Senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar has called for the reinstatement of former Sindh governor Kamran Tessori, making it a crucial condition for the party’s backing of the federal budget. He emphasized that Tessori’s return is a “red line” for MQM-P’s support in parliament.
This demand emerged from a meeting involving MQM-P lawmakers from both the National Assembly and provincial assemblies, where there was widespread agreement on the issue within the party ranks. Sattar highlighted that the entire party stands firmly behind Tessori, praising his tenure as governor for its unmatched engagement and performance.
Tessori served as Sindh governor from October 2022 until his removal in March 2026. Sattar argued that his dismissal weakened MQM-P’s capacity to advocate for urban Sindh’s concerns, noting that the governor’s office had been an effective platform for addressing civic issues.
He stated that MQM-P would adopt a firm stance during budget negotiations, openly pressing for Tessori’s reinstatement in discussions with the government. Sattar also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to demonstrate flexibility, suggesting that even minor concessions could help maintain coalition unity.
Warning of potential consequences, Sattar indicated that ignoring MQM-P’s demands might jeopardize the party’s support for the budget. Meanwhile, another senior MQM-P leader, speaking anonymously, noted that the matter has yet to be formally debated at the party’s central committee level but expressed no opposition if the prime minister re-nominates Tessori and the president approves the appointment.
This leader underscored that the governor represents the federation and stressed MQM-P’s primary concern is addressing the challenges faced by the Urdu-speaking community in Sindh.
MQM-P currently holds 22 seats in the National Assembly and three in the Senate, positioning it as a vital coalition partner for the federal government. The party was instrumental in securing parliamentary approval for the 27th constitutional amendment, and its position on the upcoming budget is viewed as critical for the ruling coalition’s stability.
Political analysts warn that any withdrawal of MQM-P’s support could complicate the budget’s passage in parliament, potentially destabilizing the government’s legislative agenda.
