Nehal Hashmi, a senior figure within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), formally took the oath of office as the new governor of Sindh on Friday. This appointment marks a significant political transition in the province, as Hashmi replaces Kamran Khan Tessori, who represented the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). The swearing-in ceremony was held at the historic Governor House, a venue that has witnessed many such important political events over the years.
The oath was administered by Zafar Ahmed Rajput, the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, underscoring the constitutional importance of the occasion. The event drew a notable gathering of dignitaries and political leaders, including Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit expected between the governor’s office and the provincial government. Additionally, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, the Home Minister of Sindh, along with several other provincial ministers, attended the ceremony, signaling broad political engagement across the province’s leadership.
Representatives from PML-N were also prominently present. Bashir Memon, the president of the PML-N’s Sindh chapter, joined other party leaders and workers to witness Hashmi’s oath-taking. This event came just a day after former President Asif Ali Zardari gave his formal approval for Hashmi’s appointment, acting on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The prime minister had submitted a detailed summary to the president advocating for Hashmi’s elevation to this key constitutional role. Prior to the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Hashmi in Islamabad to personally congratulate him on his new responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Kamran Tessori, the outgoing governor, has reportedly traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Sources indicate that Tessori intends to remain in the Kingdom for a few days. Before his departure, he expressed gratitude to the protocol staff and officials who gathered at the airport to bid him farewell, reflecting the courteous traditions observed in such transitions. On the political front, a spokesperson for MQM-P expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s decision, noting that the party was not consulted prior to Hashmi’s appointment. The MQM-P spokesperson further stated that the party would deliberate internally before deciding on its next steps in response to this development.
Nehal Hashmi hails from Karachi’s Malir area and has maintained a long-standing association with the PML-N. His political career includes serving as an adviser on law and justice to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif between 1997 and 1999, a role that positioned him at the heart of legal and political affairs during a turbulent period in Pakistan’s history. In 2012, Hashmi was appointed president of the PML-N’s Karachi chapter, followed by his elevation to general secretary of the party’s Sindh chapter in 2014. His political journey continued with his election as a senator on a PML-N seat from Punjab in 2015. Although his party membership was suspended in 2017 due to internal party issues, it was reinstated in 2021, allowing him to resume active participation in party affairs.
This appointment comes at a time when Sindh’s political landscape is witnessing notable shifts, with the federal government asserting greater influence over provincial appointments. Hashmi’s experience and long-term involvement with PML-N are expected to play a crucial role in navigating the complex political dynamics of Sindh. His tenure as governor will be closely watched by political observers, given the province’s strategic importance and the ongoing tussle between federal and provincial authorities.
