KARACHI: Senior leader of Waseem Akhtar from Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan has called on the federal government to provide an explanation for the removal of Kamran Tessori from the position of Sindh governor.
The federal authorities have nominated Nehal Hashmi, a senior member of Pakistan Muslim League (N), as the new governor of the province.
During a conversation with media Akhtar stated that the government should have consulted MQM-P before taking such a significant step. He said that even if there were valid reasons for Tessori’s removal, the party deserved to be informed beforehand, especially since the government consults MQM-P on key matters such as constitutional amendments.
Akhtar further questioned whether the decision had been influenced by pressure from the Pakistan Peoples Party.
When asked whether the party might withdraw from the ruling coalition, Akhtar said he would recommend that MQM-P consider leaving the government during its upcoming meeting. According to him, the party should record a strong protest against the decision.
However, he clarified that no emergency meeting has yet been scheduled. He also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently abroad and that MQM-P leaders are likely to meet him in Islamabad after his return.
Akhtar rejected the notion that his party is determined to stay in the government at any cost. He added that registering a protest would be sufficient for the moment, particularly considering the country’s challenging security and economic conditions.“The nation is already dealing with economic difficulties, and many people are still earning the same salaries despite rising costs. We must also consider the broader national interest,” he said.
Earlier, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar also criticized the move, arguing that the position of Sindh governor has traditionally been held by MQM-P. He claimed the party was being deprived of what he described as its constitutional entitlement.
Sattar added that if such unilateral decisions continue, MQM-P would have little reason to remain part of the federal government and should seriously consider withdrawing from it.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a summary to the President of Pakistan seeking approval for the appointment. The prime minister also met Nehal Hashmi to congratulate him on his nomination as Sindh governor.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
