Former PML-N spokesman Zaeem Qadri has died, aged 61

LAHORE:

Awaam Pakistan co-founder and spokesperson Zaeem Qadri died early Friday at the age of 61.

Qadri, a former provincial minister and one-time chief spokesman of then Punjab chief minister and now prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, was admitted to a private defense hospital three days ago due to a heart ailment.

He had parted ways with 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 prayer was offered after evening prayers near his residence on Lawrence Road on Friday evening.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the death and expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. “May God grant the departed soul a place in His mercy and grant patience to the bereaved family,” Naqvi said.

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed her 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 political and social services of the deceased would always be remembered.

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

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

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

His last associated party also sent a message in his honor on X.

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