Lahore, 16 May 2024, (GNP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded to the inclusion of his name alongside other Pakistani polical figures in Dubai property leaks by affirming that all properties owned by him and his spouse were duly disclosed to the appropriate authorities, with their records also submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Naqvi, who holds several roles in the current government including Minister for Narcotics Control, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and serving as a senator, disclosed that his wife has possessed properties not only in Dubai but also in the United Kingdom (UK) for more than ten years.
In a press conference held in Lahore on Thursday, interior minister responded to Dubai leaks, which revealed the names of numerous prominent figures in Pakistan, including government officials, politicians, military generals, and others.
He criticized the national media, stating that while it’s their right to report significant developments, they should avoid creating the wrong impression that individuals obtained properties through illegal means or failed to declare them to the appropriate authorities.
The OCCRP’s Dubai Unlocked project uncovered data on thousands of Pakistanis, including over a dozen retired military officials and their families, as well as bankers, bureaucrats, and others, who possess properties in high-end Dubai neighborhoods.
The former caretaker Punjab chief minister clarified that despite not holding public office 10 to 12 years ago, he owned numerous properties. He emphasized that records of his properties could easily be accessed through the information he submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In response to the Dubai leaks, Naqvi, also recognized as a media mogul for owning a media group in Pakistan, asserted that all his properties were documented and declared.
However, he expressed frustration that the impression was created that he acquired them through undisclosed sources of income. He reiterated his right to decide on investments both within the country and abroad.
Slamming the makers of the Dubai leaks, the security czar said that he has a private life but they were declaring his lifetime earnings illegal. He said if someone “owns illegitimate properties then they are most welcome to create an issue”.
He further said that the report sans data of “thousands of other people who owned properties there [in Dubai].” It seems that the report targeted specific personalities, he added.
Naqvi also called for an investigation into individuals who failed to declare their overseas properties or possessed illegitimate assets.
He lamented the tendency to label successful businesspeople as “thieves” and criticized the demonization of conducting business within the country.
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The federal minister affirmed his commitment to continue serving with a positive mindset despite facing criticism.
In response to a question about Ali Amin Gandapur’s threatening remarks, Naqvi remarked that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister likely made a political statement, emphasizing his belief that a sensible individual wouldn’t contemplate seizing a government building.
Regarding yesterday’s incident, KP CM Gandapur had threatened to take control of the state-owned power distribution company, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), if the issue of load shedding remained unresolved.
Naqvi, however, said if someone “thinks about seizing control of a state-owned installation then the issue will be handled accordingly”.
Naqvi stated that funds totaling Rs23 billion have been allocated to the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In response to criticism for not visiting AJK, he pointed out that those questioning his absence should familiarize themselves with the provisions of the 18th Amendment.
