'Well-known property tycoon' tells Imran Khan to trust Mohsin Naqvi: report

A well-known property tycoon, currently residing outside Pakistan, has reportedly sent a message to incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, urging him to place his trust in Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, The News reported on Wednesday, without naming the tycoon.

According to the news report, the message has been relayed to former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where both are incarcerated.

Despite Imran Khan and the former First Lady being aware that the Interior Minister has been facilitating PTI leaders behind the scenes, Imran Khan has repeatedly voiced criticism against Naqvi.

He previously expressed anger over the recent cordial meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and the Interior Minister in Peshawar.

In December 2024, following deadly clashes between warring tribes in the Kurram district, Gandapur held a meeting with the Interior Minister in Peshawar. The discussion focused on the law and order situation in KP, with an emphasis on restoring peace in Kurram.

During the meeting at the CM’s office, Mohsin Naqvi assured full cooperation in improving security across the province. He pledged support to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in KP.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and CM KP, who have been engaged in backdoor talks in recent months, are also aware of Naqvi's role in assisting PTI leaders, The News claimed.

News reports claim that despite being informed about Naqvi’s positive contributions, Khan was apparently unwilling to reconsider his stance.

Imran Khan has been vocal in criticising Naqvi since his appointment as Punjab’s caretaker CM, accusing him of bias and political favouritism. Khan also opposed Naqvi’s appointment as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 Cricket World Cup in June 2024, Naqvi hinted at major changes in the national team.

In response, Khan called for action against him, claiming Naqvi was benefiting from favouritism.

Additionally, after India defeated Pakistan on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Champions Trophy group stage — hosted Pakistan — Imran Khan blamed Naqvi for the cricket team’s downfall.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail last month, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, reportedly quoted her brother as saying that appointing individuals based on recommendations instead of merit would lead to the downfall of cricket in the country.

Aleema Khan added that Imran Khan had also pointed out Naqvi's extensive hold on key positions, saying, “No one in Pakistan holds as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi does.”

According to news reports, she further stated that Khan remarked that under such poor leadership, a respectable person would have resigned by now, but the Interior Minister had not done so.