Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called on all major political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to work together on reforms to improve the country’s governance system, warning that diplomatic gains would have limited value unless internal political and administrative problems were addressed.

Speaking informally to journalists, Naqvi said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir could help strengthen Pakistan’s relations with other countries, but the long-term benefits of those efforts would depend on politicians fixing the domestic system.

“The field marshal can improve as many relationships as possible, but unless politicians reform the country’s system, his hard work will be of no use,” Naqvi said.

He maintained that Pakistan’s internal governance structure needed improvement to enable the country to benefit fully from progress in foreign relations, security and economic diplomacy.

“If our system is not fixed, there will be no benefit,” he said.

Naqvi said the field marshal had repeatedly made it clear that democracy would not be allowed to derail. He dismissed speculation about any move away from the parliamentary democratic order and said he was not advocating a presidential system.

“I am not even talking about a presidential system,” the interior minister said.

He stressed that political parties would have to set aside their differences and reach a common understanding on reforms.

According to Naqvi, the process should not be limited to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party.

“In my personal opinion, PTI should also come together to improve this system,” he said.

Naqvi said meaningful institutional and administrative reforms could not be introduced by one party alone and would require cooperation among all major political stakeholders.

He also expressed confidence that the incumbent government would complete its constitutional term.

“This government will complete its term in every possible way,” he said, rejecting suggestions of an early end to the administration.

Responding to speculation about a possible change in his ministerial portfolio, Naqvi said he would continue serving as federal interior minister and was not being appointed foreign minister.

“I will remain the federal interior minister. I am not going to become the foreign minister,” he said.

Asked about the future of PTI founder Imran Khan, Naqvi said the matter rested with the judiciary.

“The courts will decide regarding the PTI founder,” he said, without commenting further on the cases pending against the former prime minister.