Veteran politician and former Governor of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Azhar, passed away in Lahore on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was 80 years old. His demise marks the end of a long and impactful career in Pakistani politics, prompting condolences from across the political spectrum.
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Mian Azhar, father of senior politician Hammad Azhar, had been under treatment for a serious ailment for several months. Funeral prayers for the seasoned leader were offered today outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, attended by a large number of family members, friends, and prominent political figures.
Throughout his decades-long career, Mian Azhar held several key positions. He served as the Mayor of Lahore from 1987 to 1991 and later as the Governor of Punjab from 1990 to 1993 during Nawaz Sharif’s first tenure as prime minister. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) following the 1999 military coup, serving as its founding president.
In a return to active electoral politics, Mian Azhar successfully contested the National Assembly seat from NA-129 (Lahore) in the general elections held earlier this year, running as an independent candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He secured a significant victory, defeating his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) opponent.
His passing has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes from politicians of various parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other political leaders, expressed sorrow over his demise, acknowledging his contributions to the nation and offering condolences to his bereaved family. Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan described Mian Azhar as “a person of noble character” whose “services will be remembered for a long time.”
