KP: care taker CM Azam Khan passes away

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhawa care taker  Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan on Saturday passed away due to cardiac arrest. He was 87 years old.

He was admitted to Rehman Medical Institute Hayatabad (RMI) last night at 10:00pm after his health deteriorated.

According to RMI spokesperson, the condition of Azam Khan, was critical upon admission. He had been suffering from diarrhea for the past four days.

Director of Operations of RMI, Dr. Gulzar said last night comprehensive medical examinations, including a CT Scan was done on the late Chief Minister.

The CT scan results revealed the presence of a hernia, prompting considerations for an imminent surgical intervention. The decision on the surgery was to be taken this morning, he said.

Tragically, at 9 AM today, Azam Khan suffered a cardiac episode, leading to his untimely demise, said Dr. Gulzar.

Azam Khan’s death: Is KP cabinet dissolved?

According to family sources, his Namaz-e-Janaza will be held at 3:30 pm today in his native village at Charsadda.

Muhammad Azam Khan took oath as the caretaker chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 21st January 2023. Azam Khan was nominated for the post unanimously by the government and opposition.

He belonged to Charsadda and had previously served as K-P finance minister from October 24, 2007, to April 1, 2008. He also remained the secretary of the ministry of petroleum and natural resources in Islamabad and the chief secretary in K-P from September 1990 to July 1993.

Who was the caretaker CM of KP?

Muhammad Azam Khan was a former bureaucrat who served in various distinguished positions. He had a long and splendid career as a civil servant in the Government of Pakistan.

Glancing at the late Caretaker CM Azam Khan’s professional career, he had previously served as KP finance minister from October 24, 2007, to April 1, 2008. He also remained the secretary of the ministry of petroleum and natural resources in Islamabad and the chief secretary in KP from September 1990 to July 1993. He had earlier served as minister for interior, capital administration and development in the caretaker cabinet of prime minister Nasir-ul-Mulk in 2018. He also remained the provincial minister for finance, planning and development in the KP caretaker cabinet of CM Shamsul Mulk from October 2007 to April 2008 and served on key positions in the federal and provincial Governments.

Before these distinctive positions, he also remained the Pakistan Tobacco Board chairman.

He belonged to KP’s Charsadda district, and had closed relations with all prominent families socially and politically. He remained connected with the affluent circles of KP management and political class. He was the real brother of former Inspector General Police, ex-caretaker Provincial Minister Mr. Abbas Khan, and a cousin of Chairman Quomi Watan Party Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao.

Condolences

President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased chief minister. He said that he found Khan a decent person during their meetings.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed deep sorrow over KP CM’s death, praying for the deceased and his family.

“He was an honest and a good person,” said the PM.

Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family members of the late Azam Khan. 

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed condolences over Khan’s death, saying that he had performed the most important administrative duties in a proper way. 

“Azam Khan’s service towards the people will always be remembered,” added Bilawal. 

Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar also poured in condolences and prayed for the deceased.