The funeral prayer of former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz, who died on Tuesday, was solemnly held at the H8 Graveyard in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Sartaj Aziz, a luminary who graced our midst, concluded his earthly journey at the venerable age of 95.
In attendance were an array of mourners, comprising family, relatives, and friends, all converging to pay their last respects.
The august gathering included notable figures such as former federal minister Nisar Memon, Ijaz Ul Haq, Sardar Mehtab Khan, Lieutenant General (r) Abdul Qayyum, Zubair Kasuri, Raja Zafarul Haq, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Dr Tariq Fazal and others.
Born in 1929, he imbibed the values of commitment and service during his formative years at Islamia College, Lahore, and Punjab University.
A stalwart in the Pakistan movement, his fervent involvement in the electoral campaign of the All India Muslim League in 1946 foreshadowed a lifetime of dedication to public service.
Post-independence, Mr Aziz entered the civil service in 1950, enriching his intellect with higher education at Harvard University. His distinguished career included serving as the joint secretary of the Planning Commission and contributing his expertise to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Elected as a senator in 1985, Mr Aziz held the position of minister for state during the Zia era and later ascended to the role of finance minister in the 1990s cabinet of then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. His extensive contributions also encompassed roles as adviser for foreign affairs and national security.
