Decision on replacement of Sindh governor soon: Ishaq Dar

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has broken his silence on the ongoing speculation regarding the potential replacement of Sindh governor Kamran Tessori, stating that a decision on the matter is expected soon.

Recent reports indicated that the coalition partners in the federal government, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), were considering a change in the Sindh governor position. Insiders suggested that PML-N leader and former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) chief Bashir Memon might be named as Tessori’s successor.

However, FM Dar refuted these reports, clarifying that no official decision has been made yet. He confirmed that discussions regarding Tessori’s replacement are ongoing, but did not provide further details on potential candidates.

Meanwhile, Governor Tessori addressed the rumors on Saturday, expressing his commitment to continue serving in his role despite the speculation. “Positions come and go, but my service to the people remains steadfast,” Tessori stated. He emphasized that he retains the confidence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

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Sources suggest that the PML-N is consulting with its coalition partner PPP about the potential change. Earlier reports had speculated that former Sindh caretaker chief minister Justice (retired) Maqbool Baqar could be appointed as the new governor.

MQM-P leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan dismissed the idea of Tessori’s removal, citing a “social contract” which stipulates that the governor should represent urban Sindh when the chief minister is from the rural areas. Hassan asserted that Tessori’s appointment aligns with this agreement.

Conversely, PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi criticized Tessori’s performance, calling him the “biggest failure as governor” and urging the PML-N to expedite the appointment of a new governor.