Mohsin Raza Naqvi

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Not to be confused with Mohsin Naqvi, poet.

Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi
سید محسن رضا نقوی
40th Minister of Interior
Assumed office
11 March 2024
PresidentAsif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif
Preceded byGohar Ejaz (caretaker)
Minister of Narcotics Control
Assumed office
11 March 2024
PresidentAsif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif
37th Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board
Assumed office
6 February 2024
Appointed byAnwaar ul Haq Kakar
PresidentArif Alvi
Asif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterAnwaar ul Haq Kakar (caretaker)
Shehbaz Sharif
Preceded byZaka Ashraf
Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab
In office
22 January 2023 – 26 February 2024
GovernorMuhammad Baligh Ur Rehman
Preceded byChaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
Succeeded byMaryam Nawaz
Personal details
Born (1978-10-28) 28 October 1978 (age 45)
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Political partyIndependent
Height179 cm (5 ft 10 in)
SpouseWarda Ashraf
Children4
Alma materGovernment College University, Lahore
Known forOwner of City Media Group

Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (Urdu: سید محسن رضا نقوی; born 28 October 1978) is a Pakistani politician who is the current Interior Minister of Pakistan, in office since 11 March 2024 and the current Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, in office since 6 February 2024.

Previously, he served as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab from January 2023 to February 2024.[1] He is also the founder of the City Media Group.[2]

Early life and education[edit]

Naqvi was born on 28 October 1978, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan to a Punjabi Syed family with their ancestral roots lying in Jhang.[3] He was orphaned at a young age and was raised by his maternal uncle, who currently serves as the chairman of City Media Group.[4]

Naqvi received his primary education from the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School.[5] He later attended Government College University (GCU) before moving to the United States to pursue higher education at Ohio University, where he earned a degree in journalism.[3][6]

Media career[edit]

After completing his studies, Naqvi obtained an internship with the American cable news channel, CNN.[3] He was sent by CNN to cover Pakistan as a producer and later became the regional head of South Asia during the global War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks.[3][7][6] Naqvi reported on the region for CNN until 2009.[3]

In 2009, at the age of 31, Naqvi founded City News Network, with C42 as its first television channel that was later re-branded as City 42.[3][7] City News Network owns six TV channels, one newspaper; including 24 News Channel, Rohi Channel for Saraiki Belt and C41. He has also started Channel 21 from Karachi. His Urdu news channel C44 is also working in the UK.[7]

In 2009, Naqvi, then associated with CNN, faced allegations of involvement in accepting substantial bribes to facilitate the acquittal of the Haris Steel Mills owner in a Rs 9 billion fraud case before the Supreme Court.[8] According to reports, Naqvi received Rs3.5 million from Sheikh Afzal, the owner of Haris Steel, after Naqvi allegedly proposed to Afzal to have his corruption case dismissed, leveraging his purported favorable connections with a Lahore High Court judge.[9]

Political career[edit]

Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab[edit]

Naqvi was one of the two nominees suggested by Hamza Shehbaz, Leader of the Opposition Punjab Assembly for the caretaker chief ministership of the province.[10] The appointment of Naqvi as caretaker CM was later made by Election Commission of Pakistan during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner, Sikander Sultan Raja after an unusual delay and constant deadlock between the previous provincial government and the opposition over the nominees after the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly.[11]

Naqvi assumed office as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab on 22 January 2023.[11] Subsequently, on 27 January, an eight-member caretaker provincial cabinet for Punjab was inaugurated.[12]

The selection of Naqvi as the caretaker Chief Minister faced substantial backlash from various quarters, notably the PTI. Criticism intensified following revelations of Naqvi's involvement in the controversial Haris Steel Case, where he reportedly entered into a plea bargain with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). PTI had vehemently denounced the appointment, labeling it as unlawful and invalid.[13] On 28 January 2023, following Naqvi's assumption of office as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, the PTI lodged a petition against his appointment in the Supreme Court. The PTI petitioned the court to prohibit Naqvi from forming a cabinet, executing administrative duties, and making decisions regarding election. The petition further argued that the Election Commission and its members had breached constitutional and statutory obligations pertaining to the appointment of Naqvi as caretaker chief minister.[14] The outgoing Chief Minister of Punjab Pervaiz Elahi, criticized Naqvi's appointment as "partial and biased," while Imran Khan deemed Naqvi a "controversial and biased personality" and therefore unacceptable to his party. Khan further alleged that the ECP had appointed Naqvi to manipulate the forthcoming elections in Punjab.[15]

During an interview on 29 January, Punjab Advocate General Ahmad Awais disclosed that shortly after Naqvi assumed the role of caretaker chief minister, he orchestrated significant illegal transfers, postings, and dismissals of officers across various law enforcement agencies. These actions, purportedly aimed at officers appointed by the PTI government, were alleged to assist the ECP in rigging the election in favor of the PML-N and PDM.[16]

On 12 February, Naqvi purportedly breached the election code of conduct by participating in the groundbreaking event of Bab-e-Pakistan, contravening the ECP regulations that prohibited caretaker governments from engaging in such activities. Additionally, the Punjab Advocate General Ahmad Awais remarked that the ceremony constituted a violation of the election act and was deemed unconstitutional. He further stated that the issue would likely be brought before the court, emphasizing that caretaker administrations should refrain from involvement in such events.[17]

On 14 February 2023, Naqvi stated that he has no intention of extending his tenure as caretaker chief minister,[18] noting that the term of a caretaker government typically ranges from 60 to 90 days.[19]

According to a petition filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on 29 April, it was argued that the term of Naqvi as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab had expired as per the constitution after 90 days and that Naqvi was unlawfully occupying the office.[20]

Following the 2024 Pakistani general election on 8 February, Pervaiz Elahi leveled accusations against Naqvi, alleging that he deprived the people of their electoral mandate and stated that "Naqvi and his police are the real culprits behind stealing the mandate of the citizens".[21]

Naqvi convened farewell meeting of the provincial cabinet of Punjab on 23 February 2024.[22]

Interior Minister of Pakistan[edit]

On 10 March 2024, after reports surfaced that Naqvi would join Prime Minister Shehbaz's federal cabinet as the Interior Minister, both the PML-N and the PPP denied that he was their candidate: a senior PML-N leader expressed disappointment with Naqvi's appointment, asserting that he did not represent their party and argued that he's the PPP choice, while a PPP leader called Naqvi “Rawalpindi’s man”, a reference to the Pakistani military establishment.[23] A senior PML-N leader, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns that it could have a potentially negative impact on the government's image if it were to materialize.[24]

Naqvi was subsequently sworn in on 11 March 2024 and appointed as Federal Minister for Interior and narcotics control.[25]

In March, he announced his candidacy for the 2024 Pakistani Senate election[26] with the aim of securing a position as a full federal minister. Naqvi filed his nomination as an independent candidate, yet reports indicated that all four parties in the ruling coalition—PML-N, PPP, PML-Q, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party—backed Naqvi as their candidate for the Senate elections.[27]

On 6 April, while in jail, Imran Khan, speaking to journalists, remarked that "The king is sitting back," alluding to the Chief of Army Asim Munir, and stated that Naqvi had assumed the role of "viceroy". He also asserted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held no real power. Additionally, Imran Khan implicated Naqvi, along with certain judges, the Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, and the caretaker government of Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, in the alleged judicial involvement in the "London plan".[28]

On 8 April, during a joint press conference, Qaisera Elahi, the wife of Pervaiz Elahi, and Sumaira Elahi, the sister of Shujaat Hussain, accused Naqvi of exacerbating the discord between her husband Pervez and Shujaat Hussain.[29][30] Reportedly, Naq­vi is a close relative of Shu­jaat Hussain.[31] Fractures within the family began to emerge during the No-confidence motion against Imran Khan in April 2022.[32]

On April 8, he was sworn in as a member of the Senate.[33]

In March, Hamid Khan, representing Imran Khan, petitioned the Supreme Court to form a judicial commission of serving SC judges to investigate rigging in 2024 election. The petition also demanded scrutiny of Naqvi's actions, alleging violations of oaths and subversion of the Constitution, calling for a trial for high treason.[34]

Administration career[edit]

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board[edit]

Caretaker Prime Minister and PCB Patron-in-Chief Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar designated Naqvi as a member of the governing board on 22 January 2024, amid reports that the latter would eventually be elected as PCB chairman.[35] He assumed the charge of Chairman PCB on 6th February 2024.

In March, Under Naqvi's chairmanship of the PCB, the National Cricket Selection Committee underwent reorganization. Previously chaired by a single individual, the committee was restructured to include seven members, each with equal voting authority.[36]

Personal life[edit]

Naqvi married the daughter of Ashraf Marth, the brother-in-law of Pervaiz Elahi, himself a former Chief Minister of Punjab.[37] Ashraf Marth was the SSP Gujranwala before being assassinated by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants in 1997.[38] However, despite their relationship, Elahi rejected his appointment as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, stating that he would approach the Supreme Court regarding the Election Commission's decision to appoint him to this position.[4] Naqvi is also reported to have close ties with Asif Ali Zardari.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Irfan Sadozai (22 January 2022). "Mohsin Naqvi sworn in as Punjab caretaker chief minister". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Media mogul made caretaker CM of Punjab". The Business Recorder. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "محسن نقوی کا صحافت سے ریاست تک کا سفر: سابق نگراں وزیراعلیٰ کی بطور وفاقی وزیر تعیناتی کو کیسے دیکھا جا رہا ہے؟" [The journey from journalism to the state: How is the appointment of former caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi as a Federal Minister being viewed?]. BBC Urdu. 22 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Niazi, Abdullah (22 January 2023). "Mohsin Naqvi picked as caretaker CM of Punjab". Profit by Pakistan Today. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Syed Mohsin Naqvi: Who is the new caretaker CM Punjab?". Daily Pakistan. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  6. ^ a b "ECP picks Mohsin Naqvi for Punjab caretaker CM slot". Dunya News. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Abdullah Niazi (15 July 2019). "How a 30 year old became a media tycoon". Profit by Pakistan Today. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  8. ^ "BoP case involves more culprits". The Nation. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Rs7.5bn of Rs9bn BoP loan recovered". DAWN.COM. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Hamza unveils two names for interim Punjab CM". The Express Tribune (newspaper). 17 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  11. ^ a b Sadozai, Irfan (22 January 2023). "Mohsin Naqvi sworn in as Punjab caretaker chief minister". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Eight-Member Caretaker Punjab Cabinet Sworn In". The Friday Times. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  13. ^ "Battle For The Caretaker: Mohsin Naqvi, His Plea Bargain And The Law". The Friday Times. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  14. ^ Iqbal, Nasir (28 January 2023). "PTI wants interim Punjab CM's removal, SC intervention". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Imran announces countrywide protests against Mohsin Naqvi's appointment". Brecorder. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Naqvi's appointment was pre-planned". BOL News. 29 January 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  17. ^ "Caretaker Punjab CM violates election code". The Express Tribune. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  18. ^ "No intention to prolong caretakers' tenure: Punjab CM". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  19. ^ Khawar, Usama (8 August 2023). "The problematic precedence of caretaker governments in Pakistan". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  20. ^ "LHC petition seeks removal of Caretaker CM Punjab from office". The Nation. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  21. ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (23 February 2024). "Parvez accuses Punjab CM Naqvi of stealing people's mandate". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  22. ^ "CM summons cabinet's farewell meeting". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  23. ^ "PML-N, PPP both deny Naqvi is 'their man'". The Express Tribune. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  24. ^ "Naqvi getting cabinet post turns thorny". The Express Tribune. 10 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  25. ^ Momand, Nadir Guramani | Abdullah (11 March 2024). "Ishaq Dar becomes FM as PM Shehbaz's 19-member cabinet sworn in". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  26. ^ "PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to 'contest' senate elections". 8 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Aurangzeb Among Others Submit Nomination Papers For Senate Polls". The Friday Times. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  28. ^ "Imran likens current crisis to 1971 debacle". The Express Tribune. 6 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  29. ^ Butt, Waseem Ashraf (9 April 2024). "Shujaat-Parvez rift blamed on Naqvi". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  30. ^ "Prison fails to change Pervaiz Elahi's loyalty to Imran Khan: Qaisera". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  31. ^ "CM Mohsin for strict action against responsible persons". The Nation. 4 May 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  32. ^ Butt, Waseem Ashraf (21 January 2024). "It's aunt versus nephew on two Gujrat seats". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  33. ^ Mashwani, Zahid (9 April 2024). "Newly-elected Senators take oath of the office". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  34. ^ "PTI, Imran Khan Ask SC To Form Judicial Commission To Probe Election 'Rigging'". The Friday Times. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  35. ^ Raza, Syed Ahmed (23 January 2024). "IPC notifies Mohsin Naqvi's nomination in PCB governing board". Brecorder. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  36. ^ Gabol, Imran (24 March 2024). "PCB chief announces 'reorganised' selection committee comprising 7 members with equal powers". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  37. ^ Gilani, Iqtidar (29 January 2023). "A Controversial Pick". Bol News.
  38. ^ "Four acquitted in SSP Marth's murder trial". The Express Tribune. 21 May 2010.
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