Rana Sanaullah Khan, the seasoned PML-N politician, has long harboured ambitions of reclaiming the powerful position of Interior Minister. However, the meteoric rise of Mohsin Naqvi—first as Punjab’s best-performing Chief Minister and now as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman PCB—has left Sanaullah sidelined, struggling for relevance. His frustration is evident, as he continues to question Naqvi’s dual roles, attempting to cast doubt over his efficiency. But the reality is undeniable—Mohsin Naqvi has not only outperformed his predecessors but has also set new benchmarks that have left his critics in the dust.

As Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi has produced better results than Rana Sanaullah. His modernised approach to policing and counter-terrorism has strengthened internal security and improved law and order across the country. Unlike his predecessor, who failed to make any lasting impact, Naqvi’s initiatives have introduced much-needed reforms and efficiency, ensuring a stronger security framework. His leadership has made the ministry more effective, with proactive policies replacing reactive governance. It is no surprise, then, that Naqvi’s success has left his rivals uneasy.

Beyond his political role, Naqvi has also emerged as a game-changer in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. As Chairman of the PCB, he has brought structural reforms, reinvigorated domestic cricket, and ensured that Pakistan remains a formidable force on the international stage. His leadership has seen the successful return of international cricket to the country, an achievement that had eluded many before him.

Naqvi’s excellence, however, is not a recent phenomenon. His tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the province’s history. His ability to execute projects with unmatched speed earned him the nickname “Mohsin Speed”—a term even Shehbaz Sharif, the man once synonymous with rapid governance, has acknowledged. “Mohsin Speed has surpassed Shehbaz Speed,” the premier reportedly admitted, a rare moment of recognition from a PML-N stalwart. This has only added to the discomfort of figures like Rana Sanaullah, who now find themselves overshadowed by a new standard of leadership.

Even Maryam Nawaz, the current Chief Minister of Punjab, is struggling under the weight of the precedent set by Naqvi. Where Naqvi’s tenure was marked by efficiency, discipline, and groundbreaking initiatives, Maryam’s administration is still trying to find its footing. The bar has been raised so high that comparisons are inevitable, and so far, Naqvi remains unmatched.

Rana Sanaullah’s political setbacks have only added to his frustration. In the 2024 general elections, he suffered a major defeat in NA-100 Faisalabad, losing to PTI-backed independent candidate Dr. Nisar Jutt. This loss further diminished his standing within the party, making his attempts to undermine Mohsin Naqvi appear more like personal grievances than legitimate concerns.

The reality is that Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, both in government and sports administration, has redefined excellence in Pakistan. His ability to deliver results, whether in governance, security, or cricket, has left his critics scrambling for excuses. Rana Sanaullah’s jealousy is understandable—he wanted the power and prestige that Naqvi now commands. But instead of trying to discredit Naqvi, he would do well to acknowledge that Pakistan has found a leader whose competence speaks for itself.