Parliament still fighting war for survival: Rabbani

 Says accused of Article 6 not ready to appear before court and law is keeping mum; democracy owes a lot to women

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani on Monday said that parliament even today was fighting a war for survival as the accused under Article 6 of the Constitution was not ready to appear before the court and the law was silent.

He said that parliament and democracy owed a great debt to the women of Pakistan as they had struggled against the odds of dictatorships and had given sacrifices for strengthening the foundations of the democratic culture in the country.

“Our history is replete with women of substance, from Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and women played a leading role in upholding the democratic traditions in the country,” he said and added that women parliamentarians in the provincial legislatures and in parliament were playing an active role and it was because of their struggle that democracy, democratic institutions and parliament were functional.

Rabbani expressed these views as a chief guest at a seminar “A Tribute to Women Parliamentarians” organised by the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) and Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) at a local hotel.

The Senate chairman emphasised the need for the continuity of the democratic system, adding that if continuity prevailed, the system would get more refined and the foundations of the democratic system would be strengthened.

He acknowledged the role of civil society in creating awareness about the issues being faced by society. “Civil society in the past comprising student unions, trade unions and lawyers’ movements remained in the forefront against dictatorships,” the Senate chairman stated.

Rabbani, however, termed it unfortunate that student unions were banned by dictatorial regimes, which created a vacuum and provided an opportunity to the extremistmindset to promote its thinking.

He pointed out that student unions were muted and democratic traditions could not be solidified at the grassroot level.He noted that a particular mindset was not allowing parliament to flourish and that mindset wanted to keep the policy levers in its own hands. “Supremacy of parliament needs to be accepted by all if we want the state to prosper and progress,” the Senate chairman observed.

He said that responsibility was on the shoulders of civil society and more importantly the people of Pakistan to protect parliament. He, however, pointed out that people would only come forward if parliament truly reflected the will and aspirations of the people of Pakistan and a sense of ownership was given to them.

Rabbani said that women had a more important role to play and their active contribution would bring more vibrancy in the working of parliament.Earlier, Shahid Fiaz, Ceo TDEA-Fafen, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the role being played by women parliamentarians in the Senate and National Assembly. He said that the Senate had taken a number of initiatives which had contributed towards openness and transparency.

The event was attended by women parliamentarians, civil society representatives, journalists and people belonging to different walks of life.