ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani was declared a ‘knight in shining armor’ by his fellow senators while paying him exceptional tribute in the parliamentary history. Raza might be an exception in his tribe with clean record, but he should not be overburdened by undue expectations. In fact, after emotional speeches by his fellow senators, his response was also to the same tune. More responsibilities lie on his shoulders to run the House and he should keep balance between their high expectations and the ground reality. He has to ensure the sovereignty of Parliament, dignity of fellows and should go by the book. Raza is capable of it, but he should keep in mind that he is not a savior and his role is limited. However, the new parliamentary year of the Senate starts with a pleasant gesture which is a good omen. It was good Raza was not an overexcited jiyala but a political worker who faced all miseries of highest nature and beat the injuries he faced. In the recent past, the Upper House and Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan locked horns, which was not a good gesture on both sides. Knowing Raza, sense must prevail and such petty issues should resolve amicably. The political workers must be proud that their tribe man was placed at one of the highest political offices in the country’s parliamentary history. Credit for this goes to Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari and the opposition, including the PTI chief Imran Khan. Above all, the positive notion was that politicians finally came out of the ego syndrome and acted sensibly. The selection of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri as the Deputy Chairman Senate came as a surprise, but he might be more acceptable to others than the radical Baloch for this office. However, Fazlur Rahman’s ‘flexible personality’ was acceptable to all and Haideri is his nominee. The PML-N’s ruling allies in Balochistan were also perturbed over this selection, but they went with the majority and they should be appreciated. In the number game, women legislators were ousted by their male colleagues. One of them, Kulsoom Parveen, has the unique record of being elected for the third time and representing three different parties as senator. She must have some exceptional qualities as her parties could not find her replacement. Unfortunately, none from their tribe was designated for the Deputy Chairman of this august House. The only reason might be the male chauvinism and it did not mean they lack capability for this office. However, the election of Abdul Ghafoor Haideri as the deputy chairman might be a point to ponder for them. The maiden entries in the Senate are Sassui Palejo, Samina Abid, Khushbakht Shujaat, Sitara Ayaz, Nighat Mirza, Gul Bushra, Raheela Magsi and Ayesha Raza while Najma Hameed graced the occasion for second consecutive term. A healthy participation could be expected from the greenhorns. Samina Abid is the wife of AJK Chief Secretary Squadron Leader (R) Abid Ali Khan. She is also daughter of Nawab of Amb and younger sister of Mehtar of Chitral Fatehullah Mulk.Sassui Palejo and Khushbakht Shujaat are the tested players of political pitch. Their entry to the Upper House should be encouraging for healthy proceedings, as being political workers they have some background of struggle. Sassui especially has come through crossing all the hurdle races. No doubt, they were less in number but their presence overshadowed the majority. Famous novelist and noble prize winner Sir William Golding said: “I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far superior and always been”.ANP’s Sitara Aziz, ex-MPA, is an experienced parliamentarian and has served as provincial minister, but the outgoing Senator Sughra Imam was matchless and the newcomer should consult her for their positive share in the House proceedings. Supporting Raza Rabbani for the office of chairman Senate indicates the PTI has acknowledged Parliament which is the victory of democracy. It also reposed confidence in the system by putting its candidate for the office of deputy chairman and it should be welcomed.
