PESHAWAR: Lawmakers across the political divide paid emotional tributes to Awami National Party MPA Waqar Ahmad Khan, who recently died of cardiac failure, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday.

Deputy Speaker Mahmood Jan, who chaired the sitting postponed the routine agenda and gave floor to the lawmakers to pay homage to their late colleague. The late MPA’s chair and desk were decorated with wreath and red roses.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Akhtiar Wali while paying rich tributes to his late colleague said that: “Waqar Khan was a lovely soul and he ruled over hearts of his people.”

He said despite losing 14 members of his family including brother and nephews to terrorism in Swat, Waqar Khan was a patriotic Pakistani and true democrat.

Waqar Khan, who hailed from Swat Valley was elected member of the KP Assembly twice on the ticket of ANP. He was elected MPA from PK-7 Swat during the last general elections.

Paying tribute to late MPA Minister for labour Shaukat Ali Yousafzai said: “His untimely death has left us bereft.” He termed Waqar Khan a well- mannered and dedicated legislator who always focused on the development of his constituency and Swat.

Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal MPA Inayatullah Khan said that late MPA’s family had suffered during militancy in Swat and his close relatives were gunned down.

ANP parliamentary leader Sardar Hussain Babak said that Waqar Khan remained loyal to the party and served people of his constituency that was why he was elected twice. He said that Waqar’s family was brutally victimized when terrorists attacked his hujra.

“Terrorists gunned down his (Waqar) brother and nephews in front of his father and torched their hujra.”

MPA Shagufta Malik while paying respect to her colleague with tearful eyes said that Waqar was very positive and humble person.

She said that her late colleague very actively participated in parliamentary business and highlighted genuine issues through adjournment motions, call attention notices and resolutions.

MPA Nighat Yasmin Orakzai, who led the tributes termed death of Waqar a big tragedy and his demise created vacuum in local politics. MPA Maulana Hisamuddin, Mir Kalam Khan and others also paid tributes to their late colleague.

The House offered fatha for the departed soul and expressed solidarity with his family. The sitting was adjourned till 10am Friday.

The assembly secretariat had put the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Research Institute Reforms Bill, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Fortification Bill and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2022 on the agenda.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2022