QUETTA: Tribute was paid to the late senior deputy chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Abdul Rahim Mandokhel, by members of the Balochistan Assembly on Tuesday in recognition of his struggle to uphold democracy, the Constitution and the rights of people.

At a special session presided over by Speaker Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches said the veteran PkMAP leader stood for the rights of nationalists and chose to go to prison instead of compromising on his ideals. They said he never budged under pressure or accepted benefits to change his stance.

Mr Mandokhel passed away on Saturday afternoon after a long illness at the age of 81, and was laid to rest in his native village in Zhob district on Sunday.

PkMAP’s Syed Liaquat Ali Agha, who presented a joint resolution paying tribute to the late leader, said Mr Mandokhel played a great role in the nationalist movement of Pakhtuns and as a member of the provincial assembly played a vital role for the restoration of democracy and rule of the Constitution in the country.

Addressing the house, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri said Mr Mandokhel’s political struggle for the rights of the people could not be forgotten as he was among the most prominent figures of Balochistan alongside Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai and Ghous Baksh Bizenjo.

Mr Mandokhel’s significant contribution to the cause of dismantling dictatorship in the country and resolve for Pakhtun-Baloch unity, said the chief minister, was a source of strength and courage for his successors. History would always remember the late leader in golden words, said Mr Zehri, hoping that future generations would follow in Mr Mandokhel’s footsteps.

Provincial Minister Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal recalled Mr Mandokhel’s efforts against British imperialism before partition and the dictatorial rule in Pakistan later.

Ex-chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch also paid tribute to Mr Mandokhel’s services. He was part of every caravan, along with Achakzai and Bizenjo, for democracy, peace and prosperity of the people of Pakistan, said Dr Baloch.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2017