On Tuesday, the well-known Pakistani political figure, Sartaj Aziz, who served as the former federal minister for finance and was associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has passed away. The news was confirmed by Ahsan Iqbal, another senior leader of PML-N, in a recent social media post.
Sartaj Aziz, a senior member of the party, had been unwell for a long time. The official ‘X’ account of the Muslim League (N) also shared the news of his demise. Aziz played significant roles in finance and foreign affairs during his tenure and was an important part of the Tehreek-e-Pakistan movement.
Born in 1929, Mr. Aziz had a remarkable career in academia, civil service, and public office. He held key positions in the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, contributing to shaping economic policies for Pakistan. His expertise even reached international platforms, where he served as Assistant President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Commodities and Trade Division.
In his political journey, Aziz was elected as a National Assembly member and served as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s. Later, in the 1990s, he took on the role of Finance Minister again under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, addressing economic challenges with strong leadership.
Apart from his official roles, Mr. Aziz was known for his contributions to national discourse, providing valuable insights on economic and political matters. He was a prolific writer, sharing his knowledge through numerous books and articles.
Sartaj Aziz’s legacy goes beyond his official roles; he represented a generation of dedicated public servants striving for Pakistan’s economic and social progress. His commitment to public service, intellectual contributions, and steadfast principles earned him respect across political boundaries.
