The Real Story: Who is behind Governor Sindh's Change Story

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Karachi on Friday, speculation swirled about potential changes in the Governor’s House. Amidst the buzz, rumors suggested that Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori might be replaced, leading to confusion and varied reactions from political quarters.

The Speculation and Its Sources: Governor Sindh

Recent media reports hinted at a possible shift in the governorship, with names like former bureaucrat Bashir Memon emerging as potential replacements. However, representatives from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) swiftly denied these claims. The MQM-P, too, issued a statement affirming that no such proposal had been considered.

Bashir Memon, who resigned from his position as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General in 2019 and joined the PML-N last year, was rumored to be a candidate for the role. Yet, both the PPP and PML-N have denied any formal discussions or agreements regarding his nomination.

The PPP's Discontent and the PML-N’s Stance on Governor Sindh

Behind the scenes, the PPP’s dissatisfaction with Governor Tessori had been evident. Sources suggest that the PPP, uncomfortable with Tessori’s tenure, sought his replacement swiftly. This move reportedly led to a proposal from the PML-N to nominate Memon, a figure with a history of interactions with the PPP and the Zardari family.

An anonymous PML-N source revealed, "The request for a change in the governor came unexpectedly, and from the highest offices. When the PPP pushed hard for a new appointment, the PML-N suggested Bashir Memon as a viable candidate. This suggestion, however, was leaked within the PPP, complicating the matter further."

MQM-P's Reaction and the Need for Consultation

The MQM-P, which had been taken by surprise by these developments, expressed frustration over being sidelined in the discussions about the governor’s replacement. The party, caught off guard by the news through media rather than official communication, has called for greater transparency and inclusiveness in such significant decisions.

Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool’s visit to Karachi alongside the Prime Minister highlighted MQM-P’s emphasis on involving coalition partners in crucial decisions affecting the governance of Sindh.

Kamran Tessori's Continued Relevance

Despite the swirling controversy, Kamran Tessori's tenure as Governor of Sindh has been marked by stability and a commitment to his role. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Tessori’s position remains pivotal in the governance of Sindh. The unfolding drama underscores the complex dynamics of coalition politics in Pakistan, where leadership changes are often influenced by intricate negotiations and party interests.

The ongoing speculation about Tessori’s future highlights the challenges of maintaining political stability amid shifting alliances and competing priorities. For now, Tessori’s role as Governor stands firm, reflecting both the resilience of his tenure and the intricate nature of Pakistani politics.