PML-N's Appointment of Nehal Hashmi as Sindh Governor Signals Thaw with PPP
The recent decision by PML-N to name Nehal Hashmi as the governor of Sindh is seen as a conciliatory move towards their ally, PPPP. Party insiders view this decision as part of a cautious political strategy in Sindh, where PML-N has historically faced challenges in building a strong organizational presence and must carefully manage its relationship with the PPP.
A senior PML-N leader expressed satisfaction at the appointment of Nehal Hashmi, describing it as a positive development for party loyalists. Despite acknowledging Hashmi's loyalty and dedication to the party, the leader characterized the appointment as a compromise.
The leader also noted that some within the party in Sindh may have preferred a more assertive political figure for the role. While the decision not to appoint PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon was understood due to his strained relations with President Asif Ali Zardari, there was recognition of the need for a leader with Memon's assertive style.
Concerns were raised about PML-N's organizational structure in Sindh, with observations that the party lacks a strong presence in the province. Party members in Sindh were reportedly hoping for a more aggressive stance against the PPP to carve out a space for themselves in the political landscape.
The appointment of Nehal Hashmi was viewed as a continuation of an appeasement policy towards the Sindh government, with expectations that Hashmi would engage in confrontation only when necessary. This approach aimed to avoid open conflicts and prevent other political entities from capitalizing on discord between the two parties.
While some had anticipated Irfan Memon as a potential candidate for the governorship, the decision to appoint Nehal Hashmi was seen as reflective of a strategic approach akin to the PPP's political tactics in Punjab. Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair commented on the selection, describing Nehal Hashmi as a suitable choice for PML-N, albeit one that may not yield significant benefits for the party.
Zubair highlighted the perceived anti-Zardari stance of Bashir Memon as a factor that may have worked against his appointment. He also pointed out an unwritten tradition related to ethnic balance in the province's top positions, suggesting that the choice of a governor of Mohajir descent may have been influenced by this consideration.
