KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly fell into a sombre mood on Wednesday as legislators gathered to honour four prominent political figures who passed away recently including former Speaker Aga Siraj Khan Durrani, former Chief Minister Aftab Shaban Mirani and former MPAs Lal Bakhsh Bhutto and Ali Murad Rajar.
Chaired by Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, the sitting opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran and prayers. Soon after, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah drew the House’s attention to the losses, noting that the Assembly’s long-standing tradition has been to suspend business when a sitting member dies.
The Chief Minister then presented four separate condolence resolutions, each reflecting on the public service and character of the deceased. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle echoed his sentiments, sharing their memories and grief.
Murad Ali Shah recalled Aga Siraj Khan Durrani as a seasoned parliamentarian, elected several times since 1988, known for his warmth and for easing tensions during heated moments. He said Durrani’s presence shaped the atmosphere of the House, and that he personally learned much from him during his early days as a minister.
Speaking about Aftab Shaban Mirani, the Chief Minister described him as a calm yet steadfast figure whose political career began in 1977. Mirani supported Benazir Bhutto during difficult periods and remained active on the national stage for decades. Shah said Mirani’s contributions would remain part of the province’s collective memory.
On Lal Bakhsh Bhutto, he noted the loyalty of a long-standing party worker who continued serving the party until his last day. He described Ali Murad Rajar as a colleague dedicated to raising the concerns of his community.
Members from MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI, and PPP also paid tribute. MQM’s Rashid Khan and Sabir Qaimkhani remembered Durrani as a courteous and considerate individual who treated all sides with fairness. PPP’s Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said Durrani’s empty seat in the chamber was a painful reminder of a friendship stretching back to 1988.
PPP’s Seema Gulzar shared her grief over the passing of her father, Aftab Shaban Mirani, saying he continued helping people until his final days.
The House approved all four condolence resolutions unanimously. The session was then adjourned until Wednesday noon, leaving the chamber subdued and marked by a shared sense of loss.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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