President Zardari urges 'unity, stronger peace efforts' in meeting with Khalid Maqbool, Mohsin Naqvi

According to the Presidency, participants also exchanged views on the overall internal security situation

President Asif Ali Zardari urged unity and stronger peace efforts during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Karachi on Sunday.

The meeting came in the wake of recent political tension following the removal of Kamran Tessori as Sindh governor. The federal government appointed Nehal Hashmi as the new governor, who took oath on Friday.

Following the announcement, senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar criticised the decision and said there was no justification for the party to remain in the federal government after such a unilateral decision, adding that it should immediately withdraw from the federal government.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Office on X today, the participants exchanged views on the overall internal security situation, matters relating to law and order, and the evolving regional situation. 

 

President Asif Ali Zardari met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Karachi. They discussed internal security, law & order, and the evolving regional situation. The President stressed unity and stronger efforts for peace and rule of law. pic.twitter.com/iv9q5gRLH4

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 15, 2026

Read: President signs off on Centre's move to replace Tessori with Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor

The situation remained tense between the two parties since the deadly Gul Plaza fire, in which 80 people died. In the aftermath of the incident, Minister for health Mustafa Kamal criticised the Sindh government, alleging that Karachi was being subjected to “democratic terrorism” and even “genocide”, while demanding that the metropolis be declared Pakistan’s economic capital and placed under federal control.

Controversy also erupted after a meeting held at the Governor House, where legal bodies and political leaders accused Tessori of using the premises for political activities. It was alleged that speeches made after the meeting included calls for a separate province for Karachi.