KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday condoled the death of Pakistan Peoples Party’s MPA Bashir Ahmed Halepoto and unanimously adopted a resolution paying tribute to him.

Following its tradition, the assembly deferred its agenda for the day to condole the death of its member and no main business of the day was taken up in the sitting because of the demise of the MPA from Badin (PS-55).

The assembly’s first sitting of the 19th session, chaired by Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, began with a delay of one-and-a-half hours.

Agriculture Minister Ismail Rahu presented a condolence resolution and paid glowing tributes to the late MPA, who was also a member of the assembly’s standing committee on labour and human resources. The lawmaker had passed away on Tuesday.

Paying tributes to his late colleague, he said that Halepoto was a seasoned and renowned politician of the province who was different from others in many aspects. He said he would always be remembered for his services to the people.

The minister said that the late MPA was fond of Sindh’s culture and was fond of horse racing. “Resolution of the people’s issues was amongst his priorities,” he added.

Mr Rahu said that the demise of MPA Halepoto was a great loss to the party and democracy.

PPP’s Lal Chand Ukrani said that the late MPA was a wonderful human being, who always remained among the masses and was keen to resolve their issues.

Expressing his views, Grand Democratic Alliance MPA Abdul Razzaq Rahimoon said that he was saddened by the death of the PPP MPA, praying that Allah Almighty grant him a high place in Jannat. He said that the late MPA was a simple man and was respected by all.

PPP’s Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said that Mr Halepoto always remained loyal to the party. He recalled that the late MPA came to cast his vote in the Senate election despite his illness.

PPP’s Tanzeela Umme Habiba and Rana Ansar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement also paid rich tributes to the late PPP MPA.

Later, the house unanimously adopted the resolution. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla presented a motion to defer the business before the session was adjourned till Thursday (today).

Earlier, during dua, the assembly members belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf also prayed for the speedy recovery of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife from the Covid-19 pandemic.

A minute’s silence was observed on the death of journalist Ajay Laalwani, who was recently gunned down in Sukkur’s Salehpat area.

PTI’s Khurram Sher Zaman said that the murder of Laalwani should be investigated.

He also asked the provincial government to initiate negotiations with the teachers who were protesting outside the assembly.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2021