ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The National Assembly on Tuesday paid tribute to Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, with lawmakers from across the political divide praising his integrity, parliamentary experience, commitment to democracy and respectful treatment of colleagues. During the proceedings, members described the late parliamentarian as a principled politician, an accomplished lawyer and a dedicated public servant. They said his contributions to parliamentary committees and legislation would be remembered for years. Federal …
NA pays tribute to Mahmood Bashir Virk, recalls parliamentary services
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The National Assembly on Tuesday paid tribute to Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, with lawmakers from across the political divide praising his integrity, parliamentary experience, commitment to democracy and respectful treatment of colleagues.
During the proceedings, members described the late parliamentarian as a principled politician, an accomplished lawyer and a dedicated public servant. They said his contributions to parliamentary committees and legislation would be remembered for years.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said his relationship with Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk went beyond professional and political ties.
He said he had learned valuable lessons from him about parliamentary conduct, tolerance, respect for others and handling difficult situations with patience and a smile.
Tarar said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk had been elected to the National Assembly five times and remained loyal to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its leadership.
He said the late lawmaker had successfully fulfilled the responsibilities assigned to him by the party under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Recalling his role as chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Tarar said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk handled government legislation and private members’ bills with maturity and fairness.
He gave members ample opportunity to express their views and dealt with sensitive matters with dignity, he added.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the late parliamentarian had remained loyal to his party throughout his life and strictly followed party discipline. He described him as a compassionate person who treated colleagues with affection and respect.
JUI-F lawmaker Naeema Kishwar Khan said she had worked with Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk on several parliamentary committees, including those dealing with law and justice.
She said he handled legislative matters professionally and never gave members any reason to complain.
She particularly praised his respectful attitude towards women, recalling that he always treated female colleagues with dignity and courtesy.
His experience, parliamentary conduct and commitment to his party were qualities future generations should follow, she added.
PTI lawmaker Muhammad Aslam Ghumman said he had known the late parliamentarian since his tenure as director general of Anti-Corruption Punjab.
He said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk had been elected to the National Assembly several times and was known for his principles and dedication to public service.
He also recalled meeting him regularly at the mosque in Parliament Lodges, where they offered prayers.
MQM lawmaker Syed Hafeezuddin also paid tribute to the late parliamentarian, describing him as an honest and principled politician who always stood for merit.
He said he had known Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk since his own tenure as director general of Anti-Corruption Punjab.
He admired his commitment to integrity and decency, adding that the late lawmaker’s character and honesty served as an example for other parliamentarians.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan recalled working with Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk on the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice after being elected an MNA in 2013.
He said their professional association continued during his subsequent tenure as a minister, when they worked together on legal matters.
Ali Muhammad Khan said three qualities stood out in the late parliamentarian: strong religious beliefs, deep love for Pakistan and admiration for Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk treated members of all political parties with affection and respect.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk had remained steadfast in his commitment to the PML-N and its leadership during difficult political circumstances, including the struggle against martial law.
He said remaining loyal to one’s principles and political commitments during difficult times was an important quality of character.
The late parliamentarian’s services would always be remembered, and his death had left a significant void in the House, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said parliament’s strength depended not only on the number of its members but also on their character, experience and commitment to public service.
He described Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk as a role model for younger lawmakers who had shown how parliamentary responsibilities could be carried out with dignity, courtesy and professionalism.
PTI lawmaker Nisar Ahmed recalled working with Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk on a parliamentary committee in 2013.
He said the late lawmaker’s knowledge and experience had helped guide him during committee proceedings.
He described him as a soft-spoken, well-educated and courteous gentleman whose death was a loss for parliament, his constituency and his family.
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk had always stood by what he believed was right and offered sincere advice to colleagues who approached him.
He said the late parliamentarian’s love for Pakistan and loyalty to his party remained defining features of his political
career.
Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani described him as a role model for young parliamentarians who guided and encouraged colleagues through his sincerity and respectful conduct.
He recalled that Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk warmly acknowledged the contributions of younger members and offered them advice.
Kiyani said he had also witnessed the late lawmaker’s commitment to parliamentary decorum, even when the House was nearly empty.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah recalled an occasion last year when Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk repeatedly thanked him for helping resolve an issue related to Parliament Lodges.
He said he had felt embarrassed by the repeated expressions of gratitude and told the senior parliamentarian that he regarded him as an elder and there was no need to thank him so often.
Azhar Qayyum Nahra paid an emotional tribute to the late lawmaker, describing their relationship as one of deep affection and respect.
He said that during his 12 to 13 years in the National Assembly, he had always addressed Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk as “Chacha” rather than “Malik Sahib” or “Sir”, reflecting their close personal bond.
Dr Darshan said Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk had shown particular affection towards members of minority communities and supported their concerns through his work on parliamentary committees.
He said the late parliamentarian carefully handled their cases, offered guidance and helped them correct mistakes where necessary.
He described him as a sincere and patient person whose death was a significant loss.
The lawmakers prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give patience to his bereaved family, friends and constituents.
