Former federal minister for finance and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sartaj Aziz has passed away on Tuesday.

Senior leader of the Muslim League (N) and former federal minister, Ahsan Iqbal, confirmed the passing of Sartaj Aziz in a recent social media post.

The official 'X' account of the Muslim League (N) also corroborated the news of Sartaj Aziz's demise. Aziz, a senior figure within the party, had been ailing for an extended period.

A prominent member of the Tehreek-e-Pakistan movement, Aziz held various significant roles, notably in finance and foreign affairs during his tenure.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and… pic.twitter.com/am70fOP5KK
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 2, 2024

Mr. Aziz, born in 1929, carved a distinguished career spanning academia, civil service, and public office. He held senior positions in the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, shaping economic policies that steered Pakistan through crucial eras. His expertise extended beyond national borders, with him serving as Assistant President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization's Commodities and Trade Division.

Mr. Aziz's political journey saw him elected as National Assembly member and appointed as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s. He later served as Finance Minister again under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the 1990s, tackling economic challenges with resolute leadership.

Beyond his official roles, Mr. Aziz remained a respected voice in national discourse, offering keen insights and analysis on economic and political issues. He was a prolific writer and author, sharing his knowledge and perspective through numerous books and articles.

Mr. Aziz's legacy extends beyond mere statistics and policy decisions. He embodied a generation of dedicated public servants who strived for Pakistan's economic and social development. His commitment to public service, intellectual contributions, and unwavering principles earned him respect and admiration across political lines.

CONDOLENCES

President Dr Arif Alvi, PM and Information Minister

President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, in their separate messages, have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of former finance minister.

The President extended condolences to his family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

In his message, the Prime Minister said Sartaj Aziz was an extremely intelligent and seasoned politician. He said the late Sartaj Aziz was an active worker of the Pakistan Movement and a significant asset to the nation. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the services of the late Sartaj Aziz for Pakistan will always be remembered.

In his message, the Information Minister said Sartaj Aziz was a political stalwart and an economist, who played a crucial role in the progress of Pakistan. Murtaza Solangi said Sartaj Aziz's services for the resolution of the country's economic issues are unforgettable.

Caretaker FM

Expressing his condolences, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani mourned Aziz's death, highlighting his selfless service and remarkable contributions to the nation. Jilani lauded Aziz's scholarly prowess and unwavering integrity, affirming that his legacy would endure in the country's memory.