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Mohsin Naqvi

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For the poet, see Mohsin Naqvi (poet).

Mohsin Naqvi
محسن نقوی
40th Minister of Interior
Incumbent
Assumed office
11 March 2024
PresidentAsif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif
Preceded byGohar Ejaz
Minister of Narcotics Control
Incumbent
Assumed office
11 March 2024
PresidentAsif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif
Member of Senate of Pakistan
Incumbent
Assumed office
9 April 2024
ConstituencyGeneral seat from Punjab
37th Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board
Incumbent
Assumed office
6 February 2024
Appointed byAnwaar ul Haq Kakar
PresidentArif Alvi
Asif Ali Zardari
Prime MinisterAnwaar ul Haq Kakar
Shehbaz Sharif
Preceded byZaka Ashraf
Chief Minister of Punjab
In office
22 January 2023 – 26 February 2024
GovernorBaligh Ur Rehman
Preceded byParvez Elahi
Succeeded byMaryam Nawaz
Personal details
Born (1978-10-28) 28 October 1978 (age 46)
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Political partyIND (2024-present)
SpouseWarda Ashraf
Children4
Alma materGovernment College University, Lahore

Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (Urdu: سید محسن رضا نقوی; born 28 October 1978) is a Pakistani politician and businessman. He is a senator and serves currently as Interior Minister of Pakistan since 11 March 2024 and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board since 6 February 2024.

Prior to these roles, he was the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab from January 2023 to February 2024.[1] Naqvi 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 Shahbaz, 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 Parvez 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 Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Democratic Movement.[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, Parvez 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 8 April, he was sworn in as a member of the Senate.[33] However in June, a petition was submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking to disqualify Naqvi from his Senate membership. The petition, citing Article 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan, argued that Naqvi was ineligible to run for the Senate while serving as the Chairman of PCB, as holding both positions simultaneously violates constitutional provisions.[34][35][36]

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.[37]

During Naqvi's appearance in the National Assembly on 26 April, PTI leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan and the PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, lambasted and accused Naqvi of perpetuating political victimization. They also questioned Naqvi's election as a senator as an independent candidate, citing his previous role as an "illegal caretaker chief minister of Punjab." Furthermore, Naqvi faced criticism for his non-attendance at National Assembly sessions.[38]

On 3 May, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan criticized the election of independent candidates as senators in 2024 Pakistani Senate election, including Naqvi, and called it as a "continuation of the hybrid system." He also claimed that the majority of PML-N was opposed to supporting independent candidates, including Naqvi, in the Senate elections, but Nawaz Sharif made the decision.[39]

Administration career

[edit]

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board

[edit]

On 22 January 2024, caretaker Prime Minister and PCB Patron-in-Chief Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar designated Naqvi as a member of the governing board of PCB, amid reports that the latter would eventually be elected as PCB chairman.[40][41] According to reports, Naqvi reportedly had support from Anwaar ul Haq Kaka, to assume the chairmanship of the PCB. On 6 February, while serving as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, he was also elected unopposed as full time 37th chairman of the PCB[42] for a three-year term. His appointment occurred roughly ten days before the start of the 2024 Pakistan Super League and just a few days before the 2024 Pakistani general election. However his critics dismissed him as someone with little to no cricket experience.[43]

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.[44]

It was observed that Pakistan cricket experienced a decline in performance during Naqvi's tenure as chairman, as compared to his predecessors, largely attributed to his limited cricketing experience and its management. One particularly criticized decision during the Naqvi's tenure had been the reinstatement of Babar Azam as Pakistan's captain in white-ball cricket, which had been viewed as one of the pivotal setbacks for the Pakistan cricket team.[45]

In June 2024, following Pakistan's losses to the USA and India during the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Naqvi called for a major changes within the cricket team, referring to it as a "major surgery."[46] The Dawn's editorial noted that the seven-member committee formed by Naqvi "proved to be mentally fragile".[47] While an editorial in Pakistan Today also expressed disappointment with what it saw as an "unserious attitude towards cricket" from the PCB's political patrons, suggesting it may have contributed to the team's recent underperformance.[48] Muhammad Ali Saif, then advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, called for the immediate resignation of Naqvi as chairman of PCB, insisting that the PCB chairman should be a "professional and responsible individual" and also emphasized the need to keep sports separate from politics.[49]

Following Pakistan's defeat in both Test matches against Bangladesh during their 2024 tour, Naqvi came under significant criticism. Both the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan harshly criticized him, with calls for his resignation as chairman of the PCB. His performance as Interior Minister also drew criticism, with accusations from lawmaker, alleging involvement in corruption concerning sports and immigration.[50]

Personal life

[edit]

Naqvi married the daughter of Ashraf Marth, the brother-in-law of Pervaiz Elahi, himself a former Chief Minister of Punjab.[51] Ashraf Marth was the SSP Gujranwala before being assassinated by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants in 1997.[52] 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]

In May 2024, his wife name surfaced in a data leak disclosing her ownership of properties in Dubai.[53]

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. ^ "LHC hears plea seeking Naqvi's disqualification from Senate seat tomorrow". Pakistan Today. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  35. ^ "Mohsin Naqvi faces disqualification petition in LHC". The Express Tribune. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  36. ^ "Notices on plea against Tarar's victory". DAWN.COM. 29 June 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  37. ^ "PTI, Imran Khan Ask SC To Form Judicial Commission To Probe Election 'Rigging'". The Friday Times. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  38. ^ Wasim, Amir (27 April 2024). "Mohsin Naqvi unmoved by stiff PTI criticism". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  39. ^ Guramani, Nadir (4 May 2024). "PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah says induction of 'independent' senators, including Naqvi, continuation of hybrid regime". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  40. ^ Abbasi, Kashif (23 January 2024). "Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi set to be named PCB chief". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  41. ^ Raza, Syed Ahmed (23 January 2024). "IPC notifies Mohsin Naqvi's nomination in PCB governing board". Brecorder. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi elected unopposed as PCB chairman". DAWN.COM. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  43. ^ "Naqvi's challenge". www.thenews.com.pk. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  44. ^ Gabol, Imran (24 March 2024). "PCB chief announces 'reorganised' selection committee comprising 7 members with equal powers". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  45. ^ "PCB And The Mysterious Frontman". The Friday Times. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  46. ^ "PCB chief calls for 'major surgery'". DAWN.COM. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  47. ^ "Cricket breakdown". DAWN.COM. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  48. ^ "Fixing our cricket". 10 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  49. ^ "PTI's Barrister Saif Seeks Naqvi's Resignation As PCB Chief". The Friday Times. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  50. ^ Khan, Iftikhar A. (6 September 2024). "Mohsin Naqvi under fire in parliament for 'destroying' cricket". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  51. ^ Gilani, Iqtidar (29 January 2023). "A Controversial Pick". Bol News.
  52. ^ "Four acquitted in SSP Marth's murder trial". The Express Tribune. 21 May 2010.
  53. ^ "'Nothing new or illegal': Pakistani politicians named in Dubai property data defend ownership, downplay report". DAWN.COM. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
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