In memory: Former Chitral MPA remembered by his peers

Speakers say Zainul Abideen was true patriot, symbol of unity in Chitral

PESHAWAR: Academics, politicians and intellectuals paid tributes to the late former Chitral MPA and a founding member of Pakistan Peoples Party Zainul Abideen who was among the pioneers of the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy.

They paid homage to the late politician at a condolence reference jointly organised at Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on Thursday. The event was arranged in collaboration with Shandur Travels. A member of the former ruling family, Abideen died in Lahore on March 30 after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in Chitral district.

The event was attended by a large number of people. It was the first-ever condolence reference for any politician at PPC and was chaired by Pak-India Peoples’ Forum Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter president Khawaja Mohammad Waseem, whereas former provincial senior minister and Pakistan Peoples Party leader Rahimdad Khan was the guest of honour.

Other speakers included Iqra University Vice Chancellor Dr Shah Jehan, Professor Dr Israruddin Chitrali, Rahmat Ghazi and others. On behalf of the Peshawar Press Club, senior member Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah welcomed guests while Professor Saifuddin thanked speakers and participants on behalf of the deceased’s family.

Khawaja Mohammad said Abideen was patriotic and wanted cordial and friendly relations with India. To achieve his goal, Abideen attended nine annual conferences of the forum—five in India and four in Pakistan.

On the other hand, Rahimdad said Abideen was a soft spoken and an experienced politician. He added the politician was not only respected by PPP, but other contemporary political parties as well.

Transitions

Abideen had been bedridden for a month before his death. His funeral prayers will be held at his ancestral village in Moor Kaho tehsil in Chitral district.

He was the father of Adnan Zainul Abideen who works at National Bank in Hijrat, Afghanistan as a manager.

Dr Saadul Malook, Salman, Numan, Shadman, Saifuddin, Mustansaruddin and Alauddin were some of the bereaved relatives.

He was the brother of former Habib Bank manager Saad Roomi, Humayoon Roomi and Dr Tariq Roomi.He belonged to an influential family from Chitral.

Abideen was an MPA from 1993 to 1996 and was affiliated with PPP. He also served as the party’s district president.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2016.