KARACHI: Bashir Memon, the president of PML-N Sindh, firmly rejected on Friday the circulating media stories suggesting discord within the party following the appointment of Nehal Hashmi as the Governor of Sindh. These reports had stirred speculation about tensions between party members, particularly alleging that Memon had physically confronted Khurram Bhatti, a close associate of the governor, during a recent gathering at Memon’s residence. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State Kheeal Das Kohistani alongside Governor Hashmi.
The rumors claimed that a heated verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation, with Memon supposedly slapping Bhatti. However, Bashir Memon categorically denied these accusations, describing them as completely unfounded and misleading. He emphasized that there are no internal disputes or rifts within the PML-N Sindh chapter, stressing that such stories are nothing more than frivolous fabrications aimed at creating unnecessary divisions.
To reinforce his stance, Memon highlighted his ongoing cooperation and cordial relationship with Nehal Hashmi since his appointment as governor. He pointed out that he had accompanied Hashmi at various official events, including a visit to the Mazar-e-Quaid and a reception hosted at his own residence, underscoring the unity within the party ranks. Regarding Khurram Bhatti, Memon expressed a familial bond, stating, “He is like family to me; our interactions are always friendly and lighthearted. I would never consider resorting to any form of physical aggression against a party colleague.”
Furthermore, Memon reaffirmed the party’s full support for Governor Hashmi’s role and urged the public and party supporters to disregard the baseless rumors propagated by opposition factions. He urged everyone to place their trust in the party leadership and focus on constructive political work rather than getting distracted by unfounded controversies.
Adding to the clarification, Khurram Bhatti also dismissed the reports of any conflict. He explained that the gesture interpreted as a slap was, in fact, a friendly pat on the cheek, done in a joking manner. Bhatti pointed out that the incident was deliberately misrepresented on social media platforms to create sensationalism. Both leaders jointly emphasized that the incident was a misinterpretation of their amicable interaction and called on the public to avoid giving credence to unverified and misleading news.
