Ministry of Interior Pakistan: History, Structure & the Narcotics Merger
Founded on 14 August 1947, Pakistan’s interior ministry is as old as the country itself. This overview traces its history — from Home Affairs to the 2025 narcotics merger — and explains how the ministry is structured today.
Quick answer: The Ministry of Interior was formed on 14 August 1947. It was called the Home Affairs Ministry (1962–71), became Interior after 1971, and on 11 February 2025 absorbed Narcotics Control — now the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (وزارت داخلہ). Led by the minister, minister of state and BS-22 secretary.
History since 1947
The ministry was established with Pakistan itself on 14 August 1947 — one of the original cabinet portfolios, responsible for the internal administration of the new state. During the Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan martial regimes (1962–71), it was styled the Home Affairs Ministry; after 1971 it became the Interior Ministry. Its remit has grown with the state: NADRA (1998/2000) brought civil registration; the FIA (1975) federal investigation; NACTA the counter-terrorism coordination; and in 2025, narcotics control.
How it’s structured
- Minister — Mohsin Naqvi (political head, cabinet member)
- Minister of State — Talal Chaudhry
- Secretary (BS-22) — Ahmad Raza Sarwar (administrative head)
- Additional Secretary I — Administration & Political wings
- Additional Secretary II — ICT & Civil Armed Forces wings
- Additional Secretary III — Immigration & Nationality, Legal Affairs
Below them: the attached departments — NADRA, FIA, DGIP, NCCIA, ANF, Rangers, FC, Islamabad Police, IB — each with its own chief but reporting up through the ministry.
The 2025 narcotics merger
On 11 February 2025, the standalone Ministry of Narcotics Control was merged into the Interior Ministry as an attached wing — bringing the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) under the interior minister’s umbrella and renaming the ministry the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. The logic: drug enforcement and internal security overlap operationally; the merger unified command.
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Overview: FAQs
When was Pakistan’s interior ministry founded?
14 August 1947 — with the country itself.
What is the full name of the ministry?
Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (Urdu: وزارت داخلہ), since 11 February 2025.
Who heads the ministry?
The Interior Minister (Mohsin Naqvi), assisted by the Minister of State and the BS-22 Interior Secretary.
Where is the ministry headquartered?
R Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad 44000.
