Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan's continuation as Sindh governor has become impossible after the breakdown of talks between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). “I don't see Ebad surviving in the office for too long after the two major players in Sindh chose opposing political courses, shunning any chances of cooperation,” an informed official told Saudi Gazette. However, he admitted that the immediate removal of the governor would not be possible, as President Pervez Musharraf would have to be taken on board for showing the door to Ebad. That will be an uphill task given the president's perspective, he conceded. Under the Constitution, Musharraf is armed with the power to appoint provincial governors. Article 101 (1) says there shall be a governor for each province, who shall be appointed by the President [after consultation with] the prime minister. Words “after consultation with” substituted the expression of “on the advice of” courtesy of the 17th amendment (Legal Framework Order or LFO). This replacement gave the president a considerable power in appointing governors. Clause 3 of the same article says the governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the president. A cabinet minister said that there was now no room for Ebad to stay as governor after his MQM has decided to sit in opposition in Sindh and at the federal level. Dr. Shoaib Suddle's appointment as inspector general of police (IGP) has served as the last straw that broke the camel's back. The MQM will be more fired after fresh recalling to Karachi of different police officers, who had performed their duty up to Suddle's satisfaction in Karachi when the operation was previously carried out. One such example is the recent transfer of Rao Anwar to Karachi, who played a significant role earlier. Since assumption of gubernatorial office, Ebad has been a powerful governor being in charge of the law and order situation especially in Karachi. __
