The political landscape in Sindh witnessed a significant upheaval following the abrupt removal of Kamran Tessori from his position as the Governor of Sindh. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) voiced strong disapproval over the decision, emphasizing that the party was neither informed nor consulted prior to this major development. This unexpected move by the federal government has stirred tensions between MQM-P and the ruling coalition, raising questions about the future of their alliance.
In a surprising turn of events, the federal authorities have put forward the nomination of Nehal Hashmi, a seasoned politician from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to succeed Tessori as the new Governor of Sindh. Nehal Hashmi, who served as a PML-N senator from March 2015 until March 2021, brings with him years of legislative experience. His appointment signals a shift in the political dynamics of Sindh, a province where MQM-P has traditionally held significant influence, particularly over the governor’s office.
MQM-P’s leadership expressed their frustration through an official statement, revealing that the party only became aware of the governor’s replacement through media announcements. The lack of prior communication or involvement in the decision-making process has left the party feeling sidelined and disrespected by the federal government. This breach of protocol has prompted MQM-P to reconsider its political strategy and evaluate its continued participation in the federal coalition.
Adding to the party’s discontent, Dr. Farooq Sattar, a prominent MQM-P leader, publicly condemned the removal during an interview. He highlighted that the governorship of Sindh has historically been a position held by MQM-P representatives, underscoring the party’s constitutional and political entitlement to the role. Dr. Sattar argued that the unilateral nature of the decision undermines MQM-P’s standing and leaves the party with no valid reason to remain part of the federal government. He called for an immediate withdrawal from the coalition, signaling a potential political rift that could have broader implications for governance at the federal level.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formally submitted a summary to the President of Pakistan seeking approval for the governor’s change. The Prime Minister also convened a meeting with Nehal Hashmi to congratulate him on his new appointment. This meeting was attended by key federal figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, indicating the high-level endorsement of Hashmi’s nomination.
It is important to note that the controversy surrounding Kamran Tessori’s tenure as Sindh Governor has been brewing for some time. Since early 2024, the Sindh provincial government, led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has voiced persistent concerns about Tessori’s conduct in office. The PPP accused him of allegedly using the Governor House for political maneuvering, which they claimed was detrimental to the province’s governance. These allegations intensified calls for his removal, adding pressure on the federal government to act.
As this political drama unfolds, the MQM-P’s response will be closely watched by analysts and stakeholders alike. The party’s potential exit from the federal government could reshape alliances and impact the balance of power in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the appointment of Nehal Hashmi as Sindh Governor marks a new chapter in the province’s administration, one that will test the federal government’s ability to manage provincial relations amid growing political sensitivities.
