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ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP):The Senate on Wednesday observed an emotional condolence reference for late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, as lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches paid glowing tributes to his services in politics, journalism, and education.
While addressing the Senate, Leader of the House Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar reflected on his four-decade-long association with the late parliamentarian, paying tribute to him as “a noble teacher, a distinguished journalist, and a man of integrity.”
He said Senator Siddiqui’s writings, including Qalam ko Hathkari, Naqsh-e-Khayal and PTI and Pakistan: From Cipher to Final Call, reflected depth of thought and moral strength.
Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said the late senator’s humility and strength of character left an enduring mark. “He was soft in manner but solid as a rock in loyalty. His smiling face, gentle humour and fatherly affection will be remembered by all,” he remarked.
PPP Parliamentary Leader Senator Sherry Rehman delivered a heartfelt address, calling Irfan Siddiqui “the conscience and moral compass of this House.” She said his decency, intellect and humility defined the Senate’s grace. “He was a bridge-builder in politics and thought, a writer whose words carried compassion and clarity. His long association with journalism and literature gave this House a voice of reason and restraint.
He reminded us that power without humility loses meaning,” she observed, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of parliamentarians and writers alike.
PTI Senator Falak Naz, visibly moved, said she lost “a mentor, elder brother and compassionate friend.” She recalled his constant support as Chairman of the Education Committee and his kindness during her detention, saying, “He personally looked after my children and reminded us what true humanity means.”
Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan said the late senator never raised his voice or spoke ill of anyone. “He was a man of knowledge and optimism whose moral clarity inspired us all,” he added.
Senator Pervaiz Rasheed said Irfan Siddiqui’s absence had created a void that could never be filled. A total of 135 senators paid heartfelt tributes to the late Senator Siddiqui, honoring his integrity, wisdom, and literary excellence.
Among those who spoke were Senators Khurram Murtaza, Dost Muhammad Khan, Saleem Mandviwalla, Manzoor Kakar, Samina Ehsan, Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Jan Buleidi, Maulana Abdul Wasi, Waqar Mehdi, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Aimal Wali Khan, Ameer Waliduddin, Anusha Rahman, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Tahir Hussain Ghumro, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dr. Afnan Ullah, Haji Hidayat Ullah, Mir Aslam Abro, Nazir Bhutto, Nasir Butt, Masroor Ahsan, Shahzaib Durrani, Bilal Ahmed, and Niaz Ahmed.
At the request of Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, former Federal Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri offered prayers for those martyred in the recent suicide blast outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex. Maulana Abdul Wasi also led special prayers for the eternal peace of Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui.
The condolence resolution, earlier moved by Senator Ishaq Dar, was unanimously adopted by the House. After offering fateha for the departed soul, the sitting was adjourned till Thursday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m.