Raza Rabbani writes book on federalism
Asim Yasin
ISLAMABAD: Mian Raza Rabbani, who authored 18th and 19th constitutional amendments, has a firm belief that independent judiciary, free media and active civil society is prerequisite for the federalism. “The perception of strong federation has been rotten and now we have to move forward with the thinking that we can progress through making provinces strong,” said Mian Raza Rabbani in his book “A Biography of Pakistani Federalism unity in Diversity” which he authored.
The topic of federalism is going relevance with the growth of democracy in the country. Amid calls for decentralization, the book presenting true essence of federalism and too authored by an uncontroversial and seasoned lawmaker, was drastic need of the time. The book is equally interesting and useful for academicians, researchers, students and parliamentarians.
The book comprised of 15 chapters in which Rabbani has given detailed analysis about the federalism and being a Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms, he gave authentic account of activities held for drafting and passage of 18th and 19th amendments.
In the opening of chapter on ‘Constitution”, Mian Raza Rabbani quoted the quote of Abraham Lincoln. “Don’t interfere with anything in the constitution. That must be maintained, for it is only safeguard of our liberties.”
Interestingly, Raza Rabbani, in this chapter specially mentioned ‘Charter of Medina’ which was given by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).
Rabbani was of the view that scholars, historians and social scientists are in agreement that Charter of Medina was the first document in history to identify religious freedom as a fundamental constitutional right.
In his book, he elaborated the federalism saying that, “political, social and fiscal federalism are all required to strengthen democracy and promote development in Pakistan. Without federalism, our country will resemble to a “bonsai tree’. Japanese horticulturists have perfected a method of dwarfing trees by growing them in small containers and consistently pruning their roots. Arborists know that only those trees whose roots extend far into the earth can grow into mighty specimens. Without the deep-rootedness made possible by federalism, our nation will remain a mere bonsai.”
In his book Rabbani also narrated an interesting incident of Mao Tse Tung’ childhood and narrated as, “Once, when his mother had fallen seriously ill and was confined to bed, she begged her son to take good care of her garden. The dutiful boy visited the garden daily, cleaning the plants and even going so far as to kiss the flowers. Despite his best intentions, the vegetation slowly withered and died. When his mother recovered and expressed a desire to view her garden, the young Mao took her there with some trepidation. His worst fears were confirmed when the dismayed lady exclaimed, “What have you done to my garden? You did everything, but you ever cared for the roots. If you had cared for the roots and watered them regularly, the roots themselves would have sustained the plants and flowers.” Rabbani also gives the examples of Philippines, South Africa, Ethiopia and other countries where federalism plays a role to eliminate the ethnic and political disputes.
Rabbani dedicated last two chapters of his book to the senators and members of national assembly who show the lights in the darkness. He ended his book with the verses from the poem of Robert Frost that read as, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep’
He also pays compliments to all the members of the Parliamentary Committee on constitutional reforms and presented his remarks and observations on them.
He described Professor Khurshid Ahmed as “Straightforward, knowledgeable and practical with broad outlook and ability to think beyond party line.”
Senator Abdul Rahim Mandokhel as, patient and clear thinking.
Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Abbssi as a practical man, who perfectly understood the overall political situation.
Senator Ishaq Dar as a Rudder of the ship.
Syed Naveed Qamar demonstrated a well-considered political, federal and devolutionary ideas.
Raja Pervez Ashraf always there when needed.
Dr Faroq sattar clear sighted on the question of devolution, he fought hard for his positions yet never becomes an impediment to compromise.
Syed Haider Abbass Rizvi determined and focused.
Ahsan Iqbal, highly qualified and decided in his views on devolution.
Shahid Hussain Bugti: He started out from a somewhat extreme position, but agreed at the end of the day to what was achievable.
DR Babar Awan: Whenever he was present, his contributions were positive.
Mir Israrullah Zehri: Resolute in his views regarding devolution, he was difficult to sway.
Haji Rehmatullah Kakar: Unwavering on the Islamic provisions of the constitution.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman: He could not be swayed when it came to the constitution’s Islamic provision, yet he does not create undue impediments to the smooth functioning of the committee.
Afrasiab Khattak: Served as an anchor of the committee.
Haji Adeel: Forthright, blunt and intellectually hones.
Munir Khan Orakzai: He was a dependable attendee.
Ghulam Murtza Jatoi: Taciturn but reliable.
Wasim Sajjad: One of the legal brains of the committee.
SM Zafar: Storehouse of the committee.
Hamayun Saifullah Khan independent in thought.
DR Abdul Malik: Assertive and certain about his commitment to federalism.
Aftab Sherpao: Posed of extraordinary political and administrative knowledge.
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