Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hit out at Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s handling of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X, taking a dig at his management of the country’s favourite game.
“Naqvi sahib, systems are always evolving and they should. As an example, bring some revolution in the PCB. Cricket fans aren’t very satisfied with PCB’s performance. In the PCB you have complete authority, there is no prime minister, no parliament, no outdated political system standing in the way,” Asif posted on X, on Sunday addressing Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of PCB, directly.
Speaking on a television talk show, Asif addressed his criticism following statements from Naqvi regarding youth initiatives and system failure.
“I expressed my personal opinion. I normally wouldn’t have, but when Mohsin Naqvi issued those statements, it became my right and duty to set the record straight,” the minister stated.
He pointed out that Naqvi rarely attends cabinet meetings or assembly sessions.
“He has never attended cabinet meetings or maybe once or twice he did. He has rarely attended assembly sessions either. Check assembly records to see how many times he attended cabinet meetings or assembly sessions,” Asif noted.
He asserted that Naqvi operates outside assembly structures and has not faced the tribulations that politicians did.
“Despite being the Interior Minister, he is not part of the system in a traditional sense. He hasn’t faced trials and tribulations over three and a half years like we have. Trials, comfort, peace, everything. So, when such complaints are made, I felt the need to state the facts,” Asif expressed.
When questioned on cabinet attendance, Asif highlighted that security topics should be discussed in cabinet meetings.
“Whether he meets the Prime Minister privately or not, I don’t know. But such national matters should be discussed in the cabinet,” he maintained.
He commented on Naqvi’s entry into ministry positions.
“He is not part of the regular parliamentary system. He has been Chief Minister and then a powerful minister without going through the political mill. When someone who hasn’t faced those political trials complains, it feels like we should just pack up and go home. I don’t have the standing to give advice to legal or constitutional experts, but I spoke frankly based on my experience,” Asif added.
