Sharjeel Memon slams Tabish Hashmi over Karachi's “privatization” remarks

Sharjeel Memon, senior minister of Sindh, criticised television host Tabish Hashmi over his remarks suggesting “privatisation” of Karachi.

He called Hashmi’s comments irresponsible and urged the concerned TV channel to take disciplinary action for such remarks.

Speaking to journalists, Memon was asked about comments made during a program aired on a private channel following the deadly Gul Plaza fire. The minister described the remarks as “foolish” and “stupid,” saying they reflected a serious lack of understanding of constitutional law, history and the geography of Sindh.

“The person who made these statements has neither studied the Constitution nor understood Sindh’s historical and geographical importance,” Memon said. “Such comments show ignorance about Sindh’s constitutional position and its role within Pakistan.”

He appealed to the television channel to hold an internal inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action against Tabish Hashmi. “Media organisations should practise responsible journalism, especially on sensitive political and administrative issues,” he added.

The controversy emerged after Tabish Hashmi, during a show discussing the Gul Plaza tragedy, suggested that Karachi should be privatized, drawing a comparison with the government’s decision to privatize Pakistan International Airlines. Hashmi argued that Karachi’s residents from different ethnic backgrounds could manage the city better than the current system.