A file photograph of Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Agha Siraj Durrani, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party and former speaker of the Sindh Assembly, has passed away. President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah have expressed their deep sorrow and grief over his death.
Agha Siraj Durrani passed away at the age of 72 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. The senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had suffered a brain hemorrhage a month ago and had been hospitalized since then. His condition worsened again a few days ago and doctors confirmed his death on Wednesday.
Agha Siraj Durrani, considered one of the most important leaders of the PPP, was born on October 5, 1953 in Shikarpur. He received his early education from St Patrick’s High School and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Sindh Muslim Government Law College.
He was twice elected Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and served from 31 May 2013 to 24 May 2024. He also served as Acting Governor of Sindh from March to October 2022.
Durrani had been associated with the Pakistan People’s Party for more than four decades. He was first elected to the Sindh Assembly in 1988, served as provincial minister three times and as speaker twice. He was considered a trusted ally of the late Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Condolences from political leaders
President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement expressing grief over the demise of Agha Siraj Durrani and paying tribute to his political and democratic services.
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. The President paid tribute to his political and public services and highlighted his role in strengthening democracy and service to the people of Sindh.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 15, 2025
Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, paid tribute to late Agha Siraj Durrani for his services as Speaker of Sindh Assembly and said his contributions to politics and public welfare will always be remembered.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the house of the late politician and offered his condolences, praising late Agha Siraj Durrani as a sincere, loyal and principled leader of the PPP.
He noted that Durrani played a vital role in strengthening the Sindh Assembly and consolidating democracy. “His services will always be remembered; he made public service the cornerstone of his politics,” he added.
The Chief Minister prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and expressed his condolences to Durrani’s family.
Sind CM@MuradAliShahPPPHe visited the residence of late Agha Siraj Khan Durrani to offer his condolences to his family.
Accompanied by ministers Zia Lanjar, Saeed Ghani and Ismail Rahu, the CM said Agha Sb was a distinguished politician, a sincere friend and a kind human being. pic.twitter.com/eiyGqeSJ2K
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) October 15, 2025
Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed grief over Durrani’s demise and described Durrani as a worthy, loyal and experienced politician who dedicated his life to serving the people of the province. “Agha Siraj Durrani was not only a devoted PPP worker but also a defender of democratic traditions. He spent his entire life in the struggle for public service, democratic supremacy and people’s rights,” he said.
Sharjeel Memon added that Durrani’s political acumen, administrative ability and parliamentary experience were valuable assets for the party and his demise has created a major vacuum in Sindh politics which will not be filled for a long time.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took to social media platform
Deeply saddened by the demise of former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. A committed democrat and dedicated public servant, he played a vital role in strengthening parliamentary traditions and defending democratic values. My deepest condolences to his family and…
-Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) October 15, 2025
Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul-Hassan Lanjar also expressed his deep regret and said that the services of Agha Siraj Durrani will always be remembered. He said the late leader played a key role in strengthening democracy and promoting public representation, adding: “Politicians of Agha Siraj Durrani’s caliber are rare.”
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. In his message of condolence, he prayed for complete forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for the grieving family.
Wahab said he was deeply saddened to hear the news of Agha Siraj Durrani’s demise and described him as a dignified and principled political figure. He added that Agha Siraj Durrani’s political wisdom and lifelong commitment to public service will always be remembered.
Praying for the soul of the deceased, he asked Allah Almighty to grant him a high rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He further said that he sympathizes with the grieving family at this difficult time.
