Former Sindh chief minister Aftab Shaban Mirani passes away

Veteran politician and senior Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Aftab Shaban Mirani passed away after a protracted illness at a hospital in Karachi on Saturday.

Mirani's funeral prayers will be offered at Masjid Baitul Islam in Defence Phase 4 at 10pm tonight and he will be buried at Gizri Graveyard, his family said.

Mirani, who was born in Shikarpur, Sindh, served as the chief minister of Sindh and later as federal minister for defence from February 25, 1990, to August 6, 1990. A long-time member of the Pakistan People's Party, he was regarded as one of the close associates of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over Mirani’s demise, paying tribute to his contributions to democracy and public service. “Aftab Shaban Mirani was a senior parliamentarian and a sincere and loyal leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party,” the President said, adding that the deceased rendered valuable services for the federation of Pakistan and the cause of democracy. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul a high place in His mercy and give strength to the bereaved family.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also offered his condolences, describing Mirani as a committed leader who stood by the party through thick and thin. “His political legacy and dedication to the people of Sindh will be remembered with great respect,” the PPP chairman stated.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his condolences on the death of former Sindh chief minister Aftab Shaban Mirani. He prayed for the deceased and said his political and social services will always be remembered. He said Mirani was an experienced political leader and senior parliamentarian of the PPP.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Chief Minister Aftab Shaban Mirani. He said Mirani was an asset of the PPP and a noble and dignified person. He offered his condolences to the family of the deceased and said that may Allah grant him a higher place in Paradise.

Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Works and Services and Prisons, Ali Hassan Zardari, expressed grief over the loss and extended condolences to the bereaved family. “May Allah Almighty forgive the deceased and elevate his ranks. We share the sorrow of the Mirani family equally,” he said.