Karachi witnessed a fresh wave of political turmoil as Waseem Akhtar, a senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), publicly called on the federal government to provide a clear explanation regarding the abrupt removal of Kamran Tessori from his position as the Governor of Sindh. This unexpected decision has stirred controversy, especially since the government has already nominated Nehal Hashmi, a seasoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) politician, as Tessori’s successor. The move has raised eyebrows within MQM-P circles, who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.
Akhtar expressed his dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation with MQM-P before the announcement. He emphasized that even if the government had valid reasons to relieve Tessori of his duties, it was only fair and respectful to inform MQM-P beforehand, given the party’s significant role in the coalition government. He pointed out that the government routinely engages MQM-P on critical issues such as constitutional amendments, making this exclusion all the more perplexing. Akhtar underscored that transparency and communication are ethical obligations that the ruling coalition must uphold to maintain trust among its partners.
Adding to the complexity, Akhtar speculated whether the decision to remove Tessori was influenced by pressure from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has a strong political presence in Sindh. This insinuation highlights the intricate power dynamics at play within the province, where alliances and rivalries often shape political appointments. The MQM-P leader’s remarks suggest growing unease about the federal government’s handling of provincial matters and its impact on coalition unity.
When questioned about the possibility of MQM-P withdrawing from the ruling coalition, Akhtar revealed that he intends to propose the party’s exit during their upcoming meeting. He described the removal of Tessori as a significant provocation that warrants a firm response. However, he also noted that no emergency session has been convened yet, and the party is awaiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return from abroad. Akhtar mentioned that MQM-P’s leadership plans to meet the Prime Minister in Islamabad to discuss the situation in detail, signaling ongoing negotiations behind the scenes.
Despite the tensions, Akhtar dismissed any notion that MQM-P is desperate to cling to power at all costs. He stressed that while the party’s protest is necessary, it must be balanced with the broader national interest, especially given Pakistan’s current security challenges and economic hardships. He highlighted that many citizens continue to struggle with stagnant incomes amid rising inflation, urging political actors to prioritize stability and cohesion over confrontation during these difficult times.
Earlier reactions from other MQM-P figures have echoed similar sentiments. Farooq Sattar, another prominent leader, condemned the decision as a violation of the party’s traditional and constitutional claim to the Sindh governorship. He argued that MQM-P’s exclusion from this key provincial office undermines the party’s political standing and justifies reconsidering its participation in the federal government. Sattar called for an immediate withdrawal from the coalition, reflecting the growing frustration within MQM-P ranks.
On the federal side, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif has sent a formal summary to the President of Pakistan seeking approval for Nehal Hashmi’s appointment as Sindh Governor. The Prime Minister also met with Hashmi to congratulate him on his new role. This meeting was attended by high-profile figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, underscoring the importance the government places on this transition. The swift endorsement and public backing of Hashmi’s appointment indicate the federal government’s determination to move forward despite coalition tensions.
