Raza Rabbani at the helm

A rare breed of a politician that this country has seldom produced rises to the helm in the Senate of Pakistan as its Chairman. This personality of impeccable reputation and incredible principles is none other than Senator Raza Rabbani. Unanimous approval of his candidature by PML-Nawaz, the party in power, and majority of the political parties in the Senate, for the coveted position of Chairman in the Upper House of the Parliament, was out-and-out recognition of his unblemished record and strong principles.

What is truly heartening to note is that even PTI Chairman, Imran Khan appreciated the nomination of Senator Raza Rabbani for the highest slot in the upper house of the Parliament. Yet more noteworthy is the fact that Senator Raza Rabbani has been elected unopposed to the Chairman Senate’s position. In the entire gamut of developments that took place vis-a-vis the process of nomination of the Chairman Senate, the point that is worthy of genuine appreciation is that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ruled out the possibility of horse-trading and political bargaining in election for the Senate chairman.

Unambiguously, by openly announcing its support for the opposition’s Pakistan People’s Party’s designated candidate, former federal minister and architect of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani as the Chairman Senate, it buried all speculations circulating in the capital, and everywhere else, about the contest for the slot of the Chairman Senate. Unquestionably, by unanimously electing Senator Raza Rabbani as the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, the PML-N Chief, Premier Nawaz Sharif, and all other political groups in the upper house have demonstrated incredible magnanimity and political maturity. For his outright support to the PPP candidate, Raza Rabbani for the Chairmanship of the Senate, leaders of various political parties profoundly appreciated the decision of PM Nawaz Sharif. Not only the political leaders but the entire educated segment of the Pakistani society applauded the Premier for setting a new tradition, perhaps for the first in the political history of the country, by fielding a consensus candidate for the office of Senate Chairman.

All said and done, it is now time for the incumbent Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Mian Raza Rabbani to repay for the confidence posed in him by all the political groups who wholeheartedly supported his unopposed election to the position of Chairman Senate. The best way for him to do so would be to demonstrate neutrality in all his actions and decisions in conducting the affairs of the Senate of Pakistan. He will have to rise above party politics to attain this vital goal.

M FAZAL ELAHI

Islamabad