ISLAMABAD: In order to express solidarity with the Hindu community on Diwali, the Senate was adjourned on Friday without doing any business.

At the outset of its brief proceedings which started 40 minutes ahead of schedule, Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq and Rehman Malik of the PPP sought adjournment to express solidarity with the Hindu community on their festival.

Soon after recitation from the Holy Quran, Mr Malik informed Acting Chairman Senate Sabir Ali Baloch that he had discussed the matter with the leader of the house and he would be moving the adjournment motion, and requested that proceedings be adjourned to mark the occasion.

Mr Haq said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had desired postponement of the remaining proceedings of the House.

“In deference to the prime minister’s desire, I propose that this House should have a day off on the festival of Diwali,” he said. All business on the agenda was then deferred till the next sitting to be held on Monday.

Published in Dawn, October 25th , 2014