A somber farewell to senators

ISLAMABAD: No matter how delightful is a farewell but it is a message to departures that ‘the party is over’ and it is always painful to say goodbye, especially to those who have rare chances for a comeback.
The unannounced week-long farewell session of the Senate witnessed no spark and it was duller than any other day.
Sughra Imam created a stir. Usually people lack interest when their time is about to be over; they just relax and prefer to go to exit door. But a few remain till the end to enjoy the party. Sughra Imam is the one who throughout her stay in the Senate played active role and due to her efforts the Senate passed her Anti-Honour Killing Amendment Bill 2014 this week. After this amendment, honor killing would be non-compoundable and convicted person cannot escape culpability after giving blood money.
It was a commendable effort on part of her and civil society. The House would miss her but Treasury’s front row and Baboos would be relaxed as they would get rid of tricky and technical questions.
Senator Zahid Khan also played his due role till the last days and made his point about the change in route of economic corridor which fell on deaf ears. Haji Adeel, Afrasyiab Khattak and Zahid Khan were the hawks of the ANP and their contribution to the Upper House was commendable. Humayun Khan Mandukhel, Zahid khan, Haji Adeel, Afrasiyab Khattak, Ch Shujaat, Syed Muzafar Ali Shah, Syed Zafar Ali shah and Mola Bukhs chandio would be remembered as they took the business seriously.
Knowing the fact, 5o percent of senators would be replaced, the House’s mood was a bit dull which was natural. Emotional speeches were missing to acknowledge the services of outgoing senators at the time of bidding them farewell. Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and his deputy Sabir Baloch were also among those who played their innings. The issue of perks and privileges of a former chief justice was resolved as the attorney general briefed the House properly. Those who were in a bid to create a stir were disappointed. Comprehensive answers by bureaucracy were a common issue and it irritated the House and the chairman Senate often. The chairman Senate declared the secretary finance could be summoned in the privilege committee for incomplete answers.
At the patron of Confession Box of the Roman Catholic Church, we have established a ‘Conscience Box’ in the parliament where the parliamentarians share their views beyond their party lines, obviously on the condition of anonymity and secrecy. The journalists’ only interest is getting information. The other day, Interior Minister Ch Nisar was upset over linking the arrest of certain terrorists with attacking the March 23rd parade without any concrete evidence. Especially, when the Chinese president was said to be the guest on Pakistan day parade, this news might sabotage the whole event.