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 to the position of Sindh governor. Farooq Sattar, the party’s Senior Deputy Convener, emphasized the need for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revisit his recent decision to remove Tessori from this key provincial role. Sattar’s statement underscores the growing discontent within MQM-P ranks regarding the federal government’s handling of the appointment.
Kamran Tessori, who has been a prominent figure within MQM-P, was appointed as Sindh governor in October 2022 following the resignation of Imran Ismail. His tenure, however, came to an abrupt end last week when the federal government replaced him with Nehal Hashmi, a veteran politician affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). This sudden change sparked controversy, especially since MQM-P leaders claim they were not consulted before the decision was finalized, highlighting tensions between the coalition partners at the Centre.
Nehal Hashmi took his oath as Sindh governor shortly after Tessori’s removal. Despite the leadership change, Hashmi reassured the public that the alliance between MQM-P and PML-N remains intact. Both parties continue to collaborate as coalition partners in the federal government, working together on various national issues. Hashmi’s appointment, however, has raised questions about the balance of political power in Sindh, a province where MQM-P has traditionally held significant influence.
Born on January 28, 1960, in Karachi, Nehal Hashmi is a seasoned lawyer and politician with decades of experience. He began his legal career in the late 1980s and was politically active from a young age, founding the All Pakistan Youth League during his student days. Hashmi formally joined the PML-N in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as an adviser on law, justice, and human rights to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif between 1997 and 1999. His legal expertise was instrumental in several high-profile cases, including those involving Nawaz Sharif and the tribunal related to Murtaza Bhutto.
Throughout his political journey, Hashmi has held several key positions within the PML-N. He was appointed president of the party’s Karachi chapter in 2012 and later became the general secretary for Sindh in 2014. He also served as a member of the Senate from March 2015 until February 2018. However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2017, Hashmi was expelled from the PML-N following a contentious statement linked to the Panama Papers investigation but was later reinstated in 2021. Additionally, in February 2018, he was sentenced to one month in prison and fined Rs50,000 for contempt of court, which led to the termination of his Senate membership and a five-year disqualification. He was released after serving his sentence.
The recent developments in Sindh’s gubernatorial office reflect the complex dynamics within Pakistan’s coalition politics. MQM-P’s call for Kamran Tessori’s reinstatement highlights the party’s desire to maintain its influence in the province, while PML-N’s appointment of Nehal Hashmi signals its intent to strengthen its foothold. As these political maneuvers unfold, the federal government faces the challenge of managing coalition sensitivities and provincial power balances to ensure stability in Sindh and beyond.
