PPP Senator Taj Haider passes away after brief illness in Karachi

• Haider's funeral prayers to be offered on April 9.
• Condolences pour in following demise of PPP senator.
• Bilawal describes Haider as embodiment of grace and civility.

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader and Senator Taj Haider passed away in Karachi on Tuesday following a brief illness, his family confirmed. He was 83.

In a statement, the family said Haider had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.

His funeral prayers will be offered on Wednesday (April 9) after Zuhrain prayers at Masjid-o-Imambargah Yasrab, Phase 4, Defence Society, Karachi.

His wife confirmed the news, stating: “My husband, PPP Central General Secretary Senator Taj Haider, has passed away.”

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi said Haider was a lifelong companion and a committed political worker.

"He was among the founding and ideological members of the PPP. His political services can never be forgotten," he added.

Haider was born on March 8, 1942, in Kota, Rajasthan, into a family known for its academic and intellectual background. He migrated to Pakistan after the partition and pursued his early education at Government Boys High School, Ranchor Lines, Karachi.

Haider initially stepped into the world of fine arts and made significant contributions as a writer for television. He also penned thought-provoking columns for various newspapers and acted in his own drama serial Aabla Pa, where he portrayed the role of Professor Adi Wala.

His political journey began in 1967 when he attended the Socialist Convention. The same year, he formally joined the PPP and became one of its founding members.

In recognition of his contributions to literature and science, Haider was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2012 for his services in the scientific domain. He also received the 13th PTV Award for Best Drama Serial Writer in 2006.

Condolences pour in

Reacting to the news, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the passing of senior PPP leader and said Haider rendered invaluable services for the party and for the cause of democracy in Pakistan.

He said Haider was a key asset to the PPP and one of its most ideologically committed members. “With his passing, the PPP has lost a prominent and seasoned political leader,” he added.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the party's central secretary general.

Paying tribute to the late leader, Bilawal said Haider's political, social, and literary contributions will never be forgotten.

He described Haider as a dignified embodiment of grace and civility, and a man of profound creativity and intellect. “His lifelong struggle and sacrifices for democracy will serve as a guiding light for future generations,” he added.

Bilawal added that Taj Haider was a symbol of wisdom and awareness in Pakistani politics, and his passing has left him deeply saddened and grieved.

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili expressed “profound grief” over the demise, describing the senator as "rare breed in today's hypocritical political landscape".

“He was a true comrade, a dedicated democrat and a committed political worker — a rare breed in today’s hypocritical political landscape. My deepest condolences to all who still believe in honesty and integrity,” he said in a post on X.