The federal government has decided to appoint senior PML-N leader Nihal Hashmi as the next Governor of Sindh. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a summary for approval to President Asif Ali Zardari. In a meeting with Nihal Hashmi, the Prime Minister congratulated him on his nomination for the post. The meeting also included Rana Sanaullah, Isa Durrani, and other notable figures.
Nihal Hashmi is a Karachi-based senior leader of the PML-N. It is worth noting that the current Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tesori, belongs to the MQM-P. Hashmi served as a special advisor to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from 1997 to 1999. In 2012, he served as the president of the PML-N in Karachi, and later in 2014, he was appointed as the General Secretary of the PML-N chapter in Sindh. In 2015, he was elected as a Senator from Punjab on a PML-N ticket. Now, he has been chosen for the post of Governor of Sindh.
Hashmi was expelled from the PML-N in 2017 over a controversial statement related to the Panama case, but his membership was reinstated in 2021. In his recent remarks, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hamid, stated that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to the country as they promote a positive image of the nation through their role and hard work abroad. The closure of the Peshawar consulate will result in an annual saving of approximately $75 million, but this decision will not have a negative impact on the country’s ability to advance American national interests.
Federal Minister of IT, Jameel Uddin Agha, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Iranian authorities to allow Pakistani ships to pass through their waters. In a Geo News program, Geo Pakistan, Dr. Farooq Sattar stated that the PTI has a deal with the PML-N, not with the PPP. The Sindh government has announced a public holiday in the province. According to a notification issued from Karachi, all government offices will be closed on Friday, March 13.
In a separate development, the federal government has issued new rules for electricity consumers. According to a notification, Sindh police have arrested four persons who allegedly blackmailed an elderly citizen and demanded Rs700,000 in exchange for a car and a rickshaw. The suspects had been blackmailing the victim for four months. Pakistan has made significant strides in digital development, with the process of e-balloting becoming more transparent. Federal Minister of IT, Agha, visited I-Town to meet PTI leaders but was not allowed to meet any of them. The PTI has expressed concern over the health of its leader, Imran Khan, who is currently in jail.
In a recent briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East, condemning the attacks on Iran and urging restraint and calm from both parties. PTI leader, Farooq Sattar, has called for the PTI to exit the federal government immediately. He also stated that over 90% of Hajj visas have been processed so far. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Saudi Arabia to meet the country’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In a recorded speech, Imran Khan stated that the presence of American troops in the region is fueling tensions and increasing the risk of war, and that if the bases remain, there is a risk of attacks. Federal Minister of IT, Jameel Uddin Agha, has said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Iranian authorities to allow Pakistani ships to pass through their waters.
