Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaking at the opening ceremony of Indus AI week in Islamabad. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
LAHORE:
Amid contentious debate over creating a separate “Karachi province”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday sought to allay Sindh’s fear as he hosted Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Islamabad.
The debate over the division of Sindh heats up as allies of the PML-N in the Centre, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), clashed after the former accused the Sindh government of “chronic misgovernance” in Karachi and demanded federal control of the city, drawing a strong response from the PPP that blamed the party for past violence in the metropolis.
During Wednesday’s meeting, matters relating to Sindh’s political situation and other issues of mutual interest also came under discussion.
The prime minister urged harmony and consultation among allied parties, noting that it was essential for national stability and continuity of policies.
The prime minister Shehbaz Sharif assured complete federal cooperation for the timely completion of development projects in Sindh.
The chief minister briefed the prime minister in detail on the progress of ongoing development initiatives in the province, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, who also co-chairs the PPP, has asked his party’s provincial leadership to maintain cordial ties with the MQM and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori. A well-placed leader, seen as close to Zardari, claimed this while refuting rumors that the PPP was seeking the removal of Tessori.
Party sources in Sindh, however, denied engaging in any such covert efforts to remove the Sindh governor, clarifying that Sindh is happy to work with a governor who recognizes his constitutional mandate.
A source said the Sindh government, however, has and will continue to object to the misuse of the governor’s office against the Sindh government. The desire for change stems from the repeated transgressions of the governor. The governor himself has wanted to be removed since 2024, and his actions reflect that desire, he added.
A source in a Sindh ministry said the president conveyed that they were even ready to work with the MQM and the PML-N on the 28th Amendment, but only up to a point.
He made it clear that the PPP would oppose any proposal to divide Sindh and would not join any dialogue over dividing Sindh into administrative units.
Talking to The Express Tribune, a well-placed PPP leader and important office-bearer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the focus has shifted inward.
Zardari has asked the party leadership to put its own house in order in Sindh. He said the president made it clear to the PPP and the Sindh government that they must get their act together and start delivering on expectations. He added that the information regarding the president censuring his Sindh leadership was not a journalistic scoop; it was leaked to the media on purpose.
He said the party has been asked to maintain cordial ties with all its allies in the coalition government and to maintain a good working relationship with the governor, provided the other side reciprocates the congeniality.
He claimed there is no demand to change the governor, contrary to widespread rumors and media reports. He said the recent stand-off with the MQM will ultimately prove to be a storm in a teacup. He added that the president asked the Sindh leadership to dial down the political temperature in the province.
The leader further said the message to Sindh is loud and clear. The president has taken them to task for their lackluster performance. He said the president was unhappy with the service delivery standards maintained in Sindh compared to Punjab and Islamabad.
However, no heads will roll in Sindh. Everyone will continue in the same position and the same pay, he said. The party spokesperson and the Information Minister of Sindh were approached for comments, but they did not respond.
(With addition input from Islamabad)
