Islamabad (Web Desk): Former interior minister and senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Rehman Malik passed away at the age of 70 on Wednesday.
According to Malik's spokesperson Riaz Ali Turi, the former senator had been hospitalised in Islamabad as he had developed COVID-19-related complications and was put on a ventilator after his health deteriorated.
The former senator served as the interior minister of the country from 2008 to 2013. He was one of the closest aides of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
Before entering into the country's politics, he worked as a special agent in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and also served as Director in the country's premier investigation agency.
Owing to his services, the government of Pakistan had awarded him with one of the highest civilian awards in the country, Sitara-e-Shujat (the Star of Bravery). He also received one of the most prestigious civil decorations, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (the Order of Excellence), from the state.
Following the news of Rehman Malik's death, condolences started pouring in from all political circles of the country.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of PPP leader and former interior minister Rehman Malik.
"Commiserating with the bereaved family, they prayed for the departed soul," the Radio Pakistan reported.
PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Malik, saying he was a "hardworking and capable interior minister".
He added that Malik's services to the country were unforgettable and the PPP leadership and workers shared in his family's grief.
In his message, PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed grief over Malik's demise and said the former minister had "always practiced politics of honesty and principles."
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif extended his "condolences and profound sympathies to the bereaved family and the PPP leadership."
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid also expressed sorrow over PPP stalwart Rehman's demise.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary also expressed grief and sorrow over the death of Rehman Malik.