Former federal minister for finance and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sartaj Aziz breathed his last on Tuesday.
Born in 1929, Sartaj Aziz held senior positions in the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, shaping economic policies that steered Pakistan through crucial eras.
Born on February 7, 1929, in Nowshehra, Aziz has been part of the Pakistan Movement. He joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in 1950. He received his master’s degree in economics from the Harvard University.
Aziz also served as joint secretary of the Planning Commission. He remained a member of the Senate of Pakistan from 1985 to 1999.
He worked as finance minister and state minister for agriculture. He was picked as advisor to the prime minister on national security and foreign affairs after Nawaz Sharif won the 2013 general elections and became the prime minister of Pakistan for the third time.
PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said Aziz was a veteran of the Pakistan movement and a “great asset” to the nation. “He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered,” Iqbal added.
President Dr Arif Alvi expressed his grief over the death and extended his condolences to Aziz’s family.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar lauded the deceased as an “experienced politician” and a “great asset” to the nation.
Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said he was “deeply grieved” to learn about the death and praised the deceased as a “thorough gentleman”.
“He was an iconic figure who served Pakistan selflessly and with exemplary dedication. He will always be remembered for his intellectual prowess, integrity and kindness,” the foreign minister said.
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi also paid tribute to Aziz and extended his condolences to the family. “He was a leader who played an important role in the development of Pakistan. Sartaj Aziz’s services for solving the country’s economic problems are unforgettable,” Solangi said.
Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said his contributions to Pakistan were “immeasurable” and his commitment to the PMLN was “exemplary”.
Former ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said he “served the country with distinction in many roles”.
