By Brig Syed Karrar Hussain Retired
A Story of Service, Simplicity, and Humanity
During my long military service, spread across decades of official responsibilities, I had the privilege of meeting many governors of Sindh, Punjab, and KP.
Every governor brought his own temperament, style, and administrative priorities. Yet, among all those dignitaries, there came one personality who stood distinctly apart—Governor Sindh Mr. Kamran Tessori. This tribute is not just a recollection of my meetings with him but a reflection of what makes him an extraordinary public figure and a rare human being.
A Different Kind of Governor
One day after retirement, I received an unexpected call from a young officer who had worked under me.
“Sir, the governor wants to meet senior retired officers who contributed to public service. Would you like to meet him? I replied, of course, being a member of late General Pervez Musharf’s team, I have been working very hard for development of Karachi from 2003 to 2006. I would like to share my experience. It is worth mentioning that I had met many governors in my professional life, usually surrounded by protocol, formalities, and the rigid atmospheres of officialdom. Naturally, I expected this meeting to be the same. But the moment I stepped inside the gates of the Governor House, I sensed something different. The place felt alive—not in luxury, but in activity. Youth training camps, IT workshops, book-reading corners, small groups of students walking confidently. It felt less like a ceremonial residence and more like a national service centre.
It was then I realized why people said Kamran Tessori had opened the doors of Governor House for the public.
A Warm Handshake
He walked toward me, smiling, without any aide announcing my name.
“Brigadier Sahib, welcome. Your service to Pakistan is an honour for all of us,” he said with sincerity.
Over the years, I had learned to judge character quickly, and within moments, I understood that this governor was not interested in appearances; he was interested in people.
His tone was simple, his attitude humble, and his focus completely on the welfare of Sindh’s people.
I met him many times afterwards, and every meeting strengthened this impression. Efficient, energetic, dedicated, and above all, caring—these words hardly capture his personality. He was a man who carried responsibility not as a crown but as a trust.
The Governor Who Opened His House to the People
In my file of memories, one moment stands out.
I was attending an event in the Governor House where a large group of students from Lyari, Khairpur, Thar, and Larkana were also present. Many among them had never stepped inside a place of such grandeur. Yet here they were—walking freely, sitting on the lawn, taking photographs, participating in discussions about IT, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
An elderly man from interior Sindh whispered to me,
“Sir, in my whole life, I never thought I would enter the Governor House. Today, we are sitting here like it belongs to us.”
This was not fiction—this was change. The architect of this change was Kamran Tessori.
He once said during an interaction:
“If this house represents the federation, then how can its gates remain closed for the very people it represents?”
True to his words, he broke the barriers of exclusivity and turned the Governor House into a vibrant public space—open for children, elders, students, professionals, women, and disadvantaged communities alike.
A Champion for Youth
Perhaps his most impactful work is his contribution to the youth of the province. He is not a typical ceremonial figurehead; he is a hands-on governor who knows that the future of Sindh lies not in political speeches but in skill development.
His IT Training Initiative, which trained thousands of young people, became a symbol of hope. Students told me that the governor personally visited their classes, encouraged them, and even sat with them to understand how their learning could be improved.
One day during a session, a shy student asked him,
“Sir, why are you doing all this for us?”
He smiled and replied,
“Because your success is my success. If you move forward, Sindh moves forward.”
In a world where youth often feel ignored, such a statement is not just motivation—it is empowerment.
Art, Culture, and Compassion
Most people know Kamran Tessori for his administrative initiatives, but few know that he is deeply in love with arts and culture. In one fictionalized encounter, I remember walking with him across the lawns where an exhibition of local artists was being held. He stopped at a canvas depicting the life of Thari women.
“These are not just paintings,” he said softly. “These are stories that must be heard.”
His respect for artists, poets, calligraphers, and creators is remarkable. He believes that progress is not only about technology and economy but also about soul, heritage, and expression.
Similarly, his compassion for disadvantaged communities sets him apart. Whether it was arranging support for flood victims, assisting disabled individuals, or addressing issues of minorities, he approached every matter with one principle: service without discrimination.
Leadership Rooted in Humanity
One fictional scene remains etched in my memory. I was walking past the Governor House garden when I noticed him standing under a tree talking with a group of sweepers and gardeners. There was no camera, no media, no protocol—just a leader engaging with the very people who maintain the beauty of the residence.
He listened to their concerns, shared tea with them, and told them they were the backbone of the institution.
This was not leadership from a marble chair; it was leadership from the heart.
His Other Contributions
Although this is a fictional tribute inspired by real characteristics, the governor’s actual reputation includes:
Promotion of IT and digital skills among youth
Humanitarian outreach programs for vulnerable segments
Cultural revival through exhibitions, festivals, and book fairs
Support for education, scholarships, and mentorship
Public access programs inside the Governor House
Focused attention to interior Sindh, not just Karachi
Zero-discrimination policy in public welfare matters
In a province facing numerous challenges—economic, social, and administrative—such dedication becomes a beacon of hope.
A Governor for the People
As I conclude this tribute, I return to the words that define my experience:
“Present governor Sindh is altogether different from the previous ones.”
Not because he sits on a higher chair, but because he bows lower in humility.
Not because he governs from a distance, but because he walks among the people.
Not because he enjoys authority, but because he carries responsibility with compassion.
People will forget policies; they will forget statistics.
But they will never forget how a leader made them feel valued, respected, and included.
In that sense, Governor Kamran Tessori stands tall—not just as a public official, but as a true servant of the people of Sindh.
