Former PML-N spokesperson Zaeem Qadri dies at 61

LAHORE:

Awaam Pakistan co-founder and spokesperson Zaeem Qadri passed away in the early hours of Friday at the age of 61.

Qadri, former provincial minister and chief spokesperson of then Punjab chief minister and now chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, was admitted to a private Defense hospital three days ago due to a heart condition.

He split from the PML-N in 2018 after developing differences with the party leadership, particularly over what he called dynastic politics. His wife, Uzma Zaeem, continued her association with the party and served as MPA until 2023.

His funeral prayers were offered after evening prayers near his residence on Lawrence Road on Friday evening.

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the death and extended his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. “May God grant the soul of the deceased a place in His mercy and grant patience to the grieving family,” Naqvi said.

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed grief over Qadri’s death and expressed sympathy and condolences to his family.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated, “I was deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of senior politician Zaeem Qadri,” adding that the deceased’s political and social services will always be remembered.

He stated that Qadri played a leading role in public service and promoting democratic values.

“I equally share the pain of the bereaved family and express my deepest condolences. May God grant the soul of the deceased a high place in His mercy and grant patience to the family,” he said.

Other former colleagues of his from the PML-N also paid tribute to him.

His last affiliated party also posted a message in his honor on X.

“My good friend, one of the founders of Awaam Pakistan and our leader from Punjab, a brave political leader and a kind and generous human being, Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri, has passed away. His demise leaves a big void in Pakistan’s democratic politics. May he rest in peace and may his family have the strength to bear his irreparable loss,” party leader Ahsan Iqbal said.