Rumours of potential shake-up dismissed

Tessori says he continues to enjoy support from PM


Our Correspondent August 11, 2024
Dr Farooq Sattar. PHOTO: AFP

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ISLAMABAD:

With whispers of a possible consensus between PML-N and the PPP, over replacing the Sindh governor, Kamran Tessori, the current governor, has made it clear that he will continue to serve the people as long as he holds the position.

"The positions keep coming and going, but my commitment to the people remains unwavering," Tessori asserted during a media interaction on Saturday.

His clarifications came in response to mounting speculation about his imminent replacement.

Tessori clarified that he enjoyed the full confidence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

"I will continue to fulfil my responsibilities as Sindh governor," he affirmed, adding that rumours of his removal surfaced shortly after he met with the prime minister the previous night.

The governor, who hails from the MQM-P, brushed aside the speculations, stating, "I'm not one to panic over such reports."

Flanked by MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar, Tessori's resolve was echoed by Sattar, who dismissed the rumours as mere talk.

"No one has approached us, nor has there been any consultation on this matter," Sattar clarified.

The rumours gained traction on Friday when reports suggested that the PML-N leadership had engaged in discussions with top PPP leaders about a possible change in the governor's office.

Reports hinted that Tessori could be replaced by PML-N's Sindh President and former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) chief, Bashir Memon.

However, this was not the first time such reports have surfaced. Back in April, there were similar claims that former Sindh caretaker chief minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar could be appointed as the new governor.

MQM-P leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan had dismissed these reports, citing the prevailing social contract, which he argued justified Tessori's appointment as the representative of urban Sindh.

However, it is pertinent to note that not all voices have been supportive.

PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi recently labelled Tessori as the "biggest failure as governor" in the province's history. Mehdi criticized Tessori for failing to fulfil his role in building political consensus and urged the PML-N to finalise its nominee for the governorship.

Meanwhile, Tessori remains undeterred.

Earlier on Saturday, Tessori also hosted a reception in honour of the Imam at Sindh House in Islamabad, where they discussed matters of mutual interest. Tessori expressed his gratitude for the visit and highlighted the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

During a joint media talk, Tessori praised the Imam's visit, calling it a significant event that would strengthen relations between the two nations. The gathering also included prayers for Pakistan's security and economic recovery.

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