Mian Azhar
Veteran Pakistani politician and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-129 Lahore, Mian Muhammad Azhar, passed away in Lahore on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. A prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for decades, Azhar was the father of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar.
Mian Azhar had been under treatment for a serious ailment in recent months. His demise has prompted a wave of condolences from political leaders and public figures across party lines, who have remembered him for his integrity, political acumen, and significant contributions to national politics.
Azhar held several high-ranking positions during his illustrious political career. He served as the Governor of Punjab during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s first tenure in the early 1990s and was later appointed as the Federal Minister for Commerce.
Following the 1999 military coup, he played a pivotal role in founding the Pakistan Muslim League–Quaid (PML-Q), which later formed the government under President Pervez Musharraf.
Despite a period of political inactivity, Azhar returned to electoral politics in the 2024 general elections. Running as a PTI-backed independent candidate, he contested from NA-129 (Lahore)—a constituency previously held by his son Hammad Azhar—and secured a convincing victory against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Hafiz Nauman. According to unofficial results, he garnered 103,718 votes compared to Nauman’s 71,540.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. She acknowledged Mian Azhar’s contributions to Punjab’s politics and prayed for his eternal peace.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider stated that Mian Azhar’s role as Governor and national politician would always be remembered. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan described him as a leader of great stature whose services would not be forgotten.
PTI leaders, including former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and ex-Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry, also expressed their grief. Ismail lauded Azhar as a distinguished political figure, while Chaudhry lamented that Punjab had lost a scholar and statesman.
The funeral arrangements and details regarding final rites will be announced by the family in due course.
