KARACHI: Amid criticism from the opposition against Kamran Tessori for violating the Sindh governor office and taking part in politics, Governor Tessori on Friday admitted that he was “actively involved in the efforts to unite the political stakeholders of Karachi” and vowed to continue that “service” for the betterment of the city.

Talking to reporters after meeting with Afaq Ahmed, chairman of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM), better known as MQM-Haqiqi, at his DHA residence, the governor said he did not “have any personal agenda or vested interests” in bringing the MQM factions together and called it an exercise for sustainability in the city’s political environment and peace.

“I am on a kind of mission to unite the people and I started these efforts soon after taking oath as governor,” he said. “The people of the city are looking towards their political parties. So far I have very good meetings with all parties. The agenda should only be one: how to develop the city. I hope soon all stakeholders of the metropolis would sit together and issue a consensual statement.”

Asked about Afaq’s stance on the possible merger of the MQM factions, he said he had been never against unity among the political parties on the collective issues of the city.

Quoting Afaq, he said: “I appreciate efforts being made by the governor to unite the parties and I am always for the harmony and peace among them. If such efforts start materialising, you would find me in the forefront.”

Afaq Ahmed had on Jan 4 told a press conference that his party was never part of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement as it enjoyed a separate identity for being the “party of Mohajirs”.

“I don’t know about others as I am clear about my party. We are the party of Mohajirs and not going to merge it with anyone,” he had said.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2023