Spokesperson says party leadership would soon determine its response to the development
Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar on Thursday criticised the decision to change the governor of Sindh. “There is no justification for the party to remain in the federal government after such a unilateral decision, and we should immediately withdraw from the federal government,” Sattar said while speaking to Express News.
The statement came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier in the day decided to appoint senior PML-N leader Nehal Hashmi as the new governor of Sindh and sent a summary to the president for approval.
Sattar further said that MQM-P is an ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but argued that the constitutional position of Sindh governor traditionally belongs to his party.
Read More: PM nominates Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor amid mounting criticism of Tessori
“It has been a tradition that the governor of Sindh comes from MQM Pakistan,” he said. He added that the party should reconsider its position in the federal government following what he called a unilateral decision.
Earlier in a statement, the party said it had not been taken into confidence over the decision. “We learned about the change of the governor of Sindh through the media. The federal government did not take MQM-Pakistan into confidence on this decision,” the spokesperson said.
It added that the party leadership would soon determine its response to the development.
The development comes amid growing criticism of incumbent Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori from legal bodies and political leaders over alleged political activities at the Governor House.
Later, in his farewell speech following an iftar dinner, Tesori expressed gratitude for the honour he received during his time in office. He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and various ministers.
“I received great respect during my time in office. I am thankful to President Asif Ali Zardari, with whom I worked for nearly four years. I also extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and all the ministers,” Tesori said. He particularly praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating, “Field Marshal led us to victory in the war. I salute him.”
Tesori also welcomed the incoming governor, urging them to prioritise the future of 50,000 IT students in the province. “I request the new governor to ensure that the future of these students is secure,” he added.
He took a reflective stance on his tenure, stating, “I was not a constitutional governor, but an advocate for the public. I do not wish to engage in blame games. If advocating for education in IT and working for the public welfare is a crime, I accept it. I am leaving with empty hands; I did not take a salary. Had I been asked, I would have resigned myself.”
“If speaking out on issues like the repair of manhole covers and advocating for the public’s needs is considered a crime, then I accept it,” he stated.
He acknowledged the support of political figures like Farooq Sattar, saying, “Farooq Sattar spoke up for me, but if MQM Pakistan didn’t raise their voice against my removal, it’s their choice. I have no complaints.”
Read More: Sindh Bar Council demands immediate removal of Governor Kamran Tessori
Last month, the Sindh Bar Council demanded the immediate removal of Tessori by President Asif Ali Zardari, declaring that political activities conducted at the Governor House were in violation of the Constitution.
A resolution adopted during the council’s 109th meeting on February 21 stated that the governor’s “involvement in political activities and using Governor House for political activities is in violation of the Constitution.”
“The House demands immediate removal of the governor Sindh as he has proved himself unfit for representing the federation,” the resolution said.
