Karachi (Web Desk): Veteran politician and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Agha Siraj Durrani passed away in Karachi on Wednesday at the age of 72 after battling illness for a short period.
The former Sindh Assembly speaker had suffered a brain haemorrhage about a month ago and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.
Following a brief stay in the intensive care unit, his health appeared to improve, and he was discharged to recover at home.
However, his condition worsened once again around ten days ago, prompting his readmission. He remained unconscious until doctors declared him dead on Wednesday.
A long-time stalwart of the PPP, Durrani played a key role in Sindh’s political sphere for more than forty years.
Born on October 5, 1953, in Garhi Yasin, Shikarpur, he attended St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi and later obtained a law degree from Sindh Muslim Government Law College.
Coming from a politically engaged family—his father and uncle were both members of the Sindh Assembly—Durrani’s entry into politics in the 1980s came naturally.
He was first elected to the Sindh Assembly in 1988 and went on to serve as a provincial minister three times.
Over the years, he twice held the office of Speaker of the Sindh Assembly. Known for his steadfast loyalty to the PPP, Durrani maintained close ties with both former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, earning recognition as one of the party’s most trusted figures.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed heartfelt condolences on the death of the former speaker, recalling his lifelong dedication to politics and public service.
The president praised his efforts to uphold democratic values and his unwavering commitment to the people of Sindh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also mourned the loss of Durrani, extending prayers for his eternal peace.
He said Durrani had served with distinction as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and that his valuable role in political and social development would always be honoured.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep grief over the passing, describing Durrani as a devoted, loyal, and honest member of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
He said Durrani’s efforts in empowering the provincial assembly and promoting democratic principles left a lasting impact, and his services to the people of Sindh would remain unforgettable.