Benazir Bhutto’s Grace and Wisdom Left a Lasting Impression: Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori Recalls Close Ties

Islamabad:Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was a rare and exceptionally intelligent leader whose dignity, wisdom, and commanding presence left a deep impression on everyone who met her, even once.

As 18 years have passed since Benazir Bhutto was separated from her admirers, loyal supporters, friends, and loved ones around the world, memories of the past have naturally begun to resurface. While many today claim closeness to Benazir Bhutto, few are aware that in the early 2000s, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori—then considered close to top government circles—shared a personal bond with the former prime minister.

In an interview, Governor Tessori revealed that he was introduced to Benazir Bhutto by a Pakistani businessman. Gradually, his visits to her residence became frequent, at a time when Benazir Bhutto had even been deprived of her passport. Tessori recalled that he promised her a passport within 15 days and fulfilled that promise on the 13th day.

Governor Tessori further shared that during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Benazir Bhutto stood inside Masjid-e-Nabvi and declared him her brother. He also accompanied her on a visit to Ajmer Sharif. According to Tessori, for nearly four years, he met Benazir Bhutto almost daily, with Dr. Asim Hussain often present during those meetings.

He said that during this period in Dubai, whenever Benazir Bhutto traveled, he personally drove her car. Tessori also recalled that on one of his birthdays, Benazir Bhutto gifted him an expensive pair of cufflinks. On another occasion, both Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari joined him on his yacht to celebrate his birthday and cut the cake together.

This was the time when Benazir Bhutto was preparing to end her exile and return to Pakistan. The journalist recounting the interview noted that he himself was stationed at Geo News’ Dubai headquarters at the time and often had the opportunity to report on meetings with both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. He also broke the news of a deal between General Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto.

Governor Tessori further revealed that on October 18, 2007, as soon as Benazir Bhutto landed in Pakistan and sat in her vehicle, she spoke to him via Dr. Asim Hussain’s phone and said, *“Kamran Bhai, I had promised that whenever I return to Pakistan, my first call would be to you.”*

The bond between Benazir Bhutto and her admirers, Tessori said, cannot truly be captured in words. Those who met her charismatic personality understand that language falls short in describing her impact.

When asked why he later joined Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) and then MQM-Pakistan—parties traditionally seen as rivals of the PPP—Governor Tessori explained that his relationship with Benazir Bhutto was not political, but one of brother and sister. He added that even today, President Asif Ali Zardari and other PPP leaders maintain a relationship of respect with him.

Responding to a question about whether his respect for Benazir Bhutto remains intact despite his association with MQM, a long-time rival of the PPP, Tessori said, *“From my heart, I still consider Benazir Bhutto my sister. Whether it is October 18 or December 27, these dark dates remind not just me but the entire nation of whom we lost—and how soon.”*