Governor Tessori Embarrassed Over ‘Bhai’s Comeback’ Remarks

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori appeared flustered on Wednesday as he tried to clarify his recent remarks about the so-called “return of Bhai” — a phrase widely linked to Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain.

Videos circulating on social media showed Mr. Kamran Tessori addressing a large crowd at Governor House during an Independence Day concert. He was heard saying, “Mein bar bar keh raha hoon, tumharay bhai wapas aa rahay hain… tumharay bhai, Karachi ko theek karnay.” The crowd erupted in approval when he asked if they wanted the “old MQM.”

Earlier, the governor had made similar remarks during a media interaction after visiting Bhit Shah, talking about the “return of old MQM to revive past glory.” When asked to clarify, he declined to reveal details but added, “Apkay hosh urr jaey gey jo honay ja raha hay” [You would be shocked to see what is going to unfold].

His statements surprised not only senior MQM-Pakistan leadership — which severed ties with Mr. Altaf Hussain following his incendiary speech on August 22, 2016 — but also the influential circles behind the informal ban on MQM-London.

An MQM-P source told Dawn that certain party elements had expressed concerns to authorities about the “wrong message the governor’s remarks were sending to both the party and the public.”

In response, Mr. Kamran Tessori issued another statement, clarifying that he was following MQM-P policy, which has officially distanced itself from Mr. Altaf Hussain.

“Altaf Hussain sahab has nothing to do with the politics of MQM Pakistan, and its leadership is not going to accept him in their fold as they openly parted ways with him,” he said. “I cannot understand why such an impression is being created by my remarks. There is no policy regarding Mr. Altaf Hussain’s comeback, and I cannot speak against MQM-P’s policy.”

Published in Daily Pak, August 15th, 2025