Veteran politician Sartaj Aziz passes away aged 94
LAHORE: Veteran politician, renowned economist, former Finance Minister and PML-N leader Sartaj Aziz passed away on Tuesday. He was 94.
Ahsan Iqbal, former Minister for Planning and Development, confirmed the death of Sartaj Aziz through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance. May Allah Bless his soul and Grant patience to the family Ameen!” Ahsan Iqbal posted on X.
اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and… pic.twitter.com/am70fOP5KK— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 2, 2024
Sartaj Aziz, who got an economics degree from Punjab University and later studied public administration at Harvard Kennedy School, served in the federal government as a civil servant from 1952 to 1971.
Aziz also served in senior positions in the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development from 1971 and 1984.
Later, Sartaj Aziz returned to Pakistan in 1984 and served as Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security until 1988 during the government of Muhammad Khan Junejo.
He was elected to the Senate of Pakistan in 1988 and re-elected in 1993 from PML-N, and served in both Nawaz Sharif governments, first as the Minister of Finance from August 1990 to June 1993 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from August 1998 to October 1999.
Sartaj Aziz also participated in the Pakistan Movement and was decorated with Tamgha-e-Pakistan and Sitara-e-Khidmat awards in 1959 and 1967, respectively.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon and a towering figure! His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace and may he be granted the highest place in jannah. AMEEN pic.twitter.com/SLwrxUYbXp
— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 2, 2024
Condolences
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed his grief over the passing of senior politician Sartaj Aziz, lauding him as a “seasoned politician” and a “great national asset.”
Conveying his condolence to the grieving family, the prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of late Sartaj Aziz’s status in paradise.
He said that besides being a learned and seasoned politician, Sartaj Aziz was also an active member of the Pakistan Movement, solidifying his stature as a valuable national asset. The services of late Sartaj Aziz for Pakistan will always be remembered, the prime minister remarked.
President Dr Arif Alvi condoled over the demise of former Finance Minister and Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. He prayed to the Almighty for peace of the departed soul. The president also conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.
Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said Sartaj Aziz had played a crucial role in the national development.
He expressed his heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the family of Sartaj Aziz. He prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Solangi said Sartaj Aziz was a political figure and economist who played a critical role in addressing the country’s economic challenges.