KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani passed away on Wednesday at the age of 72, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed in an official statement issued by the CM House.
The statement from the Sindh CM’s Office expressed deep sorrow and grief over Durrani’s passing, calling him a “sincere, loyal, and principled leader who dedicated his life to public service and strengthening democracy.”
Chief Minister Shah said Durrani had made public service the “axis of his politics” and had played an instrumental role in strengthening the Sindh Assembly. “The services of the late Agha Siraj Durrani will always be remembered,” he said, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed “deep sorrow” over the passing of Agha Siraj Durrani, paying tribute to his lifelong political and public service. “He played an important role in stabilising democracy and serving the people of Sindh,” the president said in a post shared by the Presidency on the social media platform X.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, praising Durrani for his dedicated service as Sindh Assembly speaker and for his contributions to the political landscape. In a statement carried by APP, the prime minister said Durrani’s commitment to public welfare and democracy would “always be remembered.”
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described Durrani as a “seasoned parliamentarian and devoted public representative.” In a message posted on X, Dar said he was deeply saddened by Durrani’s death and prayed, “May Allah Almighty grant him the highest place in Jannah and give strength to his family and loved ones to bear this huge loss.”
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also expressed sorrow at the passing of Agha Siraj Durrani, calling him an “honourable man who stood by the PPP and its leadership during the toughest of times.” Wahab said Durrani’s loyalty and resilience would serve as a lasting example for future generations of politicians.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq remembered Durrani as a “wise and astute politician,” stating that his contributions to the promotion and strengthening of democracy would be cherished. “The void created by the passing of Agha Siraj Durrani will not be filled for a long time,” he added.
Born in 1953, Agha Siraj Durrani completed his matriculation from St. Patrick’s School, Karachi, in 1971. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Karachi and later obtained his LLB from Sindh Muslim Law College, one of the oldest law institutions in the city.
Durrani came from a politically active family and, along with his elder brother Agha Salahuddin, contested the 1985 party-less elections held under General Ziaul Haq’s regime from Shikarpur, though both were unsuccessful. His early political journey was marked by resilience and a strong affiliation with the PPP.
In 1990, during Nawaz Sharif’s first government, Durrani was arrested on charges of embezzlement in multiple cases and spent a period in jail before being released. Despite political hardships, he continued his association with the PPP and remained a vocal advocate for Sindh’s rights and democratic governance.
Durrani went on to hold several key positions in provincial politics and earned respect across party lines for his firm but fair leadership style. His tenure as Sindh Assembly Speaker spanned two consecutive terms, first from 2013 to 2018 and then from 2018 to 2023. Under his leadership, the assembly saw numerous legislative reforms and procedural improvements aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency.
Colleagues and observers often described Durrani as a steadfast defender of parliamentary integrity. His ability to maintain decorum in the assembly and mediate between opposing political factions earned him recognition even from his critics.
Political analysts note that Agha Siraj Durrani’s passing marks the end of an era in Sindh politics, as he represented one of the few remaining senior politicians from the early PPP generation who had witnessed the party’s evolution from the days of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the modern democratic period.
As tributes continue to pour in, Sindh’s political and civil circles have remembered Durrani not only as a committed public servant but also as a symbol of loyalty and perseverance within the PPP ranks. His political career, spanning over four decades, leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the province’s democratic and social development.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later by the PPP leadership and the Durrani family.
