The Upper House of the Parliament, the Senate, in Pakistan represents federation and the spirit of constitution, not expected to become hostage to politics of reconciliation where principles and ethics are sacrificed at the altar of arrogance, greed and whims of power politics. While unopposed election of Raza Rabbani as Chairman Senate bodes well for dignity of the House, the election of Ghafoor Haideri reflects the reverse. This Machiavellian style political manoeuvering, where politics sans ethics and morality has been accepted, makes a mockery of democracy, making it akin to dictatorship.
Political party leaders can exercise their whip only if decisions they make hold up to democratic norms and principles in accordance with the spirit of the constitution; otherwise, their behaviour is akin to dictators. In a democracy, elected political leaders are not expected to harbour known criminals, tax evaders, land grabbers and smugglers, nor order police to set free on parole 32 convicted murderers as was done by Pervez Musharraf, nor patronise armed criminal militias involved in most heinous of crimes. Politicians known for their links with terrorists and criminals should not be facilitated to hold public offices of repute such as Deputy Chairman Senate.
While I hold no brief for PTI, I am happy that they put up a candidate worthier and dignified than Ghafoor Haideri. In recent past, Senate has been belittled when controversial men with billions in their pockets bought seats as if they were buying sheep for slaughter. In a democracy, the dignity of Parliament is reflected by quality and character of those who are elected and what they stand for.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore