KARACHI: The Sindh government on Thursday removed Karachi Commissioner Asif Hyder Shah from his position.

In a notification signed by Sindh Chief Secretary Muhammad Siddique Memon, Shah has been asked to report to the Services, General Administration & Coordination Department “with immediate effect”.

Shah, who is also serving as Hyderabad Division Commissioner and is widely known for his close association with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party in the province, was given additional charge as commissioner Karachi in January, replacing Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui – a move that had irked opposition party Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

The sudden removal of Siddiqui from the post of Karachi commissioner had raised many eyebrows as he enjoyed a good reputation in political and social circles.

Shah is a son-in-law of the late former Sindh chief minister Abdullah Shah whose son, Syed Murad Ali Shah, is the provincial finance minister and an important figure in the ruling PPP.