Governor Sindh Syed Nehal Hashmi has landed in hot waters after giving a speech at a university convocation in which he repeatedly asked female graduates about wedding invitations and mother-in-laws instead of addressing their academic achievements or future plans.
During the ceremony, the governor asked the graduates to raise their hands if they would invite him to their weddings, joking with those who did not respond that they were being “misers.”
He then moved on to ask how many of them expected conflict with a mother-in-law after marriage and how many would treat their mother-in-law “as their own mother,” calling such a match “fortunate.”
In a now-deleted post on X, PML-N’s Hina Pervaiz Butt was among the first to react, saying that the governor appeared unaware of the weight of his office.
“The governor of Sindh is perhaps unaware of his position and stature. He should at least know that he is addressing female graduates as a governor,” she said, adding that watching the clip left her deeply disappointed.
She said that the graduates looked embarrassed by the questions while the governor kept asking one irrelevant question after another.
Public reactions to the speech online were highly critical, with observers noting the discomfort of the students and questioning the suitability of the remarks for an academic event.
One commentator adopted a highly critical tone regarding the choice of topic for a chief guest , writing, “What a thought-provoking speech to make at a convocation as a Chief Guest! Governor Sindh’s office used to be Quaid-e-Azam’s office as Governor-General of Pakistan! Just like Karachi’s infrastructure, every office holder is also ruined.”
Another user expressed deep disappointment over the academic setting being utilized for such banter, stating, “Even in our homes, we might never have had such mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conversations as the Sindh Governor is having with students at a university convocation. Instead of encouraging youth to secure future scholarships, look for higher education opportunities abroad, or expand their academic capabilities, he is talking about a completely different topic. Although given the kind of people now appointed to such posts, one should not be surprised, but listening to his conversation is still astonishing.”
“Gone are the days when institutions were run by the experts they deserve. Pity on the pupils who are being asked for wedding invitations rather than their future education and guiding plans about their careers,” a citizen observed with a tone of pity and resignation.
Another individual expressed frustration, stating, “People with an extremely backward mindset and of low level have been imposed on us. The most senior teachers should be in these places to benefit the children with their experiences. Having such people present on the most important day of these children’s lives is a tragedy.”
One commentator adopted a highly critical and sarcastic tone regarding the state of leadership, noting, “If you invite a clown into your palace, don’t be surprised if the palace becomes a circus.”
A separate reaction adopted an angry, politically charged tone, criticizing both the political party and the institution for inviting the governor: “What do these university administrations teach children by inviting them? Nawaz Sharif comes and says ‘Why was I ousted?’, Hamza Shahbaz goes and tells children ‘Corruption happens, let it happen,’ and Nehal says ‘Will you invite me to your wedding?’ This governor belongs to a league of thieves.”
Amid the backlash, several commentators drew unfavorable comparisons between Hashmi and his predecessor Kamran Tessori.
Others contrasted the event with past administrations to highlight the decline in decorum. “The office of the governor demands respect, responsibility and politeness. Former Governor Kamran Tessori engaged with the youth in a positive and encouraging manner during many events, which was commendable,” a user pointed out.
A similar sentiment regarding institutional dignity was shared by another citizen, who noted, “It was extremely painful to see this; such non-serious behavior was not expected from a governor. During Kamran Tessori sahib’s tenure, the dignity and seriousness of events were maintained, and he always prioritized the honor and respect of women.”
