'This is the first time Parliament has stood united against undemocratic forces'

Senaor Raza Rabbani says only a united Parliament can tackle challenges faced by democracy in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Senator Raza Rabbani on Thursday acknowledged Parliament’s failure to deliver on numerous fronts, but minced no words when it came to protecting the institution’s sanctity.

In a fiery address to the joint session of Parliament, the senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader lashed out at fellow lawmakers for not delivering to the public before shifting criticism to Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri.

“This is not the first attack on Parliament. There have been such attacks in the past but this is the first time that all parliamentary and democratic forces have stood firm in their defence against such an attack,” said Rabbani

While recognising that elections had been rigged, the seasoned politician said the PPP had only accepted the results to save the entire system. He said the current situation on the streets of Islamabad could have been prevented if the government had paid heed to the ‘just’ demands of protesters.

"Only a united National Assembly can tackle the challenges faced by the democratic setup in Pakistan," he said.

In a harsh tone, Rabbani censured Qadri for openly denouncing the existing democratic system, the constitution and parliament, while questioning PAT chief’s ‘revolution’.

Rabbani reminded lawmakers of PPP’s sacrifices in the past to protect Parliament and democracy. "Our leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto were murdered, our elections were rigged but we never demanded the destruction of the system," he said, criticising Qadri for his calls to end the existing setup.

Accusing the PAT chief of inciting violence and then denying giving any orders to damage property, Rabbani recalled the destruction of the Babri Masjid in India and how extremist leaders had claimed they never gave direct orders to bring down the mosque.

The PPP leader went on to warn that any attempts to centralise power would result in grave consequences. A charged Rabbani told PM Nawaz that if his government tries to undo the devolution process - initiated after the introduction of 18th Amendment - the other three provinces would fight against it tooth and nail. "Centralisation will lead to trust deficit and polarisation,” he stressed.