Raja Ashfaq Sarwar laid to rest in Murree

ISLAMABAD: Former senior minister Punjab and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raja Ashfaq Sarwar who passed away Saturday noon after prolonged illness here, was laid to rest in his native village Ghoragali, adjacent to Murree, in the evening of same day.

He was 65 and cousin of former prime minister and senior vice President of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Senator Barrister Ms. Saadia Abbasi. Raja Ashfaq Sarwar was elected member of Punjab Assembly for four consecutive times from Murree constituency and served as minister in the PML-N government three times while served as advisor to then chief minister in his first stint as MPA.

Raja Ashfaq’s father late Raja Ghulam Sarwar was member of West Pakistan Assembly who was elected twice from their native constituency. Raja Ashfaq was a staunch supporter of the PML-N and steadfast in his loyalty with his party through every thick and thin. He served as secretary general of the PML-N Punjab and didn’t falter in the turbulent time of his party despite enormous pressure.

Raja Ashfaq Sarwar developed blood disease and fell unconscious way back in August 2018 and since then he was in stat of coma. His condition aggravated suddenly and passed away on Saturday noon. His son Osama Sarwar told The News from Ghoragali that his Janaza was offered in the evening which was attended by people of the area. He was laid to rest in the village in his native graveyard.

The late PML-N leader had five grown up children and kept working for the PML-N till he was active and healthy. Raja Ashfaq was among the close associates of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and enjoyed the confidence of the whole leadership of the party. He is the second stalwart of the PML-N who expired in less than a week after Saranjam Khan Zamindar, former Secretary General of the PML-N who passed early this week in KP. Raja Ashfaq Sarwar passed away on 33rd death anniversary of his illustrious uncle Khaqan Abbasi who became victim of Ojhari Camps blasts way back on April 10, 1988.