Contrary to expected heated session in the National Assembly, the proceedings of the House remained limited to Fateha prayers for departed souls of PML-F chief and spiritual leader of Hurs, Pir Pagara and MNA Azeem Daultana.
The session of the Lower House, which was called to discuss the heated political situations in the backdrop of standoff between the government, army and the judiciary, ended within half an hour after being commenced around one hour later than schedule.
It was Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani who took the lead in paying tribute to late Pir Sahab Pagara and Azeem Daultana, a member of the House from his own party.
Gilani said Pir Pagara was one of the most important political characters of Pakistani politics. He said he learnt a lot from Pir Pagara when he entered the political arena following his father’s death and had the blessing of Pir Sahab, who guided him from the beginning.
The prime minister said Pir Pagara had also done a marvelous job when he resolved the disputes between the settlers and locals in Sindh and added that he had always worked for the federation without any design of provincialism.
“Pir Sahab also contributed to the defence of Pakistan when the members of his Hur community fought along side the armed forces against the enemy in the war of 1965”, Gilani pointed out.
He also expressed sorrow over what he called the untimely death of his fellow parliamentarian Azeem Daulana.
PML-N MNA Khwaja Asif, on behalf of his party, paid rich tribute to Pir Pagara, who he said had the distinction of being a spiritual leader along with his political acumen.
MQM’s Deputy Parliamentary Leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said Pir Pagara was such a towering spiritual personality that not only Muslims, but a Hindu parliamentarian in India was also a devotee of Pir Pagara.
JUI-F chief Fazlur Rahaman, ANP President Asfand Yar Wali Khan, PML-Q leaders Riaz Hussain Peerzada and Ghaus Bux Mehr and Kamran Khan from FATA also paid tribute to Pir Pagara and expressed grief over the death of Azeem Daultana.