The civil society and the youth paid tribute on Saturday to Senator Mian Raza Rabbani at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), for developing the eighteenth Constitutional amendment that provided power to the provinces.
Senator Rabbani was the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms that developed the eighteenth constitutional amendment.
He was given a tribute by young activists from different parts of the country, who were thrilled to benefit from a rare opportunity of getting to know more about him and his achievements.
The event was organised by civil society organisations including Mehergarh: A Center for Learning, the Baacha Khan Educational Trust Foundation, Center for Peace and Civil Society, Council for Social Sciences, Interactive Resource Center, Preview Productions and Women Organisation for Rights and Development.
The joint efforts of the civil society activists were duly appreciated.
The event was hosted by social activist and author of ‘Taboo’ and ‘Working with Sharks’ Dr Fouzia Saeed and Sarmad Sultan Khoosat.
The event included clips from Mian Raza Rabbani’s school life and his early political career.
Special guests at the event included Senator Afrasiab Khattak, Dr Abdul Maalik Baloch and IA Rehman. It was especially heartening to witness the country’s senior politicians talking about another politician from a different party with respect.
The event also included video comments from young leaders from all over the country. Rehman said: “He has proved that all politicians are not corrupt.” Senator Afrasiab Khattak stated: “By bringing all the political parties on board, regarding the eighteenth constitutional amendment, our nation is truly blessed to have leaders like Mian Raza Rabbani.”
Dr Abdul Maalik Baloch announced that for his contribution to the rights of the Baloch, Raza Rabbani will be presented with the prestigious Ghaus Bazinjo Award from Balochistan. An informal interview of Mian Raza Rabbani was also conducted by Dr Fouzia Saeed and Sarmad Khoosat.
A booklet ‘Mian Raza Rabbani: A National Hero’ containing articles from his friends and colleagues, his writings, legislation and other material was also launched at the event by Mehergarh.
It was presented to Mian Raza Rabbani along with a bouquet by Khadija Ali and Veerji Kohli of the Mehergarh Youth Consortium.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to thirty trainees of Mehergarh’s Advanced Leadership Course on ‘Democracy and Devolution’. The certificates were presented by Mian Raza Rabbani to the trainees. The tribute helped to inform our younger generation of the political and democratic struggles in Pakistan and helped to inculcate a sense of ownership of the political revolution in Pakistan.
