Agha Siraj Durrani, a veteran Pakistani politician and former speaker of the Sindh Assembly, has died in Karachi after weeks of treatment at a private hospital, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Durrani, a senior figure in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was widely respected for his long political career in Sindh, the country’s second-most populous province. He served multiple terms in the provincial assembly and held the key position of speaker for several years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over Durrani’s death, praising his “distinguished public service” and commitment to parliamentary democracy.
In a statement, the prime minister said Durrani’s contributions as Sindh Assembly speaker and his efforts for the welfare of the people would always be remembered. He offered prayers for the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the co-chairman of PPP, described Durrani’s death as a “great loss” for Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
In his condolence message, the president said Durrani “played a prominent role in promoting democratic values and strengthening parliamentary traditions.” He extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed that “Allah Almighty grant him a place in His mercy.”
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the late speaker was a “sincere, loyal, and principled leader of the party.”
In a statement released by the Sindh CM House, Shah said Durrani had made public service “the axis of his politics” and played an important role in stabilizing democracy in Sindh. “His services will always be remembered,” the chief minister said.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, also a PPP member, posted a tribute on X, calling Durrani an “honorable man who stood by the party and its leadership during the toughest of times.”
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Durrani was a “wise and astute politician” whose efforts for the promotion and protection of democracy would be long remembered.
“The void created by the passing of Agha Siraj Durrani will not be filled for a long time,” Sadiq added.
Durrani’s death marks the end of an era in Sindh’s provincial politics, with leaders across party lines recognizing his decades-long dedication to public service.
The Sindh Assembly, based in Karachi, serves as the provincial legislature for more than 50 million people in southern Pakistan. The Pakistan Peoples Party has dominated the province’s politics for much of the past five decades.
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