KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Nehal Hashmi on Friday called the removal of the longest serving governor of Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, as “elimination of the last sign of terrorist group” from Governor House, triggering strong reactions from factions of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) while his own party distanced itself from his ‘personal’ statement.

Talking to reporters after the oath-taking of former chief justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui as the 31st governor of Sindh at Governor House, Senator Hashmi came up with the brief but strong comments about the development. The emotive remarks about Dr Ibad, who spent over three years smoothly during the PML-N government in the centre despite being the nominee of the rival MQM, surprised many due to their timing. “Today the era of Altaf Hussain comes to an end,” said the PML-N senator when asked to comment on the appointment of the new governor of Sindh by his party.

“The last sign of terrorist organisation, which was holding this office for past many years, is now no more. Today you see the symbol of democracy here at Governor House. Some 14 years ago in Musharraf’s rule, those people came to office, who were against Pakistan and had never recognised our beloved homeland. So the era of those who never recognised Pakistan comes to an end today.”

Soon after the senator’s statement, the PML-N government in the centre that actually removed Dr Ibad without disclosing any reason, distanced itself from his comments.

Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said Senator Hashmi’s thoughts neither reflected the stance of the federal government nor that of the PML-N. She went a step forward and lauded the role of Dr Ibad as governor during his long tenure.

“Nehal Hashmi has only expressed his personal opinion. Dr Ibad worked with the government for eradication of terrorism and he was a member of the apex committee. Now a new governor has taken oath and time has come to look forward. I think Nehal Hashmi himself should explain why he issued such harsh statement.”

The MQM factions and the Pakistan Peoples Party came up with strong reactions to the senator’s remarks which were not owned even by his own party. The PPP said despite many ups and downs in relation with Governor House for the past more than eight years, the party never went for removal of Dr Ibad.“I am very surprised at Senator Hashmi’s statement,” said adviser to chief minister Maula Bux Chandio.

“His statement in fact is a reflection of his non-seriousness. He [Mr Hashmi] was elected as a senator from Punjab to serve the PML-N in Sindh but his contribution to the party is known to everyone.”

While condemning the senator’s statement, the MQM-Pakistan questioned the credulity of PML-N government that took Dr Ibad on board while deciding the “Karachi operation” and chose Governor House as the venue for the meetings where the most crucial decisions were taken.

“Senator Hashmi should know that the Sharif Brothers always kept their relations straight and cordial with Governor House during past 14 years,” said Ameen-ul-Haq of the MQM-Pakistan in a statement. “One can understand the frustration of Senator Hashmi due to growing pressure on the government for Panama Leaks investigations but such statement can never serve the purpose of his party and will only damage the credibility of the PML-N.”

Toeing two different policies on all issues since August when the MQM-Pakistan had disassociated itself from Altaf Hussain, the London-based leadership of the party for the first time sounded in agreement with Dr Farooq Sattar-led faction over Sen Hashmi’s remarks about Dr Ibad.

The London-based leader of the MQM Nadeem Nusrat called Sen Hasmhi’s statement “irresponsible” and “reckless”. He appealed to the media to avoid giving space to such non-serious thoughts.

“The statement of Senator Hashmi is in fact self-damaging for the PML-N,” said Mr Nusrat.

“If the party [PML-N] goes through self-accountability and process of reforms, it will find out that there are people like Nehal Hashmi and their approach which have never allowed the PML-N to become popular in Sindh and develop its organisational structure.”

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2016