KARACHI: Pakistan’s political landscape in Sindh shifted significantly after the federal government appointed Nehal Hashmi as the new Governor Sindh, replacing Kamran Tessori in a move that has triggered fresh political debate across the province.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formally confirming Nehal Hashmi governor Sindh under Articles 48 and 101 of the Constitution.
The decision ends the tenure of Kamran Tessori, who had served as governor of Sindh since October 2022 and was associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
Political shift in Sindh
Government sources said the appointment of Nihal Hashmi reflects a broader political recalibration within the ruling coalition at the centre. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader earlier this week and congratulated him on his nomination before forwarding the summary to the presidency for approval.
The move marks a major political change in Sindh, where the governor’s office has often played a key role in coordination between the federal government and the provincial administration.
Reactions from political circles
The replacement of Kamran Tessori has sparked strong reactions from political leaders, particularly within MQM-P, which had previously held the governor’s office. Some party leaders said the federal government did not consult them before making the decision.
Political observers believe the appointment of Nehal Hashmi governor Sindh could strengthen the influence of PML-N in the province and reshape coalition dynamics in Karachi and other urban centres.
Profile of the new governor of Sindh
Nehal Hashmi, a Karachi-based lawyer and politician, has remained associated with PML-N for decades and previously served as a senator from 2015 to 2018.
Born in 1960, Hashmi built his career as a constitutional and criminal lawyer before entering active politics. Over the years he emerged as one of the party’s prominent voices in Sindh politics.
Following the approval of his appointment, he is expected to take oath as the new governor Sindh at the Governor House in Karachi before the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court.
Role of the governor
The governor of Sindh serves as the constitutional head of the province and represents the federal government at the provincial level, while executive authority primarily remains with the chief minister and provincial cabinet.
Analysts say the appointment of Nehal Hashmi governor Sindh could influence political alignments in Karachi and shape relations between the federal government and the Sindh administration in the coming months.