Farooq Sattar, a senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), demanded the reappointment of former Sindh governor Kamran Tessori on April 4, 2024 [1].
The dispute threatens the stability of the MQM-P's partnership within the federal government. The party views the removal of Tessori as a unilateral decision that undermines its political interests in Sindh [2].
The tension escalated after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Nehal Hashmi as the new governor of Sindh on April 4, 2024 [3]. This move replaced Tessori, whose removal has sparked protests from within the MQM-P leadership.
Sattar said, "There is no justification for the party to remain in the federal government after such a unilateral decision" [2]. He said the decision to replace the governor was made without proper consultation with the party.
Other senior party members joined the protest. Waseem Akhtar, a senior MQM-P leader, said, "We demand an explanation for the removal of Kamran Tessori and call for his reappointment" [4].
Despite the party's friction, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered praise for the former governor. Sharif said, "Kamran Tessori has rendered valuable services to Sindh and deserves due respect" [5].
The MQM-P continues to seek a formal explanation from the federal government regarding the change in leadership. The party maintains that Tessori's reinstatement is necessary to protect its regional standing, a move that would reverse the current presidential appointment [2, 4].
“"There is no justification for the party to remain in the federal government after such a unilateral decision."”
This conflict highlights the fragile nature of coalition politics in Pakistan, where regional parties like MQM-P use their position in the federal government as leverage to secure specific provincial appointments. The demand for Tessori's return serves as a signal that the party is willing to risk its federal alliance to maintain its influence and perceived authority within the Sindh province.
