Senator Taj Haider passes away

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Senator Taj Haider, a seasoned politician and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) central general secretary, passed away in Karachi after a brief illness on Tuesday. He was 83. According to the bereaved family, Senator Haider had been under treatment at a local hospital.

Haider was born into an academic family in Kota, Rajasthan, British India, on March 8, 1942. His father Karrar Hussain was a professor of English literature at the Meeruth College. Prof Hussain migrated to Pakistan with his family in 1948.

Haider received his early education at the Government Boys High School, Ranchore Lines, Karachi. He completed his intermediate education at the Khairpur College. He obtained his BSc (Honours) degree from the University of Karachi in 1962, and then his MSc degree in mathematics.

In later life, he got associated with fine arts and the performing arts, and wrote plays for television, while his columns were published in different newspapers. He was one of the founding members of the PPP. He received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for services in 2012.

In 2006 he received the 13th PTV award as the best drama serial writer. He became a member of the Senate of Pakistan for the first time in 1995. He served as a senator twice.

Taj Haider remained associated with various critical infrastructure, defence-related and industrial projects in the country. He also served as the media coordinator for the Sindh government.

According to PPP leader Waqar Mehdi, Haider had been one of the ideologically committed workers of the party who had been associated with it since its foundation. He said the political services of the PPP leader can never be forgotten.

Haider’s funeral prayers will be held on Wednesday (today) at Masjid-o-Imambargah Yasrab, Phase IV, DHA, Karachi, after the Zohrain prayers.

In his condolence message, President Asif Ali Zardari praised Haider’s services for the PPP and democratic dispensation in the country. He said the senior politician was an asset to the PPP as he acknowledged his ideological association with the party. “The PPP has lost a committed and senior political leader.”

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the passing of the senior PPP leader and founding member. He paid tribute to the late Taj Haider’s services for democracy, saying that with the passing of Haider, Pakistan had lost a significant political leader.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Haider’s political, social and literary services can never be forgotten. He said the senator was known for his civilised and polite conduct.

He also said Haider’s struggle and sacrifices for democracy in the country are a shining example for future generations. “The PPP leader was known for his use of intellect and intelligence in politics.”

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah noted that the PPP leader had always strived to serve the masses and uphold democratic order in the country. He praised his scholarly and refined conduct in Pakistani politics. “The PPP has suffered irreparable damage due to his passing.”

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon pointed out that Haider had served the PPP very well in its formative years. He said he had dedicated his entire life to the revival and strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.

He praised the PPP leader’s firm political and ideological commitment with utmost association with his party. He said the senator stood for upholding democratic norms in the country. “The PPP has suffered a massive loss due to his death.”

On the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party announced a three-day mourning on the death of Senator Taj Haider. Therefore, all political activities of the PPP will be suspended for three days.