IN the early hours of Thursday morning, the news of death of PML (N) stalwart and senior leader Mushahidullah Khan came much as a surprise leaving everybody saddened. Both the mainstream and social media were immediately inundated with condolence messages.
Maryam Nawaz, the PML (N) Vice President, prayed rich tributes to the Senator’s services calling him the loyal and exceptional companion of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Indeed, Mushahidullah was a true party loyalist. In this era when the political leaders change their loyalties for petty interests, he always stood firm with the PML (N) through thick and thin, for this he also had to land in the prison and endure many difficulties.
Following the Oct 1999 coup staged by retired General Pervez Musharraf, when most of Sharif’s comrades-in-arms jumped ship and joined the PML (Q), Mushahidullah chose the difficult path of standing by his party. It was in recognition of his services that he had been awarded a ticket by the PML (N) to contest the upcoming Senate elections on a general seat. An outspoken and aggressive political leader, Mushahidullah was a fearless personality and not a man known to mince words, no matter what its consequences are.
His unflinching, aggressive loyalty is what endeared him to the Sharif brothers all these years. He also served as the Party Information Secretary and spokesperson for many years. Especially, the speeches that he made in the Upper House of Parliament will always be remembered.
He used to come to the Senate sessions with great determination and courage, and with his distinct and eloquent style of speech he used to attract the attention of the Senators sitting on both sides of the aisle. Certainly such political workers are a precious asset for any party and the death of Mushahidullah is a definitely huge loss for the PML (N).
It will not be wrong to say that the party has lost a precious gem. We also pray to God Almighty to bless the departed soul with the highest place in heaven.