Islamabad – In a significant event celebrating Pakistan’s parliamentary history, a reunion of the 1985 National Assembly members was hosted by Syed Fakhar Imam this week bringing together 22 surviving members from the original 237-member Assembly. With many of the Assembly’s former members having passed away, this gathering served both as a tribute to their legacy and a reminder of the enduring importance of democratic institutions.
Syed Fakhar Imam, Speaker of the National Assembly in 1985, conducted the proceedings, allowing each participant five to ten minutes to share their reflections and memories of their parliamentary tenure, and of the Assembly’s contribution during a pivotal era.
The significance of this reunion extended beyond personal connection; it was a testament to the strength of parliamentary traditions and democratic resilience in Pakistan. The Assembly convened forty years ago, during a sensitive period of political transition, played a crucial role in restoring parliamentary practices and setting a foundation for future legislative reforms.
Under the learned speakership of Syed Fakhar Imam, the 1985 Assembly witnessed a revival of meaningful and high-quality debate conducted in the true spirit of parliamentary democracy. His speakership was marked by impartiality, fairness, and a commitment to upholding the sanctity of parliamentary discourse. These practices laid a solid foundation for future legislative developments and continue to serve as a benchmark for parliamentary conduct in Pakistan.
Fakhar Imam opened the proceedings by welcoming guests and then highlighting the achievements of the 1985 Assembly, particularly its role in restoring and strengthening parliamentary traditions.
Efforts were made to maintain the apolitical nature of the reunion, reflecting the non-party basis of the 1985 Assembly. Political sentiments surfaced just once, when Dr. Attiya Inayatullah referred metaphorically to a prisoner as an “uncut diamond,” stressing the importance of integrating marginalized elements to enhance national stability. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain responded by reminding participants of the apolitical intent of the gathering, pointing out that while Dr. Inayatullah now advocates democratic values, she had previously stood in opposition to Syed Fakhar Imam during their time in the Assembly.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, recognized for his illustrious 40-year tenure in Parliament, was present at the gathering. Though Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Chairman of the Senate and a member of the 1985 Assembly, was unable to attend, his contributions were acknowledged and appreciated by those present.
Guests came from all over Pakistan to attend the event, some showing signs of their age but determined nevertheless to be present to recall the achievements of the historic assembly of 1985. Among the prominent guests were Makhdoom Ahmad Alam Anwar, Raja Shahid Zafar, Salim Khan Khalil, Syed Nusrat Ali Shah, Aslam Kachela, Sheikh Rohail Asghar, Sabir Shah, Wazir Ahmad Jogezai, Salahuddin Saeed, Dr. Shafiq Ahmad, Mumtaz Tarrar, Raja Nadir Parvez, and Abdul Majeed Khan, among others.
The reunion also saw the presence of two notable power couples: Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal with Begum Ishrat Ashraf as well as Syed Fakhar Imam with Begum Abida Hussain. Two other female parliamentarians – Begum Raffia Tariq and Dr Attiya Inayatullah – were also present.
The participants suggested that a committee for safeguarding the privileges of former members should be established, similar to existing structures protecting the rights of serving parliamentarians.
The gathering served as a reminder of the wealth of experience, and the ability of many Parliamentarians, most of whom continue to serve the country in one capacity or another.
It was marked by a spirit of camaraderie, with old friends and former enemies vigorously engaged.
A highlight was the nostalgic poetry recitation by Kanwar Qutubuddin, who recalled an instance when Shah Balighuddin shared the following verse:
“اتنی نہ بڑھا پاکی داماں کی حکایت ،دامن کو زرا دیکھ زرا بند قبا دیکھ
In response to this Kanwar Qutbudin shared his verses
تردامنی پہ شیخ ہماری نہ جائیو،دامن نچوڑ دیں تو فرشتے وضو کریں” ۔”
