In a significant political development from Karachi, a senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has publicly demanded the reinstatement of Kamran Tessori as the governor of Sindh. Farooq Sattar, who serves as the MQM-P’s Senior Deputy Convener, emphasized the importance of reversing the recent decision to remove Tessori from this key constitutional post. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to carefully review the circumstances surrounding Tessori’s dismissal and consider restoring him to the governorship.
The removal of Kamran Tessori, a prominent figure within the MQM-P, took place last week when the federal government appointed Nehal Hashmi, a veteran leader from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as the new Sindh governor. This sudden change sparked tensions, as the MQM-P expressed dissatisfaction over not being consulted prior to the appointment. The party highlighted that such decisions should involve their input, given their coalition partnership with the PML-N at the federal level.
Kamran Tessori had been serving as the Sindh governor since October 2022, following the departure of his predecessor, Imran Ismail. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain a balance between provincial interests and federal policies, a role that placed him at the heart of Sindh’s complex political landscape. The decision to replace him with Nehal Hashmi has introduced new dynamics, especially considering Hashmi’s long-standing association with the PML-N and his extensive political and legal background.
Nehal Hashmi, who took his oath as Sindh governor last week, acknowledged the ongoing alliance between the MQM-P and PML-N despite the recent change in the provincial leadership. He stressed that the coalition remains intact at the federal level, signaling a willingness to work collaboratively with MQM-P leaders. Born on January 28, 1960, in Karachi, Hashmi is a seasoned lawyer and politician with decades of experience in both fields.
Hashmi’s political journey began during his student years when he founded the All Pakistan Youth League, an early indication of his commitment to political activism. He formally joined the PML-N in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks. Between 1997 and 1999, he served as an adviser on law, justice, and human rights to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, playing a crucial role in shaping legal policies during that period. His legal expertise was also instrumental in several high-profile cases, including those involving Nawaz Sharif and the tribunal concerning Murtaza Bhutto.
Throughout his career, Hashmi has held various important positions within the PML-N. In 2012, he was appointed president of the party’s Karachi chapter, and by August 2014, he had become the general secretary of PML-N in Sindh. His political stature was further solidified when he was elected as a member of the Senate of Pakistan in March 2015, a position he held until February 2018. However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2017, he faced expulsion from the party following a contentious statement related to the Panama Papers case, though his membership was reinstated in 2021.
Hashmi’s legal troubles continued when, in February 2018, he was sentenced to one month in prison and fined Rs50,000 for contempt of court. This conviction led to the termination of his Senate membership and a five-year disqualification from holding public office. Despite these setbacks, he completed his sentence and was subsequently released, allowing him to resume his political activities.
The appointment of Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor and the removal of Kamran Tessori have added a new chapter to the province’s political narrative. The MQM-P’s call for Tessori’s reinstatement underscores the delicate balance of power and the importance of coalition dynamics in Pakistan’s federal structure. As these developments unfold, all eyes remain on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s next moves and how they will impact the political stability of Sindh and the broader alliance between MQM-P and PML-N.
