PML-N stalwart Senator Irfan Siddiqui passes away

• PML-N stalwart breathes his last at an Islamabad hospital.

• President Zardari pays tribute to Siddiqui’s services to democracy.
• PM says Pakistan has lost a thinker and a principled intellectual.
  

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui passed away in Islamabad on Monday after battling illness for the past two weeks, Brackly News reported.

Siddiqui had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in the federal capital, where his condition deteriorated before his demise.

He served as the PML-N’s parliamentary leader in the Senate and was known as one of the closest aides to party president Nawaz Sharif.

The veteran lawmaker was also a member of committees on Business Advisory, Human Rights, Information and Broadcasting, Interior and Narcotics Control, and National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

He was also a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. The PML-N stalwart was elected to the Senate on a general seat from Punjab.

The PML-N lawmaker was also a columnist for Daily Jang.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Irfan Siddiqui. In his condolence message, the president paid tribute to the late senator’s remarkable services for the promotion and strengthening of democracy in Pakistan. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Senator Siddiqui.

In a statement, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Irfan Siddiqui.”

“Pakistan has lost a sagacious thinker, teacher and principled intellectual,” he said, adding, “Siddiqui always made knowledge, tolerance, seriousness and logic the focus of his writing and personality.”

He was an important member of the PML-N and our close associate, he remarked.

“He was counted among the loyal companions of Mian Nawaz Sharif and the party,” he said, adding, “Siddiqui’s services to the party will always be remembered.”

His academic services and national insight will remain a beacon of light for future generations. He was a kind, gentle and extremely refined person,” the premier noted.

He said Siddiqui gave guidance on every occasion, based on positive thinking and academic integrity.

“His death is a great loss for me, for the academic world and for society. May Allah Almighty grant the deceased a high place in Paradise and give patience to the bereaved family,” the PM added.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the PML-N senior leader. He paid rich tribute to the senator’s outstanding contributions in the fields of journalism and politics, saying Senator Siddiqui upheld high traditions both as a journalist and as a politician.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Senator Siddiqui, saying Pakistani politics has lost a distinguished and dignified politician.