PPP founding leader Taj Haider passes away in Karachi

KARACHI: Veteran politician and founding member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Taj Haider, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

According to family sources, Haider, 83 was under treatment at a hospital in Karachi.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later, the family said.

According to his Wikipedia page, Taj Haider was a left-wing politician, nationalist, playwright, mathematician, versatile scholar, and Marxist intellectual.

He was one of the founding members of Pakistan People’s Party and had been the general-secretary of the PPP since 2010.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over Haider’s demise, paying tribute to his lifelong services for the PPP and democracy.

“Taj Haider was a vital asset to the party and one of our most ideologically committed members,” President Zardari said in a condolence message.

“With his passing, the PPP has lost a seasoned political figure.”

The president also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for patience and strength for them.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief, describing Taj Haider as “a symbol of dignity and intellectual depth.”

He added that Haider’s political, literary and social contributions would never be forgotten.

“He was a creative mind and a beacon of wisdom in Pakistani politics. His sacrifices for democracy will continue to inspire generations,” Bilawal said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid homage to Haider, terming him a principled and refined leader.

His passing is a national loss,” said Naqvi, offering condolences to the family.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said he was deeply saddened by Haider’s death.

“He was a wise and thoughtful political leader who always struggled for democracy and public welfare,” he said.

“His death is an irreparable loss.”

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan also expressed their condolences.

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Aleem Khan said Haider was a seasoned politician with a gentle and democratic spirit.

“His absence will be felt in national politics for a long time,” he added.