Syed Fawad Ali Shah
The Pakistan People’s Party has often faced criticism regarding its media management and limited investment in social media, which has hindered its efforts in shaping a positive public perception of its leadership. However, to the astonishment of many, the party displayed an exceptional impact through the involvement of one of its finest representatives in the recent dealings with the IMF delegation. Senator Saleem Mandviwala, renowned for his decorum, eloquence, and esteemed reputation among the media, fellow politicians, and the general public, played a pivotal role in this regard. His expertise in financial and business matters led to his well-deserved appointment as the esteemed chairman of the Senate’s standing committee on finance and revenue. Beyond his remarkable leadership in matters of finance, Senator Mandviwala is esteemed for his unwavering dedication to pro-people policies and his compassionate approach to governance. Throughout his tenure as a senator, he has embarked on numerous initiatives, one of which exemplifies his commitment to upholding the rights of marginalized sections of society – the government employees. Recently, he took a bold and audacious stance in defense of Mr. Shahid Ilyas Khan, an Assistant Director in the Federal Investigation Agency, who had endured five years of victimization. Despite being exonerated in a departmental inquiry, Mr. Shahid Ilyas found himself unjustly suspended due to his refusal to acquiesce to the unlawful demands of a corrupt faction within the FIA’s ranks. Senator Mandviwala, acting as a mover, skillfully presented Mr. Shahid’s case before the Senate’s standing committee on interior in an unprecedented and compelling manner. Remarkably, this diverse committee, comprising members from various political parties, both ruling and opposition, unanimously concurred that Mr. Shahid’s mistreatment was unlawful, and the inquiry against him was driven by malafide intentions. Senator Mandviwala’s persuasive arguments captivated the entire committee, leading them to wholeheartedly embrace his stance. This momentous occasion marked the first instance in which a public petition from an honest law enforcement officer was not only acknowledged but unanimously endorsed by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it signifies a profound departure in the upper chamber of the Pakistan Parliament, courageously identifying and addressing malafide practices and bureaucratic red tape within a powerful ministry like the Interior. In social, political, and media circles, the term “Mandviwala Factor” has now become synonymous with effective and transformative leadership. Employee unions and honest civil servants alike have hailed him as the “Messiah of the poor public servants,” and their hope in seeking redressal for their grievances lies with him. It remains intriguing to observe how Senator Saleem Mandviwala will continue to champion this pro-people approach in the future. His exceptional lobbying acumen and statesmanship skills, whether demonstrated within domestic standing committees or during critical international negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, have time and again proven instrumental and decisive.
The writer is a senior Journalist He can be reached at [email protected] WhatsApp No, +923347444875 Twitter ID: @SyedfawadAli303