Former Sindh chief minister Sardar Mumtaz Khan Bhutto breathed his last in Karachi on Sunday after a protracted illness. He was 88, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Mumtaz Bhutto’s body is being shifted from Karachi to Larkana for burial.
Mumtaz Bhutto was a cousin and close aide of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
He had parted ways with the PPP to form his own party the Sindh National Front (SNF) in 1989. He has served as both chief minister and governor of Sindh.
He was also the Federal Minister for Railway Communications and Shipping Corporation.
Prior to the 2013 general elections, Bhutto had merged his party with PML-N and contested the elections under the latter's banner. Soon after, however, he developed differences with the PML-N and in 2017, joined the PTI.
Political leaders expressed condolences over the demise of Bhutto. Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened by the news of the death. In a tweet, the PM said,
“My condolences and prayers go to his family.”
Saddened to hear of the passing of Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto. My condolences and prayers go to his family.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 18, 2021
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi expressed grief over the demise and prayed for patience for the family. In his tweet, the president said, "May God grant him a place in paradise.”
صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کا سابق گورنر سندھ ممتاز علی بھٹو کی وفات پر اظہار افسوس
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 18, 2021
صدر مملکت کا ممتاز علی بھٹو کی وفات پر اہل خانہ سے اظہارِ تعزیت
اللہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کو جنت الفردوس میں جگہ عطا فرمائے، صدر مملکت
صدر مملکت کی مرحوم کے اہل خانہ کیلئے صبر جمیل کی بھی دعا
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over the demise of Mumtaz Bhutto saying, “He played an active role in [the] political history of Pakistan". His tweet reads, “Saddened by the news of veteran politician Mumtaz Bhutto's death. He played an active role in the political history of Pakistan. May Allah rest his soul in peace! My heartfelt condolences go to his family!”
Saddened by the news of veteran politician Mumtaz Bhutto's death. He played an active role in political history of Pakistan. May Allah rest his soul in peace! My heartfelt condolences go to his family!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 18, 2021
Fatima Bhutto said in her tweet said, “Very sad to hear about our uncle, Mumtaz Bhutto's, passing. Inna lillahi wa inna illaihi rajioon”
Very sad to hear about our uncle, Mumtaz Bhutto's, passing. Inna lillahi wa inna illaihi rajioon
— fatima bhutto 🇵🇸🇱🇧🇮🇷 (@fbhutto) July 18, 2021