PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui Passes Away in Islamabad

Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui passed away in Islamabad on Monday after being ill for the past two weeks, Geo News reported.

Siddiqui had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in the federal capital, but his condition worsened before his death.

He was serving as the PML-N’s parliamentary leader in the Senate and was known as a close aide of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Siddiqui was also part of several Senate committees, including those on Human Rights, Information and Broadcasting, Interior, Health Services, and Foreign Affairs.

Apart from politics, Siddiqui was a respected columnist for Daily Jang and had a long career in journalism and education.

Leaders pay tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the senator’s death, praising his efforts to promote democracy in Pakistan. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered condolences, calling Siddiqui “a wise thinker, teacher, and principled intellectual.” The PM said Pakistan had lost a kind and knowledgeable person who always valued tolerance and logic.

“Shehbaz Sharif said Siddiqui’s services to education, journalism, and politics will always be remembered,” the statement added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed their grief, calling Siddiqui a “distinguished and dignified politician” who upheld high traditions in both journalism and politics.

The prime minister said, “His academic services and national insight will remain a beacon of light for future generations.”