President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, and PPP Leaders Pay Tribute to Veteran Politician
Former Sindh Assembly speaker and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Agha Siraj Durrani passed away on Wednesday in Karachi after a brief illness.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the passing of the senior politician. He praised Durrani’s lifelong contribution to strengthening democracy and serving the people of Sindh.
According to family sources, Durrani suffered a brain haemorrhage a month ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi. After showing initial improvement, he was discharged and moved home. However, his condition worsened again, and he was readmitted 10 days ago. He remained unconscious until doctors confirmed his death on Wednesday.
Agha Siraj Durrani was a prominent figure in Sindh’s politics, associated with the PPP for over four decades.
Born on October 5, 1953, in Garhi Yasin, Shikarpur, Durrani received his early education from St Patrick’s High School in Karachi and later earned an LLB degree from Sindh Muslim Government Law College. Coming from a politically active family, both his father and uncle served as members of the Sindh Assembly.
Durrani began his political career in the 1980s and was first elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in 1988. He served as a provincial minister three times and was twice elected Speaker of the Sindh Assembly. Known as a trusted aide of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, Durrani played a key role in Sindh’s political development.
President Zardari once again paid tribute to the late leader, recognizing his decades-long service to democracy and his dedication to public welfare.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered condolences and prayers for Durrani’s soul. He said the late speaker’s leadership and services to the Sindh Assembly would always be remembered.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a statement issued by the party, described Durrani as a symbol of patience and composure. He said Durrani’s lifelong struggle for democracy marked the end of an era, and prayed for strength for the bereaved family.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow, calling Durrani a loyal and principled leader who worked tirelessly to strengthen the Sindh Assembly and promote democracy. “His services to the people of Sindh will never be forgotten,” Shah said.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar said, “Leaders like Agha Siraj Durrani are rare. His honesty, dedication, and commitment to public service will be remembered for generations.”
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also paid tribute, describing Durrani as a dignified and seasoned leader whose political vision and parliamentary experience enriched Sindh’s politics. “His death is a great loss not only to the PPP but to the entire province,” he said.
Funeral details are expected to be announced by the family soon.
