Veteran Politician Dies After a Month-Long Illness
KARACHI — Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Durrani, has passed away after a prolonged illness.
According to family sources, Durrani had been hospitalized for nearly a month following a brain hemorrhage, and despite continuous medical care, he succumbed to his condition on Tuesday. Doctors at the hospital confirmed his death earlier today.
Durrani’s passing marks the end of an era in Sindh’s provincial politics, where he was widely regarded as one of the most influential and steadfast figures of the PPP.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following the announcement of his death.
In a statement, the Presidency of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over Durrani’s demise, praising his decades of contribution to parliamentary democracy and provincial governance.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also extended his condolences, calling Durrani a dedicated, loyal, and principled leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Shah noted that Durrani played a pivotal role in maintaining the dignity of the Sindh Assembly and strengthening democratic institutions in the province.
Other PPP members described him as a unifying force within the party, respected for his integrity, political wisdom, and commitment to public service.
Political Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Agha Siraj Durrani’s political career stretched over three decades, beginning in 1988 when he joined the PPP. He held various key positions throughout his tenure, including three terms as a provincial minister and two terms as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly.
In March 2022, he briefly served as the acting Governor of Sindh, holding the position until October 2022. Known for his loyalty to the Bhutto and Zardari families, Durrani remained a trusted confidant of both Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari.
His colleagues often credited him for promoting legislative order and for his efforts to uphold the Assembly’s authority during times of political tension in the province.
Legacy of Service and Leadership
Durrani’s death has created a significant void in Sindh’s political landscape. Analysts note that his leadership style — marked by firmness, loyalty, and deep party discipline — reflected the values of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s older guard.
As tributes continue to pour in, his passing is being remembered not only as the loss of a veteran politician but also as that of a man who embodied continuity, experience, and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals in Pakistan’s provincial politics.
