Former Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Agha Siraj Durrani, has passed away. His death has sent a wave of sorrow across political and public circles in the country. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over his passing, paying tribute to his decades-long political service and contributions to democracy.
A Prominent Political Career
Agha Siraj Durrani was a towering figure in Sindh’s politics and a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He remained an active political voice in the province for several decades. From 2013 to 2024, he served as the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and also briefly held the position of Acting Governor of Sindh. Earlier, he served in various provincial ministries, including Local Government, where he played a significant administrative role.
Political Legacy and Family Background
Durrani hailed from a distinguished political family in Garhi Yasin, Shikarpur. His father, Agha Sadruddin, and uncle, Agha Badruddin, both served as Speakers of the Sindh Assembly, making their family unique for holding this position across three generations.
Education and Early Life
He received his early education at St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi and completed his LLB degree from Sindh Muslim Law College. In the 1980s, he spent some time in the United States engaged in business before returning to Pakistan to join politics. In 1988, he was elected to the provincial assembly for the first time on a PPP ticket, marking the beginning of his political journey.
Legal Challenges
Durrani’s political career also included legal controversies, particularly National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references concerning alleged assets beyond means and corruption charges. He faced multiple court appearances during his career, which became a notable chapter of his political life.
Condolences from Political Leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his condolence message, prayed for the departed soul and paid tribute to Durrani’s services as Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, describing him as a key political figure in the province.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed deep sorrow, saying that Agha Siraj Durrani was a composed and principled leader whose contributions to democracy will always be remembered. He added that his passing marks the end of an era and assured his family of the party’s full support.
