In the past, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori had openly expressed his reservations regarding the role of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistani politics. His skepticism grew particularly after Imran Khan’s alleged involvement in orchestrating violent attacks on Pakistan Army installations on May 9.
During a media interaction in London, Tessori had elaborated on the profound impact of the May 9 events. This included attacks orchestrated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on targets like Jinnah House and military areas. Tessori believed these incidents marked a pivotal turning point, comparable in significance to the devastating Peshawar Army Public School attacks. Both occurrences united the nation in unequivocal condemnation of terrorism.
Amid his private family visit to London, Tessori candidly shared his perspective on the aftermath of the May 9 attacks. He conveyed, “The individuals responsible for the attacks on May 9 are now part of history, while the nation has forged unity. No civilized society should tolerate the destruction and arson of significant national landmarks like the residence of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, mosques, and core headquarters. Unlike elsewhere, people don’t set fire to their police stations, yet these individuals ignited their Core headquarters and attempted attacks on military installations. Given these events, I believe Imran Khan’s political future in Pakistan is untenable.”
Furthermore, Tessori provided advice to those affiliated with the PTI. He urged prioritizing Pakistan’s interests over any particular leader, underscoring the fundamental importance of national welfare.
He also highlighted his close collaborative experience with former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting Shehbaz’s diligent work ethic and well-intentioned approach. In contrast to this, Tessori observed that Imran Khan often directed communication towards himself, without reciprocating by actively listening to others.
Regarding possible political meetings in London, Tessori clarified he hadn’t scheduled a meeting with Nawaz Sharif. Instead, he intended to connect with Shehbaz Sharif, who was also in London.
Furthermore, Tessori dismissed the possibility of meeting MQM founder Altaf Hussain. He elaborated, “Altaf Hussain’s concerns transcend politics; they center on Pakistan’s state. I firmly believe he has no future in Pakistani politics. A core issue is Karachi’s prolonged neglect—its education, gas, electricity, and overall development. Those claiming ownership of Karachi have neglected its needs. For decades, Karachi’s deprivation persisted, with all stakeholders sharing responsibility.”
The governor critiqued PTI’s leader and former prime minister, noting, “Imran Khan asserted his Karachi ownership, yet his tenure saw limited progress for the city. Neglect and marginalization persisted under his leadership. While professing affection for Karachi, these actions lacked genuine commitment to its well-being.”
Tessori refuted the label of “laadla” (favorite) of the establishment, emphasizing his belief in unity and progress for all.
“I reject the ‘Laadla’ label. Those following Imran Khan’s path fit that description. If someone is deemed a ‘Laadla,’ they should prioritize development over an entitled attitude. Emerging leaders should learn from their predecessors’ positive and negative experiences.”
When addressing challenges from General (retd) Faiz during the PTI government, Tessori expressed his resolution, stating, “I entrusted my matters to Allah and won’t pursue them further. Allah has honored me, and I wish him well.”
Tessori emphasized his unwavering commitment to assisting the underprivileged, providing free education, and offering hope and opportunities to the masses. He welcomed substantial Saudi and UAE investments in Pakistan, describing it as a propitious time for investment in the nation.
