Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori Promises Financial Assistance for Imran Farooq’s Sons

Aalishan and Wajdan Farooq meet Governor Tessori at Karachi’s Governor House

LONDON/KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has announced personal financial assistance for the orphaned sons of the late Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Imran Farooq and his wife Shumaila Imran Farooq, to continue until they complete their university studies in London.

Aalishan and Wajdan Farooq, along with their mother’s sisters, Muzna and Afshan Nazar, met Governor Tessori at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi, where he made the pledge. The children lost their mother last month, who succumbed to cancer compounded by years of trauma and depression following Dr Farooq’s assassination in London 16 years ago.

Shumaila Farooq had endured financial and personal hardships while living in North London near the MQM International Secretariat after her husband’s murder. Reports suggest she received little support from MQM leadership in both the UK and Pakistan during this period. Governor Tessori, however, was reportedly the only individual who assisted her financially on multiple occasions.

Muzna Nazar expressed gratitude for Tessori’s support, saying, “Kamran Tessori assisted our sister quietly while she was alive, without expecting anything in return. Now, we are making it public to acknowledge his good deed. We are thankful he has pledged to support Aalishan and Wajdan until they complete their graduations.”

Aalishan Farooq highlighted that no one from MQM had assisted his mother during her illness, adding, “Governor Tessori helped our family discreetly while she was receiving treatment at a London hospital. We are grateful for his continued support.”

Aalishan, who is in his final year studying geology, also revealed that he had taken a year-long break from university to care for his mother. “This support from Governor Tessori will help ensure stability as I complete my studies,” he said.

Governor Tessori emphasized that the children would receive structured, long-term financial and welfare support, funded personally by him and his wife. He described the initiative as a moral obligation rather than a symbolic gesture, and said arrangements are being finalized to provide monthly stipends to maintain continuity in the children’s lives.

Dr Imran Farooq, a founding MQM member, was assassinated in London in 2010, leaving his family without its primary guardian. His widow, Shumaila, raised their two sons alone while battling cancer and the lasting effects of trauma, ultimately passing away last month. Geo News previously highlighted the challenges she faced living in London, quietly enduring her hardships without public complaint.