Gone, not forgotten: K-P Assembly weeps for unparalleled peer

Somber session observed in remembrance of Israrullah Gandapur.

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly on Wednesday observed a teary remembrance for the late Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs Israrullah Khan Gandapur.

Gandapur, who had been consecutively elected to the house during the past three elections, was killed last week on Wednesday in a suicide attack in his hometown of Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan. He is the third MPA to be slain during the incumbent government’s tenure.



On Wednesday, candles, flowers and Israr’s portrait were placed on the seat the slain minister used to sit on. This evoked a feeling of déjà vu, as it was only in December last year when the previous K-P Assembly paid homage in a similar manner to Bashir Ahmad Bilour, another minister who used to sit in the same row.

Following the recitation, Deputy Speaker Imtiaz Shahid Qureshi, who was chairing the session, asked the assembly secretary to place floral wreaths on Israrullah Gandapur’s seat. And when the deputy speaker also rose to place flowers, he was followed by other members of the house who did not just bring flowers, but also candles and a portrait of their fallen colleague.

All the members of the house encircled the seat and placed flowers, later lighting candles on his desk, where they also placed his portrait. Young Israr’s death took an apparent toll on his colleagues, as a majority of the lawmakers were unable to control their tears.

Previously, deputy speaker Imtiaz Shahid struggled with his words while making announcements, indicating an inner struggle to not weep publically. However, when Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) lawmaker from Hangu, Mufti Syed Janan, was asked by the chair to offer fateha, Mufti broke down and wept openly. A majority of the lawmakers were also seen wiping their tears as the house assumed a melancholy air.

In his remarks, the deputy speaker paid rich tributes to the slain minister. He said the death of Israr was an irreparable loss to his family, but at the same time it was a national tragedy.

Qureshi added this tragic incident saddened everyone across the country, saying Israr’s death blighted Eid across K-P. He said the loss was felt by everyone and that Israr was loved by all because of his pleasant personality, manners and character.

Qureshi said Israr’s performance was excellent during his short stint as law minister. He said young Israr was destined to do much for this country, adding his personality will always be remembered as he “became alive in his death.”

He also called Israr “a pillar of the assembly” and hoped all lawmakers will follow in his footsteps and continue to serve the masses. The session was later adjourned till Thursday afternoon.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2013.