Wazir-e-Dakhla — the federal interior minister — runs the ministry that touches citizens’ lives most directly: police, passports, NADRA, immigration and internal security. This guide explains the role’s powers and who holds it in 2026.
Quick answer: The Wazir-e-Dakhla (Interior Minister) of Pakistan is Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (since March 2024). The Ministry of Interior oversees police, FIA, NADRA, DGIP (passports), immigration and internal security — and he also chairs the PCB.
In this guide
The Role
The interior minister is effectively the government’s chief security officer: responsible for law and order, counterterrorism coordination, border management and the civil armed forces (Rangers, Frontier Corps). In crises — terrorist attacks, major protests, election security — the Wazir-e-Dakhla is the face of the state’s response. It’s historically one of the most powerful cabinet portfolios, and one of the most politically exposed.
What the Ministry Controls
- Police & FIA: federal law enforcement and investigation
- NADRA: national identity database and CNICs
- DGIP: passports and immigration — see our passport tracking guide
- Civil Armed Forces: Rangers, Frontier Corps, Coast Guards
- Internal security policy and counterterrorism coordination (NACTA)
The Current Wazir-e-Dakhla
Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi took the interior portfolio in March 2024 — a former caretaker chief minister of Punjab and media owner, he now wears three prominent hats: Interior Minister, PCB Chairman and ACC President. His tenure has covered major security operations, the Hajj/immigration systems and Pakistan’s cricket diplomacy. (Ministers change — confirm the incumbent on the Ministry of Interior’s website.)
Notable Past Interior Ministers
The portfolio has a dramatic alumni list: Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan (2013–17, the PML-N strongman), Rehman Malik (2008–13, PPP’s crisis manager), Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed (2020–22, PTI era), Aftab Sherpao and Faisal Saleh Hayat. Several became household names precisely because the interior ministry sits at the centre of every security crisis — the job makes or breaks reputations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Wazir-e-Dakhla?
Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, federal interior minister since March 2024. He also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
What does the interior minister do?
Oversees internal security, police, FIA, NADRA, passports/immigration (DGIP) and the civil armed forces — the ministry citizens interact with most.
.){kind=link}