Former Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani breathes his last

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Former Sindh Assembly Speaker and senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Agha Siraj Durrani passed away in Karachi on Wednesday after a brief illness.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the demise of the senior politician. The President paid tribute to his political and public services, noting his role in consolidating democracy and serving the people of Sindh.

Durrani suffered a brain haemorrhage a month ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi. After showing signs of improvement after a short stay in the ICU, he was discharged and moved to his own residence.

However, his condition worsened again, and he was re-hospitalized 10 days ago. He remained unconscious since then, and on Wednesday, doctors confirmed his death.

Durrani was a prominent figure in Sindh’s political scene, spanning four decades of party affiliation.

Born on October 5, 1953 in Garhi Yasin tehsil of Shakarpur, the veteran politician began his education at St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi and later obtained an LLB degree from the Sindh Muslim Government Law College. He belonged to a politically active family as both his father and uncle served as members of the Sindh Assembly.

Durrani entered politics in the 1980s and was first elected as an MPA from Sindh in 1988. During his political career, he served three times as a provincial minister and was elected Speaker of the Sindh Assembly on two occasions. He was associated with the PPP for more than 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 grief over the demise of the former Speaker. The President paid tribute to his political and public services, noting his role in consolidating democracy and serving the people of Sindh.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over Durrani’s demise and offered prayers for the departed soul. He said that Durrani rendered important services as Speaker of Sindh Assembly and his contribution to politics and public welfare will always be remembered.

PPP Chairman Balwal Bhutto Zardari, in a statement issued by the party spokesperson, paid tribute to Durrani’s political and public services, describing him as a symbol of patience and composure.

He said that Durrani’s struggle for democracy will always be remembered and an era has ended with his demise. Balwal also offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep grief, and described Durrani as a principled, loyal and sincere leader of the PPP. “He played an important 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 Ziaul Hasan Linjar 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 Anam Memon, also paid tribute, describing Durrani as a respected and experienced leader whose political insight and parliamentary experience were invaluable.

“His death is a great loss not only to the PPP but to the entire political landscape of Sindh,” Memon said.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family soon.