Ayatullah Durrani, a central leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from Balochistan and former federal minister, passed away at a private hospital in Quetta on Sunday.

He has been ill for a long time and under treatment at a private hospital in Quetta. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Pring Abad in the Mastung District in Balochistan.

As condolences started pouring in on Sunday evening, PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sorrow and grief at the death of Durrani and offered his heartfelt condolences to Durrani’s family.

Born in Pring Abad, Durrani belonged to Popalzai Pashtun sub-cast of Durrani tribe. He had a PhD degree in physics and served in various positions such as president of the People’s Students Federation, Kalat Division (1974–1976), president of People’s Students Federation Balochistan (1977–1984), honorary lecturer at (physics department) University of Balochistan (1981–1988), honorary principal and scientific adviser at the University of Balochistan (1981–1988), officer in-charge of the Pakistan Scientific & Technology Information Centre (PASTIC), president of People’s Youth Organisation Balochistan (1985–1989), Adviser to Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on Balochistan Affairs (1989–1990), general secretary of the People’s Democratic Alliance, Balochistan (1992–1993), member of the Council of Islamic Ideology (1993–1996), chairman of Bait-ul-Maal Balochistan (1993–1996), joint secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (1993–1996) and president of the Baseball Association, Balochistan (1999–2002).