PML-N split over next Sindh governor

Leaders from Sindh and Punjab chapters of PML-N want the next Sindh governor to be a politically active figure

ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is split over the appointment of a new governor for Sindh, with some powerful lobbies pressing for a ‘proactive and aggressive’ candidate as opposed to others calling the installation of a ‘passive’ individual to the post.

The party’s central leadership has so far adopted a cautious approach and still weighing its options. According to knowledgeable sources, however, a name for the vacant office might be announced soon.



Some influential leaders from the Sindh and Punjab chapters of PML-N want the next Sindh governor to be a politically active figure – like Mushahidullah Khan – who can revive the party’s dormant political presence in the province, the sources said. According to them, the top PML-N leadership led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had thrown its weight behind Mushahid but is now having second thoughts as his appointment is not likely to go down well with the security establishment.

PML-N leaders who want a ‘dominant’ personality as Sindh governor include Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and former information minister Pervaiz Rashid, sources said. They draw inspiration from former Sindh governor Ishratul Ebad who managed to hang on to the slot for 14 years despite his active role in the province’s politics.

“We have been reduced to a skeletal presence in Sindh. We need a powerful personality who can take control of the things. Ebad’s stay in power proves that it’s not difficult to get things to go your way if you have the will,” a senior PML-N leader said.

On the other hand, the PML-N lobby in favour of a ‘passive’ governor believes such a pick would ensure smooth sailing between the security establishment, Sindh and the Centre. This lobby comprises PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, SAFRON Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

“You don’t need an ambitious figure for that position. This will only end up in a tug of war with the power stakeholders given that the security establishment has an important stake in Sindh, especially Karachi,” said a PML-N lawmaker.

Head of the powerful Sheerazi group Syed Shafqat Shah has also emerged as a strong contender for Sindh governor. Shafqat has long been regarded as one of the ‘kingmakers’ of rural Sindh politics and members of the Sheerazi group – which include PML-N MPAs Hussain Shah and Aijaz Hussain Shah, and independent MPA Amir Haider Shah – are said to be lobbying for him.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Shafqat’s son Hussain confirmed his father is being considered for Sindh governor but denied any lobbying by the Sheerazi group. When asked, he denied his clan was even consulted by the PML-N leadership over the governor’s appointment. “Whatever the decision our leadership takes will be acceptable to us,” he said.



Apart from Shafqat and Mushahid, Khawaja Qutubuddin is also in the race for governor and President Mamnoon Hussain is actively lobbying for him, sources said. Other names being considered include Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail, Privatisation Commission Chairman Muhammad Zubair, Trade Development Authority Chief Executive SM Muneer and PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi. PML-N MPA and former Sindh chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim is also in the run for the slot and has the support of some party leaders in the province, insiders said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2017.