of internal conflicts within the coalition, stating that the Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and allied parties are crucial partners in the government, with all major decisions made through consensus.

Additionally, he announced the upcoming launch of a platform for lodging cybercrime complaints through NADRA’s Pak ID, allowing for digital recording of complaints to track progress. Naqvi revealed the NCCIA's arrest of a significant gang responsible for facilitating fraudulent exam entries for about 5,000 Pakistanis into international educational institutions, averting potential harm to national interests.

Furthermore, the National Centre for Missing and Child Abuse had recently apprehended 15 individuals involved in child exploitation and pornographic content distribution, particularly in Punjab, Lahore, including connections to international websites.