"The drafters of 1973 constitution considered it most important introduction in constitution to provide for a truly and genuinely federal form or federal constitution in country notwithstanding huge disparity in population of various provinces," it added. It paid rich tribute to what it called unsung heroes of democracy, political workers and common people who sacrificed their lives and liberty to uphold the 1973 constitution, adding our predecessors who worked hard to maintain the dignity and status of Senate.
It termed inclusion of senators in National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - the top parliamentary watchdog - a step forward in strengthening democracy and participatory federalism.
It expressed resolve to continue struggle for enhancement of Senate's role and powers to make Pakistan a true federation as envisaged in the 1973 constitution. "The Senate will continue its role in protecting the interests of federating units, the people of Pakistan, marginalized segments of society and ethnic minorities," it added. In an unprecedented move, the Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also graced the upper house. The NA Speaker along with former chairman Senate Nayyar Bokhari, and deputy chairmen Jan Muhamad Jamali, Khalilur Rehman, Sabir baloch, along with some retired senators witnessed proceedings of the house from the visitors' gallery.
Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani said that NA Speaker who has come to Senate to witness proceedings of the house would give a message that both houses - National Assembly and Senate - are working together for protecting federation, democraacy and the rights of people. Senator Aitzaz Ahsan also appreciated the NA Speaker for visiting to Senate on its 44th foundation day, saying the step taken by NA Speaker would go a long way in laying the foundation for a new tradition.
"The traditions are more important. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has laid the foundation by coming to the house, as he's the first NA Speaker who witnessed the proceedings of Senate [and] chairman Senate will also reciprocate by witnessing NA proceedings from the visitors' gallery one day," he added.
In an obvious reference to a recent tug of war between Sindh and Centre over deployment of Rangers in Karachi, he said if new traditions are set by the leaders, Article 147 would no more be needed. Senator Hasil Bizenjo called for giving monetary powers to Senate like National Assembly, adding a true federation may come into existence if both NA and Senate are given equal monetary powers.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that democracy is in the DNA of Pakistan, as it was first Muslim country which had a female prime minister twenty-seven years ago, while sixty years ago Fatima Jinnah was the unanimous candidate of the then opposition candidate for the office of the president of Pakistan.
Contrary to what Pakistan did sixty years regarding women empowerment, according to Mushahid Hussain is now seen in the US as they are taking great pride after Hillary Clinton was nominated as the first woman to receive the presidential nomination from a major political party.
Colonel Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi (Retd) said the government should pay attention to the parliament, as this is the only forum if we are serious about resolving issues faced by the country. "It's unfortunate that the law framed by the very parliament is used against its framers. The more power you give, the more it is misused, which is mainly due to our belief in the parliament which the current government has completely ignored," he added.
Senator Sirajul Haq said the fear of losing the government coupled with flawed economic, and educational policies are some of the major reasons, Pakistan lags behind competitors in governance, development and political stability. Senator Shibli Faraz said that a lack of accountability and social justice is the reason Pakistan is hijacked by a handful elite which have destroyed the country for their own vested interest.
Other senators belonging to both treasury and opposition also spoke, and called for deliverance, saying unless the people feel their political leaders are sincerely making efforts for welfare of people and development of the country, no one will take to the streets to thwart any adventurism. They said the people of Turkey took to the streets to save democracy but expecting any such demonstration here of people's power in case of any threat to democracy, there will definitely be no such response, adding delivery is key to making the people realise that future of the country lies only in democracy.