Karachi (Web Desk): Senator Taj Haider, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), passed away at the age of 83 on in Karachi on Tuesday after a brief illness.
According to his family, the PPP leader had been receiving treatment at a private hospital before his death. His funeral prayers will be held on Wednesday, April 9, following the Zuhrain prayers at Masjid-o-Imambargah Yasrab in Phase 4, Defence Society, Karachi.
Haider’s wife confirmed the sad news, remembering him as the PPP’s Central General Secretary.
In a heartfelt statement, Waqar Mehdi, PPP’s Sindh General Secretary, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, calling Haider a lifelong companion and a dedicated political figure.
He added that Haider was one of the founding members of the PPP and had played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s ideology, with his political contributions remaining unforgettable.
Born on March 8, 1942, in Kota, Rajasthan, Haider belonged to a family with a rich academic and intellectual heritage.
Following the partition, he moved to Pakistan and pursued his education at Government Boys High School, Ranchor Lines, Karachi.
Initially, he was involved in the world of fine arts, making his mark as a television writer and also acting in his own drama serial, Aabla Pa, where he portrayed Professor Adi Wala.
His political career began in 1967 when he attended the Socialist Convention, which led to his formal association with the PPP, becoming one of its earliest members.
Haider's contributions were also recognized outside politics; in 2012, he was honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his work in the scientific field.
He also won the 13th PTV Award for Best Drama Serial Writer in 2006, a testament to his influence in both the political and cultural spheres of Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of PPP senior leader and founding member Taj Haider.
In a statement, the president paid tribute to the late Taj Haider for his services to the Pakistan Peoples Party and democracy.
“Taj Haider was a valuable asset of the PPP and he was among one of the ideological workers of the party,” the president said.
With the death of Taj Haider, the Pakistan Peoples Party has lost an important political leader, he remarked.
In a separate message, PM Shehbaz, paying tribute to the late Taj Haider, said that with his death, Pakistan had lost a valueable political leader.
The president and the prime minister extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Taj Haider and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.
They prayed for the grant of eternal peace to departed soul, and patience and strength for the family to bear the loss with courage.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the party's central secretary general.
Paying tribute to the late leader, Bilawal said that Taj Haider's political, social, and literary contributions will never be forgotten.
He described Haider as a dignified embodiment of grace and civility, and a man of profound creativity and intellect.
“Taj Haider’s lifelong struggle and sacrifices for democracy will serve as a guiding light for future generations,” he added.
The PPP chief added that Taj Haider was a symbol of wisdom and awareness in Pakistani politics, and his passing has left him deeply saddened and grieved.
