Nehal Hashmi Sworn In as Sindh Governor Amid Coalition Friction

In a surprise political maneuver, Syed Nehal Hashmi was sworn in as the Governor of Sindh at a ceremony in Karachi yesterday. The oath was administered by Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other senior provincial leaders in attendance.

A Veteran’s Return to the Spotlight

Nehal Hashmi, a lawyer by profession, has a long history with the PML-N dating back to 1992.

• Past Roles: He served as an Advisor to PM Nawaz Sharif (1997–1999) and was elected as a Senator in 2015.
• The Controversy: His career faced a major setback in 2017 following a viral speech targeting state institutions, which led to his disqualification in February 2018. His appointment as Governor marks a significant political rehabilitation.
• The Vision: Following his oath, Hashmi visited the Mazar-i-Quaid and announced that federal youth programs—including laptops, training, and loan schemes—would be fully operationalized in Sindh.

Coalition Crisis: MQM-P vs. PML-N

The replacement of Kamran Tessori has created a deep rift between the PML-N and its key ally, MQM-P.

• Lack of Consultation: MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar expressed shock, stating the party was not informed of the decision and learned about it through television news.
• The “Grave Mistake”: MQM-P has termed the move a “message” that the federal government no longer needs their support, vowing a principled reaction that could include leaving the coalition.
• The PPP Factor: Analysts suggest the change may be a result of long-standing pressure from the PPP, which had accused Tessori of widening the urban-rural divide in the province.

The Outgoing Governor’s Final Words

Kamran Tessori, who served since October 2022, bid farewell to the Governor House with a mix of defiance and grace.

• “Not a Dummy Governor”: Tessori stated he was proud of his initiatives, such as the IT training programs and the ‘Karachi Bachao Conference’, and hinted that his outspoken nature regarding the city’s issues may have led to his removal.
• The Silent Interest: He chose not to name those behind his dismissal, stating he would remain silent in the “larger national interest” but added, “the party has just begun.”

Transition of Power

This video captures the newly appointed Governor’s first media talk, where he outlines his policy for Sindh and addresses the MQM-P friction.

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