The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has issued a stark warning that it may withdraw from the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif if any unilateral decisions are made concerning the office of the Sindh governor.
MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar emphasized that the governorship of Sindh was allocated to his party, and it was agreed in previous meetings with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that Kamran Tessori would continue in the role. Sattar’s comments follow recent speculation that the PML-N-led federal government might replace Tessori with former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) chief Bashir Memon, in an arrangement with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which governs Sindh.
Tessori, who remains firm on his position, has countered the rumors, stating that he has the backing of PM Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari, and his own party. He reassured that he would continue to serve until officially removed.
Sattar and MQM-P colleague Khawaja Izharul Hassan dismissed the replacement rumors, insisting that no consultations had occurred with them and underscoring the historical agreement which provides urban representation through the governor when the chief minister is from a rural area.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has indicated that a decision on the Sindh governor’s position is imminent, though he denied reports of Memon’s appointment.
The MQM-P, instrumental in the removal of the previous PTI-led government and a key ally in the PML-N-led administration, holds 21 seats in the National Assembly. The party’s support is crucial for the ruling coalition, whose slim majority could be jeopardized by the MQM-P’s potential exit. The political stability of the current government and the broader political landscape could face significant upheaval if the MQM-P decides to withdraw.
