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New Delhi: Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has been the fastest-rising name in Pakistani politics over the past two years. The 47-year-old Naqvi has neither a uniform nor a significant political legacy. Yet, today, he commands the same status as a senior officer in Rawalpindi. The reason is simple: he enjoys the trust of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.  

Journey from journalist to Home Minister

Mohsin Naqvi began his career with an internship at CNN. After 9/11, when Pakistan was in the global media spotlight, Naqvi quickly rose to become the regional head for South Asia.  

In 2009, at the age of 31, he launched his own media group. City 42, City 41, Rohi TV, and 24 News are all channels he founded. Through media, he gained deep influence in the political and defense circles.  

His real turning point came in January 2023. Naqvi was appointed acting Chief Minister of Punjab. Amid Imran Khan’s agitation and election tensions, he demonstrated tremendous coordination with the military through the administration and police. The establishment particularly appreciated his role in cracking down on the PTI after the May 9, 2023 violence.  

Munir’s closest civilian face

After the 2024 elections, Naqvi was appointed Pakistan’s Interior Minister. He was also appointed Chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board and President of the Asian Cricket Council.  

In political circles, he is known as “Munir without a uniform.” His strength lies in networking—his ability to bridge the media, politics, and the military. During the Middle East crisis and the Iran war, he handled many sensitive negotiations on behalf of Pakistan, which would normally have been the responsibility of the Foreign Ministry.  

Why is the ground shaking for Sharif-Zardari?

Interestingly, Naqvi lacks the vote bank of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, nor the legacy of Bilawal Bhutto. Despite this, he maintains access to the most powerful centers of power. This is why he is called the “favorite face of the establishment.”  

Claims of a relationship between Munir and Naqvi have surfaced on social media, but this has never been officially confirmed. However, the closeness between the two is evident. Naqvi’s administrative influence during his tenure as acting Chief Minister of Punjab has made him Munir’s most trusted civilian aide.  

Today, Naqvi holds the key positions in Pakistan’s internal security, cricket, and political backchannels. This poses the biggest challenge to the Sharif and Zardari families.