Amid uncertainty about Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori’s future, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has issued a clear warning.
The party declared it would withdraw from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government if any unilateral decisions were taken concerning this constitutional position. Senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar emphasized that agreements with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had confirmed that Tessori would retain his position.
Earlier last week, the PML-N-led federal government reached an understanding with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which governs Sindh, to replace Tessori with Bashir Memon, a former Federal Investigation Agency chief and PML-N leader. MQM-P has reacted strongly against these rumours, reinforcing Tessori’s intent to remain in office, backed by the confidence of PM Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari, and his party.
Read: Ishaq Dar Hints at Potential Replacement for Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori
Sattar dismissed the rumours of discussions or consultations about Tessori’s removal, a sentiment echoed by his colleague, Khawaja Izharul Hassan. Hassan highlighted a social contract that ensures representation for the province’s urban areas through the governorship when the chief minister is from rural areas.
Contrastingly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that a decision regarding the Sindh governor post is anticipated soon but denied any plans to appoint Memon.
The MQM-P, pivotal in ousting the PTI-led government in April 2022, is a crucial part of PM Shehbaz’s coalition. Their potential exit could significantly impact the fragile majority of the ruling coalition, especially following the July 12 Supreme Court decision that strengthened PTI’s position in the assemblies and confirmed its eligibility for reserved seats.
The political stakes are high as the MQM-P, with its 21 seats in the lower house of parliament, remains a key ally. Any shift in their support could drastically alter the political dynamics within the current government.
