KARACHI: President of the Karachi Editors Club, Mubasher Mir, has praised Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori for what he described as a “remarkable transformation” of the Governor House into a public-oriented institution, highlighting the fourth consecutive year of the “Umeed-e-Ramazan” drive as a testament to sustained social outreach.
Speaking at an iftar dinner hosted at the historic Governor House Karachi, Mr Mir said the initiative had grown into a large-scale welfare programme benefiting thousands of citizens across the city during the holy month.
He noted that under the “Umeed-e-Ramazan” banner, arrangements for daily iftar for large numbers of people, ration distribution to deserving families, free information technology courses for youth, and medical and social assistance projects such as “Umeed Bell” had been undertaken. “This is not merely a Ramazan drive; it is a comprehensive social support programme that addresses hunger, education and community harmony,” he remarked.
According to Mr Mir, the opening of the Governor House to the general public marked a symbolic and practical break from what he termed the “hegemonic colonial protocol” traditionally associated with the office. “For decades, the Governor House was perceived as a closed symbol of authority inherited from the colonial era. Governor Tessori has opened its doors to ordinary citizens, making it accessible and people-friendly,” he said.
He added that the initiative had helped foster interfaith and inter-community harmony, with people from diverse backgrounds participating in the iftar gatherings and welfare activities. “The spirit of inclusivity and public engagement is evident. It reflects a shift from ceremonial governance to community service,” he observed.
Members of the Karachi Editors Club who attended the event also appreciated what they described as transparency and consistency in the continuation of the Ramazan drive for the fourth year. They noted that sustained welfare activities, particularly free IT training programmes, could equip young people with employable skills amid challenging economic conditions.
The governor, in his remarks, reiterated his commitment to keeping the Governor House open to the public and expanding welfare initiatives beyond Ramazan. He said the objective was to provide relief to underprivileged segments of society while creating opportunities for youth empowerment.
The iftar dinner was attended by journalists, civil society representatives and officials, who were briefed on the scope and scale of the ongoing projects. Participants described the event as a reflection of closer engagement between public office and the media community.
Concluding his address, Mr Mir termed Governor Tessori “a truly awami governor,” stating that such initiatives could strengthen public trust in constitutional offices. He emphasised that continuity, accountability and measurable outcomes would further enhance the impact of the programmes in the years to come.
The “Umeed-e-Ramazan” campaign, now in its fourth year, continues to operate throughout the holy month with daily iftar arrangements and allied welfare activities at the Governor House premises.