Smile of Fauzia Wahab still haunts her admirers

Politicians pay rich tributes at the launch of book on the late PPP MPA.

KARACHI:

Late Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Fauzia Wahab’s journey from a student leader at Karachi University to an outspoken female politician has been immortalised in ‘Muskrahat Zinda Rehti Hai’, a book by senior journalist and analyst Mujahid Barelvi.

The book’s launch, organised on Saturday at the Karachi Press Club, was attended by several journalists, writers and politicians from different political parties, including Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

There were many who lined up to speak at the event, but found it difficult to capture the essence of Fauzia’s bold personality in a mere few minutes that they were allotted. All of them did, however, agree that Fauzia was a political worker genuinely interested in seeing Pakistan prosper. Senate Chairperson Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, said, “She was a true follower of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto’s philosophy. She believed in the continuity of the political process and remained committed to PPP till her last breathe.” He said that he had been Fauzia’s close friend and all politicians must carry on the struggle that she began. “We all have to play our role in the continuity of the political process. No power can stop [us] so long as workers like Fauzia Wahab are present.”

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, who got to know Fauzia in 2002 when became an MNA for the first time, said that she always seemed keen to make change. “She was fair to her party, workers and friends,” said Kaira. “Her face used to portray what was in her mind and heart.”  Syed Naveed Qamar, the federal defense minister said, “Fauzia Wahab is one of great examples for political workers. She truly represented party at every platform. She always supported truth.” He added that she was steadfast in her beliefs and was never willing to compromise on matters that would affect the well-being of the citizens.

Sindh Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said, “The huge gathering clearly indicates there was something in [Fauzia Wahab]. Workers and leaders of all parties still miss you.” He said that Benazir Bhutto handpicked Fauzia, who delivered.

Fauzia’s eldest son, Ali Wahab, also spoke about how his mother juggled her career and her personal life successfully. “My father passed away 20 years ago and my mother played a dual role. I saw her difficulties and success.”

PPP’s Chaudhry Manzoor and MNA Nafeesa Shah shared their experiences with Fauzia, saying her commitment to the party was matchless. “She did a lot for progressive politics in Pakistan,” said Shah. “Fauzia was not a smile but a laugh and left all of us untimely."

MQM’s Haider Abbas Rizvi and Babar Ghauri highlighted how PPP’s late leader kept her relations with other political parties alive. “Her role as true political worker will always be remembered with respect,” said Rizvi.

Barelvi and Muhammad Hussain Mehnati also paid Fauzia rich tributes.

Correction: An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated that Fauzia Wahab was an "MPA" instead of "MNA". The error has been rectified. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2012.