Opinions
I. A. REHMAN
An icon of Human Rights
Journalist and a Proponent of Democracy. 
Mian Raza Rabbani, one of the most outstanding parliamentarians Pakistan has ever had, is also admired across a large part of the world as an indefatigable promoter of democratic parliamentary practices. His unanimous election as Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, the second highest constitutional office in the state after the President, in 2015, and this in a highly polarized country was a tribute to his success in securing national consensus on the 18th Constitutional Amendment of 2010 in his capacity as the chairman of the all parties reform committee. The measure marks the first significant step towards transforming Pakistan into a genuine federation as envisioned by its founding fathers. It also reflected Raza Rabbani’s personal devotion to the ideal of democratic federalism that he further demonstrated by authoring a widely appreciated book on federalism.
Mian Raza Rabbani’s three-year tenure as Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan constitutes a glorious chapter in the country’s history as a democratic republic. He not only set new standards for punctual attendance and orderly functioning of the upper house of the parliament he consistently strove to ensure that it effectively guarded the rights of the federating units. He often reminded the country’s executive authority of their duty to respect and promote parliament’s authority. His defense of the sovereign rights of the de jure authority regardless of the risks to his political career was a source of inspiration to the democratic-minded community. By saying the right thing at the right moment and doing so without fear or favor to anyone he has become a role model for all those who look on politics as a selfless mission to serve not only their compatriots but also the entire humankind.
RAFIQ JAFFER
Director, Entrepreneurship Development & Advisory Services (EDAS)
Director, Institute of Social Sciences
Whenever people bad-mouth politicians, and say that all Pakistani politicians are bad, I give the example of Senator Raza Rabbani, who has been the greatest advocate of the weak and the vulnerable in parliament. He has been a fearless champion of human rights, and has not shied away from exercising his powers as Chairman Senate. In fact he brought great dignity and strength to the office by his principled stand on issues. He has not been cowed down by any holy cows, whether within or outside the country, and has always spoken his mind. At the same time, he has taken up issues in a decent and civilized manner, and never stooped low and used un-parliamentary language on any occasion. He has never indulged in self-projection, and has shied away from the media most of the time. He has always given a strong support to all progressive voices in the country, and supported their causes at all forums.During his tenure as Chairman Senate he took a bold stand on substantive issues, and more than once wrote letters to the highest authorities to take action on issues of national importance. He has always been a strong supporter of the federation, and vigorously defended attacks against the 18th Amendment and other anti-federation actions. He is the most appropriate person to be the head of state of Pakistan and lead the country to a brighter future. Thank you, Raza Rabbani Sahib, for always protecting and promoting our rights.
KAMAL SIDDIQUI
Founding editor of Express Tribune
Director of Center for Excellence in Journalism
Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.
In my interactions with him, I have always found Senator Raza Rabbani as a mature and sensible politician. At the same time, what has always impressed me about him has been his mild manner and most of all his patience. Rarely have I seen him lose his cool or try to push or pressurize. I think he is the best face that his party can put forward. A forward thinking and rational person who deeply believes in the values of the Quaid-e-Azam and continues to fight for Pakistan to become a tolerant and progressive state. In his time in the senate, Senator Rabbani not only presided over the Senate proceedings with finesse and competence, he did much for the personal and professional development of fellow senators and other politicians. This included a personal interest in the senate library, promoting literary and cultural activities in the senate as well as being a force behind the establishment of a parliamentary institute. It is always a pleasure to hear him speak and his work on devolution speaks volumes about his contribution to the country.
PANAH BALOCH
Cultural scholar, Author. 
Chairman Naseerabad Adbi Majlis Balochistan,
Ex General Secretary, Balochi Academy Quetta
Raza Rabbani is a symbol of promotion of democratic values and traditions. He is a staunch supporter of the supremacy of the constitution. He has been the voice of the oppressed and distressed people. His efforts in implementing the devolution of power among the provinces through 18th amendment will be remembered in golden words in the democratic history of the country.
Salima Hashmi
Art Educator, Author, Cultural Icon
Parliamentarians rarely get a mention in civil society discourse in Pakistan. The reasons are obvious, so few of them distinguish themselves in matters that are critical to the development of our citizenry. Raza RABBANI is one individual who has won the respect not only of his fellow parliamentarians of every stripe which is a nigh impossible task, but of the public at large of which he is a representative. The dedication and deep understanding he has brought to the job of the law maker has been exemplary. In an atmosphere which is obscurantist and often anti-human, Raza RABBANI has been steadfast in his commitment to progressive ideals, and human rights, most specifically to those weaker sections of society whose voices go unheard. Pakistani women will long remember his support for their struggle to attain the rights often denied to them as citizens of Pakistan. He has been instrumental in steering legislation that would not have been on the books today without his guiding hand and mind. Raza RABBANI has through his personal example, paved the way for future parliamentarians to follow if they want to be remembered.
Dr Tariq Rahman Ph.D D.Litt (Sheffield)
Humboldt Research Award, Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Imtiaz. HEC Distinguished National Professor.
I have known Senator Raza Rabbani for more than a decade now. I have attended seminars and conferences where he was a speaker and I have followed his speeches in the senate as well. I am most impressed by the clarity of his thought and the forcefulness of his delivery. This forcefulness comes from the passion and sincerity of the positions he takes. He has spoken on womens’ rights and for the preservation of democratic rights and civilian supremacy in a country whose politicians have either taken it for granted that the military is the supreme arbiter in Pakistan or are too pusillanimous to assert their right to rule. He conducted himself as the Chairman of the Senate with both dignity and courtesy which, at least in Pakistan, is not often manifested on all occasions. He conducted himself as the Chairman of the Senate with both dignity and courtesy which is not always manifested by all incumbents of such high offices. One of his achievements was this support of women-friendly bills for which he earned high praise by a number of enterprising women including my friend Dr Fouzia Saeed whose commitment to such causes is known to all. Throughout his career he wanted to strengthen democratic institutions and especially the Senate of Pakistan. I hope Pakistan honours his many achievements and he is allowed to serve his people with the dedication he is known for.
Dr. Fouzia Saeed
A Social Activist working on Human Rights, Cultural Rights, Democracy & Pluralism
Raza Rabbani is the most honest and committed politician I have seen. One only hears about such classic text book cases in the history, but I feel fortunate that he is a living legend of our times and we can still get guidance from him. He has not extracted anything from the institutions he worked for, or made physical wealth. He has only given to the people of Pakistan; his time, his ideas, his wisdom, his hard work, his youth and his life. He did not have to take the heartaches, humiliations and pains that came his way by those who were only interested in extracting and looting the country and blocked his path. He stood firm as he could not let down the people of Pakistan. His contributions have never been dependent on a position. He commands respect across the board for he is the voice of Pakistan’s conscience.
At times an important institution gives weight to a person, but sometimes, the person in a position has so much weight that he lends stature to the institution. In the past three years the stature of the Senate was raised to a responsible, efficient, mature and substantively rich House of the Pakistani Parliament, which was there to protect the interests and rights of the provinces and advise the Parliament and the people towards a better course of action for the future of Pakistan. Sitting in that position of the Senate Chair, he interpreted constitutional articles; spoke when there was a silence of fear, acted when others were looking around to save their skin. We use him as an example when we educate our younger generation, what a true politician and leader looks like.
NADEEM FAZIL
Senior Advocate, Advisor Pakistan Minority Rights Commission
Senator Raza Rabbani mobilized a parliamentary institution that had traditionally been seen in Pakistan as a house that looks at work coming in from the other House, the National Assembly and echoes with rhetorical speeches coming from political biased positions rather from a perspective of national interest. The truth is that Mian Raza Rabbani not only activated the Senator but totally transformed it. He made us realize what the Senate was capable of, its functions, its deliberations and its course setting function. Raza Rabbani is the real architect of 18th Amendment and those who witnessed his incredible efforts in that regards would agree with me that this was a continuation of his efforts throughout in his political career, to turn people’s will into legislation, parliamentary accountability mechanisms and national discourse. This was the most outstanding example of his wisdom. I would not like to compare his performance with any other as he sets the standard of excellence for us. People of Pakistan look forward to have Raza Rabbani in a position that not only suits his caliber but also gives him another opportunity to serve Pakistan.
Ziauddin Yousuzai
