Muhammad Hanif Ramay, former chief minister and governor of Punjab, was died after a prolonged illness at a local hospital here on Sunday. He was a close associate of late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and one of the founder members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
After developing differences with PPP leadership, Ramay was arrested and kept in infamous Dalai Camp. After his release he became Chief Organiser of the Pakistan Muslim League, Pir Pagara faction. He formed his own party Mussawat Party, later.
The deceased leader was also remained as speaker of the Punjab Assembly during the PPP tenure. Ramay in his capacity as finance minister also presented Punjab Budget during Chief Ministry of late Malik Meraj Khalid.
He was also associated with journalism and remained as editor of daily Mussawat. Prior to it he had launched a political journal 'Nusrat'.
Hanif Ramay was author of a number of books, particularly 'Punjab Ka Muqaddama''. In this book, Ramay highlighted salient features of the Punjab history and its heroes and vociferously presented the point of view on issues faced by the province in the course of history. The late Chief Minister was also a talented artist.
His funeral prayer would be held at Alhamra Arts Council, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam) at 2:pm. He has left behind a wife, son, daughter and a large number of political activists and well-wishers.