Kamran Tessori, imposed as the Governor of Sindh, is playing a divisive role
- Tessori should step down or be replaced by someone more capable of embodying the unity and diversity of Sindh.
By Nasir Aijaz
The appointment of Kamran Tessori as the Governor of Sindh has drawn widespread criticism from various political, ethnic, and civil society circles. Critics allege that rather than acting as a neutral constitutional head of the province, Tessori has increasingly been seen adopting a politically and ethnically charged posture that threatens to inflame already sensitive social dynamics in Sindh.
Background and Allegiances
Kamran Tessori, a jeweler-turned-politician, and once arrested in motor-bike theft case, hails from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), an organization that historically emerged from the Urdu-speaking migrants (Muhajirs) who arrived in Pakistan following the partition of India in 1947. While the MQM was founded during the military regime of Dictator Gen. Zia, with its full support under the ‘Divide and Rule’ plan, has repeatedly been accused of promoting ethnic exclusivity, especially in urban Sindh, and also has been involved in massacre of thousands of innocent people since its birth.
Since assuming office as governor, Tessori has made public appearances and statements that many interpret as overtly communal and divisive. His repeated slogans in favor of so-called “Muhajir identity” and organizing events inside the Governor House exclusively with the so-called “Muhajir” community, raise serious concerns about his understanding, or lack thereof, of his constitutional role, which demands neutrality and inclusiveness.
Hate Speech and Ethnic Provocation
In several of his speeches, Tessori has made statements that are being interpreted as vilifying the indigenous Sindhi population, both directly and indirectly. By glorifying a single ethnic identity, particularly one with a politically controversial past, and by neglecting or sidelining the native communities of Sindh, who have historically welcomed and coexisted with people from diverse backgrounds, he is seen as deepening social divisions.
Such rhetoric is particularly dangerous in a province like Sindh, which is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic and linguistic communities including Sindhis, Baloch, Punjabis, Pashtuns, and Urdu speaking people. Sindh has a proud history of tolerance and coexistence, but this harmony remains fragile, especially when those in power begin to promote one group at the expense of others.
Imposed Governance or Strategic Appointment?
Observers also point out that Tessori’s appointment seemed less a product of consensus and more a strategic political maneuver, possibly orchestrated to strengthen a waning faction of the MQM and maintain a federal grip on a politically diverse and restive province. Many Sindhis feel his presence in the Governor House is not representative of the will of the Sindh Assembly or the indigenous people, but rather an imposition from the federal power corridors.
This perception further fuels resentment and alienation, especially among the native Sindhi-speaking population who already feel marginalized in matters of governance, employment, and resource allocation.
A Threat to Peaceful Coexistence
Peace in Sindh, particularly in its urban centers like Karachi and Hyderabad, has long depended on careful ethnic balancing and community-driven initiatives. The role of the Governor—symbolic though it may be—is crucial in upholding this balance. Tessori’s actions risk undoing years of painstaking efforts at reconciliation and integration among different communities.
By emphasizing a singular ethnic identity and ignoring the broader provincial mosaic, he not only violates the spirit of his constitutional mandate but also endangers the peace and stability of Sindh.
Call for Accountability
Civil society organizations, progressive political groups, and rights activists have started raising their voices, demanding that the federal government take notice of Governor Tessori’s controversial and inflammatory conduct. They argue that if he cannot perform his duties in a neutral and inclusive manner, he should step down or be replaced by someone more capable of embodying the unity and diversity of Sindh.
In a time when Pakistan faces unprecedented political, economic, and social challenges, the need for leadership that unites rather than divides has never been greater. The people of Sindh deserve a governor who respects all communities and works toward a peaceful, inclusive, and progressive future.
Read: The Silent Cry of Sindh
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The writer is a Karachi-based senior journalist. Email: nasir.akhund1954@gmail.com
