Tributes pour in after senior politician Sartaj Aziz’s death

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Senior politician, diplomat, and former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away at the age of 94 in Islamabad on Tuesday night.

Born in February 1929 in Nowshera, Aziz was a veteran politician from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He served in key governmental posts in his long political career, including as the minister for finance and economic affairs. He also remained a senator from 1985 to 1999 and was elected as an advisor on national security and foreign affairs in the 2013 general elections.

Aziz’s vast political career spanned academia, civil service, and public office holding.

Besides serving as the federal minister, Aziz also fulfilled responsibilities as assistant president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Commodities and Trade Division.

The two-time finance minister was considered a respected figure in the national discourse, bearing keen insights and analysis on economic and political issues.

PML-N announced the death of the senior politician on X (formerly Twitter). “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon, and a towering figure! His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten.”

Other politicians and his colleagues started posting pictures of him and recalled the time, they served with him. Ahsan Iqbal said he had the “honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance”.

Shehbaz Sharif termed it as “not just a personal loss but a loss for the nation.”

Miftah Ismail said, “Sartaj Aziz’s passing is surely the end of an era.”

Engineer Khurram Dastgir called it a profound loss to the nation.

Reacting to the demise of a veteran politician, President Arif Alvi expressed deep grief and solidarity with the survivors of the deceased. He also prayed for Aziz’s forgiveness and patience for his family.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also expressed sorrow and said that his contributions to the country will always be remembered.

Career diplomat Maleeha Lodhi paid tribute to him by saying, “Pakistan will be poorer without him.”

Fellow Academic Adil Najam lauded him by saying, “Thank you, Sartaj sb, for a life well lived; a life of unwavering commitment to Pakistan.”

Senior journalist, Nasim Zehra showed her respect towards Sartaj by praising him for his “commitment to the very best for Pakistan as Foreign and Finance Minister.”

Fellow diplomat, Kristof Duwaerts tweeted, “I had the pleasure of interacting with H.E. late Sartaj Aziz on a number of occasions during my time in Pakistan.”

Indian journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, praised him for being a gentleman and a great diplomat.

Social worker and activist Khaleel Tetaly lauded Sartaj Aziz as a key advocate for community-led development in Pakistan.

Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad extended condolences on the passing of Sartaj Aziz for serving Pakistan with his exceptional talent in various capacities for over seven decades.

Beaconhouse National University paid tribute to their esteemed founding Vice Chancellor and cherished mentor.

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