Former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani passes away

Agha Siraj Durrani, senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party and former Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, has died. President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sadness and grief over his death.

Agha Siraj Durrani died at the age of 72 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. The senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader had suffered a brain hemorrhage a month ago and had been hospitalized since then. His condition deteriorated further a few days ago and doctors confirmed his death on Wednesday.

Agha Siraj Durrani, considered one of the senior leaders of the PPP, was born on October 5, 1953, in Shikarpur. He did his early education at St Patrick’s High School and later obtained a law degree (LLB) from Sindh Muslim Government Law College.

He was twice elected Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and held the position from 31 May 2013 to 24 May 2024. He also served as the caretaker governor of Sindh from March to October 2022.

Durrani was associated with the Pakistan People’s Party for over four decades. He was first elected to the Sindh Assembly in 1988, served as a provincial minister three times and as president twice. He was considered a trusted ally of the late Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari.

Condolences from political leaders

President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement expressing grief over the death of Agha Siraj Durrani and paid tribute to his political and democratic services.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, paid tribute to late Agha Siraj Durrani for his services as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, saying his contributions to politics and public welfare would always be remembered.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the late politician’s house and offered his condolences, hailing the late Agha Siraj Durrani as a sincere, loyal and principled leader of the PPP.

He noted that Durrani played a vital role in strengthening the Sindh Assembly and consolidating democracy. “His services will always be remembered; he made public service the cornerstone of his policy,” he added.

The chief minister prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the departed soul and offered condolences to Durrani’s family.

Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed grief over Durrani’s demise, describing Durrani as a dignified, loyal and seasoned politician who dedicated his life to serving the people of the province. “Agha Siraj Durrani was not only a dedicated worker of the PPP but also a champion of democratic traditions. His entire life was dedicated to the struggle for public service, democratic supremacy and people’s rights,” he said.

Sharjeel Memon added that Durrani’s political acumen, administrative abilities and parliamentary experience were valuable assets to the party, and his death has created a major void in Sindh politics which will not be filled for a long time.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his condolences on social media platform

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-Ul-Hassan Lanjar also expressed deep sadness and said the services of Agha Siraj Durrani would always be remembered. He said the late leader played a key role in strengthening democracy and promoting public representation, adding: “Politicians of the caliber of Agha Siraj Durrani are rare. »

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. In his condolence message, he prayed for complete forgiveness for the deceased and for patience and strength for the bereaved family.

Wahab said he was deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Agha Siraj Durrani, describing him as a dignified and principled political figure. He added that Agha Siraj Durrani’s political wisdom and lifelong commitment to public service will always be remembered.

Praying for the soul of the deceased, he requested Allah Almighty to grant him a high rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He added that he stood in solidarity with the grieving family during this difficult time.