Senior politician Agha Siraj Durrani passes away in Karachi at age 72.
Durrani remains prominent figure in Sindh’s political landscape.
Political leadership praises deceased’s role in strengthening democracy.
KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party senior leader and former Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani breathed his last at the age of 72 after brief ailment in Karachi on Wednesday.
Durrani had suffered a brain haemorrhage a month ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi. After showing signs of improvement following a brief stay in the ICU, he was discharged and moved to his residence.
However, his condition deteriorated again, and he was re-admitted to hospital 10 days ago. He remained unconscious since then, and on Wednesday, doctors confirmed his passing.
Durrani was a prominent figure in Sindh’s political landscape, with a party affiliation spanning over four decades.
Born on 5 October 1953 in Shikarpur’s Garhi Yasin Tehsil, the veteran politician began his education at St Patrick’s High School in Karachi and later earned an LLB degree from Sindh Muslim Government Law College. He hailed from a politically active family as his father and uncle both served as members of the Sindh Assembly.
Durrani entered politics in the 1980s and was first elected as an MPA from Sindh in 1988. Over the course of his political career, he served as a provincial minister three times and was elected speaker of the Sindh Assembly on two occasions. He remained associated with the PPP for over four decades and was known as a close and trusted aide of both former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari.
President Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former speaker. The president paid tribute to his political and public services, noting his role in strengthening democracy and serving the people of Sindh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over Durrani’s passing and offered prayers for the departed soul. He noted that Durrani had rendered significant services as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and that his contributions to politics and public welfare would always be remembered.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a statement issued by the party spokesperson, paid rich tribute to Durrani’s political and public service, calling him a symbol of patience and composure.
He said that Durrani’s struggle for democracy would always be remembered and that with his passing, an era has come to an end. Bilawal also offered prayers for the elevation of the late leader’s soul and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed profound grief, calling Durrani a principled, loyal, and sincere leader of the PPP. “He played a vital role in strengthening the Sindh Assembly and promoting democracy. His services to the people of Sindh will never be forgotten,” Shah said.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Politicians like Agha Siraj Durrani are rare. His commitment to public service and integrity will be remembered for generations.”
Sindh’s Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, also paid tribute, describing Durrani as a dignified and experienced leader whose political insight and parliamentary experience were invaluable.
“His death is a great loss not just to the PPP but to the entire political landscape of Sindh,” Memon said, adding that Durrani’s lifelong struggle for democracy and public welfare had left a lasting legacy.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family shortly.