Senior politician Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa passes away at 91

Veteran politician began his career in 1962 and served in key constitutional and provincial positions for decades.

Lahore: Renowned statesman and seasoned political figure Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa has passed away at the age of 91 following a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era in Punjab’s political landscape.

He had been under medical care at a private hospital in Lahore for several weeks, where he ultimately succumbed to his illness sources confirmed.

Hailing from Dera Ghazi Khan, Khosa embarked on his political journey in 1962 during the regime of Ayub Khan. At a remarkably young age of 26 he secured a seat in the West Pakistan Assembly, laying the foundation of a political career that would span over six decades.

Throughout his extensive public life Khosa remained a dominant force in Punjab politics. He was elected nine times as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) and held several prestigious portfolios including provincial minister, advisor, senator, and ultimately Governor of Punjab.

His tenure as the 31st Governor of Punjab came just before the imposition of martial law in 1999 under Pervez Musharraf. He also played a significant administrative role following the dismantling of the One Unit system, contributing actively to provincial governance.

A major chapter of his political journey remained closely tied to the Pakistan Muslim League-N, where he served as Punjab president during the political exile of Nawaz Sharif.

In a later political shift he joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ahead of the 2018 general elections though his subsequent electoral attempts did not achieve notable success.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed profound grief over his demise paying tribute to his long-standing services and extending heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.