KARACHI: Nehal Hashmi, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), took the oath of office as the Governor of Sindh on Friday, a day after his unexpected appointment to the role.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Governor’s House, was conducted by Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput. The event saw a notable cross-party presence, including Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Saeed Ghani, signalling a cooperative start to Hashmi’s tenure.
Addressing the media following the ceremony, Governor Hashmi pledged to prioritise political integrity and public service. “My message to the people of Karachi and the wider province is that we will move forward through political struggle characterised by faithfulness and honesty,” he stated, emphasising a vision built on peace and development.
Highlighting his focus on the province’s youth, the Governor detailed plans to implement federal empowerment initiatives. These include specialised training programs, laptop distribution, and various loan schemes designed to foster economic independence. He further committed to ensuring that all federal institutions within Sindh are fully operational and dedicated to the province’s progress.
During his remarks, Hashmi expressed his intention to emulate the governance model of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whom he referred to as a “sister” and a benchmark for national advancement. He called for an end to political friction, invoking the sacrifices of the nation’s founders.
“Our forefathers sacrificed immensely to secure this country,” Hashmi noted, citing Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s personal health struggles as a testament to his devotion to the state. He concluded by affirming his commitment to a politics of dialogue rather than “mischief,” vowing to resolve provincial issues through collaborative discussion.
