Former federal interior minister Raja Nader Pervez passed away in Faisalabad, prompting an outpouring of grief from political leaders and social figures across the country.

Major (retd) Raja Nader Pervez served as Pakistan’s interior minister and was also entrusted with the key portfolio of minister for water and power during his political career. He was widely regarded as an experienced parliamentarian with deep roots in national politics.

Five-time MNA

Raja Nader Pervez was elected as a member of the National Assembly five times in total. He won four elections from Faisalabad and once from Rawalpindi, reflecting his strong electoral presence in both constituencies.

Over the course of his career, the late leader remained associated with several major political platforms. He was part of the PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad.

Condolences pour in

Following news of his passing, political and social figures expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss. Many paid tribute to Raja Nader Pervez’s services to the country and his long-standing role in parliamentary politics.

Who was Raja Nadir Pervez?

Major (retd) Raja Nadir Pervez Khan was a politician, former member of parliament, and a retired officer of the Pakistan Army. He served with the Army’s 6 Punjab Regiment before transitioning into politics and later became a federal minister during the second government of Nawaz Sharif.

He was closely connected to Pakistan’s military leadership and was the brother-in-law of former Quetta Corps Commander Tariq Pervez. In a 1999 conversation with Taimur Khan, the late Tikka Khan, who commanded Pakistani forces during the Rann of Kutch clashes in 1965, praised Nadir Pervez as a “brave and courageous soldier.” He recalled that Pervez successfully captured an Indian patrol during a reconnaissance mission amid the fighting.

Raja Nadir Pervez was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his valour in the 1965 war. His distinguished service continued in the 1971 war, where he played a key role in a daring escape from an Indian prison at Fateh Garh along with four fellow officers. This act earned him a second Sitara-e-Jurat and led to his promotion to the rank of Lt Col.