'It's a misunderstanding:' spokesperson says Sindh Governor House not locked

The spokesperson of the Sindh Governor House on Friday issued a clarification over the claims of acting governor Sindh Syed Owais Qadir Shah, who alleged that Kamran Tessori took the keys of the offices with him to Islamabad.

The statement came after the acting governor said that he found the offices in the Governor's House locked upon his arrival for the meeting regarding security planning for Muharram-ul-Haram.

The spokesperson claimed that the acting governor did not inform the authorities before his arrival, stating that it was perhaps a “misunderstanding.”

“All officials, including the Interior Secretary Sindh, Inspector General Sindh, and DIGs (East, West, and South), have been sitting in the conference room to attend the meeting,” it added.

Read: Sindh Governor House offices locked as Kamran Tessori reportedly takes keys to Islamabad

However, the statement also clarified that a special office for the acting governor had been prepared in advance. If he had intended to use the central office, he should have informed beforehand so that arrangements could have been made in time.

On the other hand, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori directed the Principal Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the issue within 24 hours.

Speaking to the media, acting governor Owais Qadir Shah expressed frustration over the incident, saying that it seriously held up official work.

“An important meeting had been called today at the Governor's House regarding the law and order situation during Muharram, but the staff informed us that Kamran Tessori had also taken the office keys with him,” he said.

Shah, who assumed the acting governor’s role during Tessori’s absence, stressed that the Governor House is a constitutional institution, not a personal property. “This is a constitutional office, not anyone’s personal sitting room. This kind of behaviour does not suit Kamran Tessori. If this meeting is not held today, I will take legal action and move the court against him,” Shah warned.

SHC orders to open the Governors House immediately 

On the petition of Shah, the Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the immediate access to the Governor House offices to ensure space is provided for meetings convened by Acting Governor Sindh, Syed Owais Qadir Shah.

The court issued the directive while hearing a petition filed against the non-provision of meeting facilities to the acting governor.

The court further ruled that the acting governor is allowed to use any part of the Governor House for official purposes, excluding the residential area. A report on the implementation of the court’s order is to be submitted by Monday. The case has been adjourned until then.