Former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away at the age of 94, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal confirmed on Tuesday.
"Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance. May Allah Bless his soul and Grant patience to the family Ameen," the ex-federal minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 2, 2024
Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and… pic.twitter.com/am70fOP5KK
Born in February 1929 in Nowshera, Aziz was a veteran politician from Nawaz Sharif-led party. He had served on key goevernmental posts in his long political career, including the minister for finance and economic affairs.
He also remained a senator from 1985 to 1999, and was elected as advisor on national security and foreign affairs in 2013 general elections.
Reacting to the demise of veteran politician, President Arif Alvi expressed deep grief and solidarity with the survivors of the deceased. He also prayed for Aziz's forgiveness and patience of his family.
Aziz's vast political career spanned across academia, civil service, and public office holding.
During his time as part of the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, the politician shaped economic policies for the country
Besides serving as the federal minister, Aziz also fulfilled responsibilities as assistant president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Commodities and Trade Division.
The two-time finance minister was considered a respected figure in the national discourse, bearing keen insights and analysis on economic and political issues.
He shared his knowledge and perspective through numerous books and articles he authored over the years.
