The PML-N-led federal government on Thursday moved abruptly to remove Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and installed senior party leader Syed Nehal Hashmi as his replacement, a surprise decision that sent ripples through political circles.
The change prompted a strong reaction from coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), which complained it had not been consulted before its nominee was removed. MQM-P described the step as a ‘grave mistake’ by Islamabad and said it would soon determine its course of action.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the decision followed a meeting at the PM House between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Mr Hashmi. A brief PMO statement said the prime minister met Mr Hashmi and decided to nominate him as governor of Sindh, after which the premier forwarded a summary to President Asif Ali Zardari for final approval.
Video of the meeting showed Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and the prime minister’s political adviser, Rana Sanaullah, in attendance.
Later in the evening, the Presidency confirmed that President Zardari approved Hashmi’s appointment, acting on the prime minister’s advice under Articles 48 and 101 of the Constitution. The Presidency’s X account said the commission of appointment had been signed and that Hashmi will take his oath before the chief justice of the Sindh High Court.