'Democracy is the best revenge': Sindh speaker's remarks draw mixed reaction

Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani on Tuesday hailed the release of PPP leaders PPP's co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur and Khursheed Shah on bail, saying "democracy is the best revenge". However, the speaker's remarks resulted into pandemonium in the house.

The speaker also remonstrated with the opposition leader in the house, saying "We don't need your felicitation [on release of PPP leaders]," and shortly turned off his microphone. Naqvi in his speech had said that he will not celebrate the release of PPP leaders since illiteracy has grown, education system tore apart and potable water is inaccessible to public in its 12 years long rule.

He continued his criticism at the PPP government until his microphones was powered off by Speaker Durrani. The speaker said to him: "This is not the way [to speak out] if you cannot felicitate then you are not supposed to say like this [criticism]. Even we [PPP] don't need your felicitation." Naqvi's speech triggered protest by the treasury, while at one time Sharjeel Memon of the PPP was involved in quarrel with the opposition.

Sindh Energy Minister, Imtiaz Shaikh expressed strong words for opposition and called them 'accidental' politicians. Naqvi had also said that the PPP rule is the poor governance for the last 12 years and therefore cannot felicitate to its top leaders. Shehla Raza of PPP said, 'Truth succeeds always' and criticized the opposition legislators for supporting a dictator [Gen Musharraf (retd)]. She said, "Today we are very happy".

Marvi Rashidi of PPP cited the former chairman of PPP late Benazir Bhutto that 'democracy is the best revenge'. She said that it was a 'historic' day. Qasim Fakhri of TLP used 'abusive' remarks against Prime Minister Imran Khan, which incited the PTI lawmakers. However, latter, the abusive remarks were expunged from the house proceedings. The house now stands adjourned till Wednesday afternoon at 2pm.