Asif Ali Zardari has called for unity and intensified peace efforts during a meeting with Mohsin Naqvi and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Karachi on Sunday.
The meeting took place amid growing political tensions following the removal of Kamran Tessori as the governor of Sindh. The federal government recently appointed Nehal Hashmi as the new governor, and he officially took the oath of office on Friday.
According to a statement shared by the President’s Office on the platform X, the meeting focused on discussions related to the country’s internal security situation, law and order challenges, and the evolving regional dynamics.
The change in Sindh’s governorship has sparked criticism from some leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. Senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar questioned the decision, stating that the party had little justification to remain in the federal government after what he described as a unilateral move. He also suggested that MQM-P should consider withdrawing from the ruling coalition.
Political tensions between different stakeholders have been ongoing, particularly following the deadly Gul Plaza fire incident in Karachi, which reportedly claimed the lives of around 80 people.
After the tragedy, Mustafa Kamal, the federal health minister and MQM-P leader, strongly criticised the Sindh government. He accused the provincial administration of subjecting Karachi to what he termed “democratic terrorism” and even “genocide.” Kamal also demanded that Karachi be declared Pakistan’s economic capital and placed under direct federal administration.
The controversy further intensified after a meeting held at the Governor House Karachi. Legal groups and political figures alleged that the venue was used for political activities, while some speeches made during the gathering reportedly included calls for the creation of a separate province for Karachi.
Amid these developments, President Zardari’s meeting with senior political leaders highlighted the need for dialogue, unity, and coordinated efforts to maintain stability and peace in the country.
