Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Mian Muhammad Azhar, a former Punjab governor, on Tuesday passed away in Lahore after a prolonged illness.
Azhar had returned to politics last year after his son, PTI leader Hammad Azhar, was declared ineligible to contest the general elections. Contested the polls as a PTI-backed independent candidate from NA-129, the seat previously held by Hammad, he was subsequently elected to the National Assembly.
The MNA had a storied political history, serving as Punjab governor during Nawaz Sharif’s first term as prime minister in the early 1990s. He later became the federal commerce minister under the PMLN. After the 1999 military coup, he delinked from the PMLN, helping form the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid). He formally joined the PTI in October 2011.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the death of Azhar and prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed soul. He also prayed for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
In a posting on X, former PTI leader and ex-Sindh governor Imran Ismail also condoled the death of Azhar. “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mian Muhammad Azhar… a distinguished political figure,” he wrote. “My heartfelt condolences to my dear friend Hammad Azhar and his family during this difficult time. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Ameen,” he added.
Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, also formerly PTI, similarly expressed his sadness in a posting on X. “His political and national contributions will be remembered for a long time. May Allah grant him a high place in His mercy. Ameen,” he said.
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah described the deceased as a “kind” man and recalled his previous association with Nawaz Sharif. In a statement, he said the government should permit Hammad Azhar to attend his father’s funeral though he remains an absconder in multiple cases.
Mourning the loss of the veteran politician, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz offered her deep condolences to the family. She acknowledged his lifelong political service and prayed for his soul’s peace.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider also paid his respects, saying Azhar’s contributions as Punjab governor would be remembered with honor and gratitude.
Former PTI leader Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Azhar was on the great scholars of Lahore. “The entire Punjab is mourning his demise. May Allah give Hammad Azhar the courage to bear this shock at a time when the problems are already not ending,” he wrote on X.