Chairman Senate takes back decision to resign: Dar

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ISLAMABAD: Finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Raza Rabbani has taken back his decision to resign as chairman senate following talks between the two.

On Friday, Raza Rabbani offered to step down as Chairman Senate stating that the government was not willing to accept the constitutional role of the upper house of parliament, which was reflected by the absence of ministers during proceedings.

Dar said that he met Rabbani on the direction of the prime minister and has forwarded his message to the senate chairman.

The minister assured Rabbani that the issue of attendance of ministers in National Assembly and Senate will be resolved.

 A senate session will again be called on Monday and Rabbani will preside over the session, he added.

“For us, Raza Rabbani is the senate chairman and will remain so,” said Dar.

Earlier today, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq spoke with Rabbani on the telephone and requested that he not step down as Chairman Senate. In response, Rabbani had said if the situation remained the same he would certainly resign.

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique speaking to reporters earlier today in Lahore said Rabbani was an honourable individual and well respected. According to Rafique ministers faced scheduling conflicts due to multiple commitments. “Departments are duty bound to answer questions raised in parliament. Some departments are negligent which causes problems for others.”

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