Sindh governor Nihal Hashmi faces online criticism

Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi has come under criticism on social media after making a series of remarks to female students during a university

Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi has come under criticism on social media after making a series of remarks to female students during a university convocation ceremony. Videos of his speech have gone viral online, with many users questioning the appropriateness of his comments at an academic event.

The governor recently attended a university convocation where he addressed graduating students, faculty members, and guests. During his speech, he shifted from discussing academic achievements to asking several personal and lighthearted questions directed specifically at female graduates.

At one point, Hashmi asked the audience of female students, “How many of you will invite me to your wedding? Please raise your hands.” When only a small number of students responded by raising their hands, he jokingly remarked, “Don’t be stingy, raise your hands.” His comment drew laughter from some attendees, but the exchange later became the focus of online debate after video clips of the event were shared widely across social media platforms.

The governor continued by asking another question related to married life. He requested that those students who expected to have disagreements with their mothers-in-law after marriage raise their hands. He then asked another group of students to raise their hands if they believed they would treat their mothers-in-law with the same love and respect as their own mothers.

When only a few students responded positively to the latter question, Hashmi commented that such relationships were “very fortunate” and that families with this level of mutual respect were rare. He presented the remarks in a humorous manner, apparently intending to entertain the audience during his speech.

However, after videos of the interaction circulated online, many social media users criticized the governor, arguing that the questions were inappropriate for a university convocation. Critics said that a graduation ceremony should primarily celebrate students’ academic accomplishments, future careers, and contributions to society rather than focus on personal matters such as marriage or family relationships.

Several users also questioned why the governor chose to direct these questions specifically at female graduates, suggesting that such remarks reinforced traditional gender stereotypes by emphasizing marriage over education and professional aspirations. Others argued that public officials should be more mindful of the setting and the audience when delivering speeches at educational institutions.

At the same time, some individuals defended Hashmi, saying that his comments were clearly intended as lighthearted humor and should not be interpreted as offensive. Supporters argued that public speeches often include informal moments to engage audiences and create a relaxed atmosphere, and they believed the remarks had been taken out of context.

Despite these differing opinions, the incident quickly gained traction online, with clips from the convocation being widely shared across various social media platforms. The debate sparked broader discussions about the expectations placed on public officeholders when addressing students, particularly at formal academic events.

As of now, Governor Nihal Hashmi has not publicly responded to the criticism or issued a statement regarding the controversy. The university has also not released an official comment on the matter.

The incident highlights how public speeches delivered at official events can rapidly become subjects of nationwide discussion in the age of social media, where brief video clips often reach millions of viewers and generate intense public debate over the conduct and remarks of political leaders.